Ethan Evans, a retired Vice President of Amazon, recently shared insightful observations about the world of executive wealth and its profound impact on everyday life and work priorities. During his tenure at Amazon, Evans experienced an extraordinary 9,082% increase in wealth, a stark contrast to the financial realities of the average worker. He openly acknowledges that this level of privilege has left him “out of touch” with the common struggles faced by most people, a reality he believes many executives share.
Evans highlights the disparities by citing personal examples, such as the ease of managing mortgages and outsourcing tasks like housekeeping and lawn maintenance—luxuries that are often unattainable for the average employee. Retiring at 50, Evans now enjoys a lifestyle that includes several indulgences, a far cry from the financial constraints faced by many.
He notes that the experience of those in even more powerful roles—such as SVPs and CEOs—is further removed from the norm. With access to vacation homes, private jets, personal assistants, and drivers, top executives can prioritize work without the everyday stresses that most employees face.
This wealth and lifestyle, Evans explains, create a significant disconnect from the realities of most employees, influencing managerial decisions such as the push for returning to office work. For executives, the transition back to the office is often seamless, as their lifestyle alleviates burdens like commuting or balancing household responsibilities. Evans points out, “If work is the primary focus of your life, returning to the office may seem like a natural priority.”
Support systems enjoyed by executives—such as drivers, personal assistants who handle errands, and private schooling for their children—allow them to dedicate more time to work without the interruptions of daily tasks. As a result, the return to the office may appear far more appealing to executives than to employees without such resources.
Evans emphasizes that his intention is not to criticize executive wealth but to recognize the existence of this “other reality.” He suggests using stories, videos, and data to bridge this gap, helping executives understand the broader impact of their decisions on employees with different circumstances. “Executives often live in a different world,” he notes.
In a recent tweet, Evans shared his perspective:
“As a VP at Amazon, where I experienced a 9,082% increase in wealth during my time, I’m aware of how disconnected I am from common life struggles. SVPs and CEOs above me are often even more so. Talking about wealth and its impacts is taboo, a topic most executives avoid. I’m here to change that.”
Evans’s insights stem from his own experience, and while he acknowledges the benefits he gained from his position, he urges greater recognition of this “disconnection.” He advocates for empathy and a deeper understanding of how executive decisions affect the broader workforce, particularly in areas like workplace dynamics and policies.
Ultimately, Evans’s reflections provide valuable perspective for the business community, offering a lens through which to understand the challenges of reconciling executive viewpoints with the realities of employees. His hope is to foster a more inclusive and empathetic workplace culture, bridging the gap between leadership and the workforce.
