CEOs Clash Over Phones in Meetings

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna and JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon have differing views on whether employees should be allowed to check their phones or laptops during meetings. The disagreement highlights a broader workplace question in an increasingly connected office.

Krishna, speaking to CNN in October 2025, made a distinction between small meetings and large gatherings. For smaller groups, he expects active participation and attention, but for massive corporate presentations, he sees it as more of a one-way communication exercise, where employees may be listening while handling other work.

Dimon, on the other hand, has taken a harder line, arguing that visible distraction undermines the meeting itself. He believes that checking emails or notifications during meetings is 'disrespectful' and wastes everyone's time.

The disagreement between these two CEOs raises questions about whether technology can be used to stay productive in meetings. While Dimon appears unwilling to make exceptions, Krishna seems willing to consider different approaches depending on the purpose of the meeting.