I am a data scientist at a large corporation. As of last year, I report directly into the C-suite. To say that I am horrified by the complete shitshow that is executive leadership is an understatement.
Our Chief Data Officer literally doesn't know ANYTHING about the fundamentals of data science, data architecture, data engineering, etc. He got the role because he's really good at using corporate buzzwords like “synergistic insights” and “leveraging cross-functional collaboration.” It's widely known that he's grossly unqualified for his role, yet his base pay is more than the combined pay of everyone on my team.
Another chief I work regularly with, has on more than one occasion literally said she thinks laws are annoying and that the company should just do whatever will make them the most money even if it risks legal trouble. You know, because who needs those pesky laws that are meant to protect consumers and workers /s
I used to foolishly buy into the line of thinking that your title and pay are commensurate with your skills, knowledge, and output. But seeing the inner workers of a C-suite make me honestly just so disillusioned and bitter.