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Goldman’s top four officers could not sell more than 10…

“Goldman’s top four officers could not sell more than 10 percent of their Goldman shares until 2011, or until Buffett sold his own, even if they left the firm. He had explained his rationale for this condition to Blankfein by saying, “If I’m buying the horse, I’m buying the jockey, too.” quote by Andrew Ross Sorkin
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““Goldman’s top four officers could not sell more than 10 percent of their Goldman shares until 2011, or until Buffett sold his own, even if they left the firm. He had explained his rationale for this condition to Blankfein by saying, “If I’m buying the horse, I’m buying the jockey, too.””

Andrew Ross Sorkin

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Executives were restricted from selling shares until Buffett also sold, tying their interests to his actions.

In simple terms: Executives could only sell shares when Buffett did.

Key Takeaway

Align incentives with leadership.

Themes

leadership ethics incentives

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

business financial

When to use this quote

  • investment decisions
  • corporate governance
  • stock sales
  • risk management

Key Concepts

shareholder alignment conflict of interest

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does tying sales to a leader’s actions affect morale?
  • Is this practice fair to all shareholders?
A Different Perspective

May limit flexibility for executives in volatile markets.

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