Dropbox's co-CEOs have a keyword they use to resolve disagreements at work
Dropbox co-CEOs Drew Houston and Ashraf Alkarmi utilize a specific keyword to resolve workplace disagreements and maintain a productive partnership. Alkarmi emphasizes that trust, radical candor, and data-driven decision-making are essential for effective leadership.
Why it matters
It offers insight into executive management strategies and the importance of healthy conflict resolution in corporate leadership.
Ashraf Alkarmi is the co-CEO of Dropbox. Dropbox Dropbox's co-CEO Ashraf Alkarmi said a foundation of trust and respect between colleagues is critical. Alkarmi, who leads alongside founder Drew Houston, said the two have a keyword to end debates. He said once the discussion is over, it's important to fully commit to the plan. Disagreeing with coworkers is rarely easy — and it's even trickier when that coworker is your co-CEO. Dropbox co-CEO Ashraf Alkarmi told Business Insider that disagreeing with coworkers is simply part of any job. Alkarmi, who previously held leadership roles at Vimeo and Meta , joined Dropbox as senior vice president and general manager of its core products in 2024. He became co-CEO in May, alongside Dropbox founder Drew Houston, and will eventually become the company's sole CEO.
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