Great post. The author is polite enough to avoid drawing attention to a mistake of the CEO, but I thought it was worth mentioning. (Assuming the boss already knew the lessons learned.)

Believe the CEO would likely have received a much better response had phrased the same idea as:

- Great job!

- Business is changing, we need to take it to next level.

- Let's improve our Plans, Vision, Strategy

- I've got a coach on retainer to help get us there.

Then Plan B, where early employee can't make the transition and is replaced, can be left unsaid. If it happens the employee will be a lot less surprised, and have a greater chance for retention.