There’s something inherently powerful about the number three. In geometry, the triangle is often regarded as the strongest shape; each side supports the others, creating a structure that’s stable and resilient. In storytelling, we have the “rule of three“ where trilogies, three-part lists, or sets of three ideas provide clarity and satisfaction to the audience. There’s a reason we remember “mind, body and soul,“ or “blood, sweat and tears”. There’s a special synergy that happens in threes.
This principle also extends to leadership
When we made the deliberate decision to build our company with a co-CEO model, we chose to appoint three leaders - John Williams CTO, Bart Cloyd CFO, and Jeremy Strakey CCO - to share the responsibility of guiding this organization forward. On the surface, having three co-CEOs may seem as though it could lead to complexity or indecision. Yet in practice, it has introduced an extraordinary balance and fortitude to our leadership—just like three sides of a triangle.
Diverse perspectives for enhanced decision-making
A key advantage of having three co-CEOs is the diversity of perspectives we bring. Each of us contributes unique skills, experiences, and insights. We are different enough to challenge each other, and yet aligned enough on our vision and values to drive the company forward cohesively. When two of us might be at an impasse, the third brings a fresh perspective that often uncovers new possibilities or facilitates a compromise. This dynamic ensures that our decision-making process isn’t dominated by a single perspective or hindered by a deadlock—there is always an additional voice to consider, refine, and elevate our thought processes.
Shared responsibility, collective accountability
Leading a company of this scale is inherently complex, and the weight of responsibility can be considerable. With three co-CEOs, we distribute this weight, ensuring no one individual carries the full burden. We share the demands of managing high-stakes situations, nurturing stakeholders’ relationships, or steering the company’s growth strategy. The distribution not only prevents burnout, but also enables us to maintain a high degree of attention to multiple priorities without compromising on quality or focus. The result is an adaptable and agile, leadership structure capable of steering the company effectively through both opportunities and challenges.
Triangular trust and support
Our three-part leadership also fosters a built-in system of mutual support. There is a profound reassurance in knowing you always have two other partners by your side. Whether we’re facing difficult decisions, navigating unforeseen obstacles, or simply brainstorming on strategic initiatives, we approach every situation with the confidence that we have two other partners equally committed to the company’s success. When one of us needs to take a step back, the other two can step forward. This setup not only benefits us as leaders but also brings stability to our entire organization—our employees know that their leadership is unified, consistent, and always prepared.
Creating space for innovation
With three different minds leading the company, we naturally foster a culture of creativity and innovation. Each of us identifies opportunities from a different angles which encourages a wider array of ideas or paths that might have otherwise been overlooked. This dynamic leadership model allows us to be more flexible, to experiment, and to adapt quickly—all while remaining flexible in an ever-changing business world.
Stronger together
Our experience with the co-CEO model has shown us that three heads can truly be better than one. Much like the triangle—where each side strengthens the others—the three of us reinforce each other’s abilities, support each other through challenges, and push each other to be better. It’s not always easy, and it requires a deep level of trust, open communication, and a commitment to shared success. But the strength, balance, and resilience we’ve built together have not only made us better leaders but also made our company stronger.
The power of three
The power of three extends beyond just numbers. It reflects a leadership structure where each element is indispensable, where differences lead to better decisions, and where collaboration leads to collective growth. For us, being co-CEOs isn’t about sharing titles—it’s about sharing a unified vision, shouldering responsibility together, and embarking on the journey to build a stronger, more innovative company.
We invite you to reflect on the idea of shared leadership. Have you experienced or considered working within a structure where leadership is distributed? We would love to hear your thoughts on how this approach could influence decision-making and drive success in your own organization.