I’d love to hear the community’s thoughts on CXO programs—those leadership roles within PE-backed companies that many aspiring searchers take on. On the one hand, it appears to offer a great opportunity to gain high-level experience in a relatively de-risked environment. But on the other hand, I wonder if it might limit potential upside.

Could it be that those who choose this path are uncertain about going all-in on a traditional search, and in doing so, potentially short-change themselves? Is it a stepping stone to bigger things or a safer option that keeps people from fully realizing the potential benefits of running their own search?

I’m curious to know if anyone has experience with or considered the CXO route. How did it work out for you, and how do you feel about it in hindsight? Do you view it as a smart strategy for gaining experience, or is it a way to avoid fully committing to the risks and rewards of a search fund?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences!