The CEO Mirage

Leading a business—or just managing the illusion of success?

In The CEO Mirage, John B. Gearing pulls back the curtain on modern business leadership, revealing the dangerous myths, blind spots, and ego traps that take down even the smartest CEOs and founders. Drawing on twenty-five years of hard-won experience across startups, private equity, and international brand management, Gearing delivers a brutal but necessary reality check for anyone in the top seat.

From the cult of the charismatic founder to the seductive lies of optimistic business plans, this insightful guide lays out the leadership illusions that derail companies—and the operational truths that save them. No jargon. No theory. Just real-world case studies, sharp insights, and battle-tested tools designed to help CEOs lead with clarity, discipline, and courage.

Whether they’re scaling fast, preparing for an exit, or just trying to survive the next board meeting, The CEO Mirage will challenge how CEOs and founders think about leadership—and show them how to build a company that doesn’t collapse when reality hits.

See through the mirage. Lead what’s real.

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