The point you make about an identity crisis extends, IMHO, to most C-suite execs except the CEO. Because they all must measure up to both internal (company) and

The point you make about an identity crisis extends, IMHO, to most C-suite execs except the CEO. Because they all must measure up to both internal (company) and external (what thw world thinks a "typical", say, CMO, does). I've seen this often lead to insecurity and therefore, the desire to be "superman", as you rightly pointed out. The CEO is relatively insulated because there are less people to question or challenge him/her. Plus, because the functional responsibilities are divided between his C-suite reportees (CTO, COO, CSO, CMO etc.), the CEO usually can deflect blame for missteps while claiming credit for successes.