Mohamed El-Erian, CEO of PIMCO, an American global investment management firm in beautiful Newport Beach, California, was racking in nearly $100 million a year. Until he received a letter from his ten year old daughter that led his to a surprising decision.
He recalls he was trying to get his daughter to brush her teeth when she gave him a list of 22 important events and activities that he had missed, such as her first day of school and birthdays. Of course, he had very good reasons for missing these events, his work requires a lot of his time and travel, but he made a sudden realization.
“My work-life balance had gotten out of whack, “ he states. “And the imbalance was hurting my very special relationship with my daughter. I was not making nearly enough time for her.”
El-Erian decided to leave his high position as CEO for something simpler and flexible so he can spend enough time with his daughter.
He was once the CEO of a the largest investment firms in the world, but decided to switch roles for something more powerful; being a good father. And it may just be his best trade ever.
