It seems that gone are the days of quiet, unassuming tech CEOs. Now, these executives are getting ripped, cracking edgy jokes, and challenging each other to physical contests like cage matches and bench-pressing competitions. Elon Musk, always one to make headlines, recently declared his willingness to engage in a cage match with his long-time rival Mark Zuckerberg.
The Meta CEO wasted no time in accepting the challenge, demanding Musk to “Send me the location” for the fight. While it remains uncertain whether this showdown will ever take place, the mere idea has generated a lot of excitement. People are already calculating the odds, and even UFC president Dana White is thrilled, hailing it as the “biggest fight ever in the history of the world.”But Musk and Zuckerberg are not alone in their competitive spirit.
AirBnB CEO Brian Chesky has thrown his hat into the ring as well, stating that he would challenge any tech leader to a bench-press contest. Chesky has been eagerly awaiting these physical battles in the tech world. The posturing between Musk and Zuckerberg may seem more fitting for fraternity brothers than middle-aged men running major tech companies.
Nevertheless, this broey behaviour in Silicon Valley is not entirely new. The term “tech bro” has been around for some time, though its meaning has evolved. These days, tech bros are no longer unfashionable buffoons but are instead characterized as athletic, self-confident, and party-loving individuals. The transformation of tech bro culture is evident in the likes of Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos.
The traditional image of tech icons like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, who were dorky and cautious, has given way to a new breed. Bezos, for example, has undergone a major “glow-up” from a scrawny founder to a buff billionaire.
Zuckerberg, on the other hand, is winning jiu-jitsu medals, training with UFC fighters, and flaunting his physique in mirror selfies. Yet, this kind of behaviour doesn't come without consequences. Musk has faced lawsuits stemming from his actions. In the past, his tweets have indirectly contributed to the harassment of female Tesla employees, leading to legal troubles. Despite the potential downsides, it seems that the era of the tech bro is upon us, whether we like it or not. So hold on tight to your creatine shakes because it's going to be a wild and testosterone-fuelled ride.
Source: BusinessInsider