Tips for Conducting Effective CEO Interviews in Internal Investigations
How do you interview a CEO for an internal investigation? Efficiently and professionally.
I’ve had several opportunities to interview CEOs and founders in internal investigations and have learned a few things.
1. Get to the Point.
Normally interviews start with pleasantries and rapport building. In the case of CEOs, time is of the essence. I have learned that you will gain the most trust with them by getting to the meat and potatoes. Save the throat clearing and small talk for other interviews.
2. Let Them Know Where We Are Going.
Any good lawyer knows that executives loathe lawyer memos and long emails laying out every conceivable risk and options (without sharing an actual opinion). Executives just want the executive summary--preferably in bullet points. In the same way, be up front with CEOs about the process, their role, and how long the interview is going to take. If you are up front and they are aware of when this train gets to the station, they are more likely to be present in the process.
3. Give Them Control Upfront.
CEOs love control. They are used to control. They do not like interviews with lawyers and they definitely do not like interviews with lawyers where they have no control. So, give them control. Open the floor first for them to share whatever they want to share about the situation. By giving them control, you will likely learn a lot about their temperament, the issue, and what is foremost on their mind. You can then take the conversation from that point onward to areas you would like to discuss.
4. Be Direct and Concrete.
If there are allegations and statements that have been attributed to the CEO or close confidents, ask about them directly and verbatim. This is not the time to generalize or be sloppy. Give them specific and detailed examples and allow the CEO to respond. Listen carefully and respond accordingly.
The more you are a professional and treat the time with CEO seriously and substantively, the more you will respect their time and the more they will be willing to participate more fully in the interview.
Before joining C+H, San Diego Partner Juan Castañeda spent years in Big Law and with the Department of Justice as a federal prosecutor. For more information on his background and experience, please visit https://ch-llp.com/about-juan-castaneda.