If they are needed to continue leading, they should consider cutting their own salary until the problems are fixed. Let them take their entire compensation in just their equity for a time.
However we all know this won’t be the norm, and that’s OK. Not great, just OK.
This let us get through a short rough patch without layoffs.
I once heard wise words from some CEO. In harsh times, clients do not want cheaper and worse services from us. They want less services. So we are moving out headcount down, while keeping pay and even execute raises for those who stay.
From where I am standing, leeches that are only there for fat bonuses left. Where's the loss?
And the measure you described also doesn't follow. Bad times always end and then you have a worse product. Will the execs pick up the new tech work?
That's one story surrounded by a hell of a lot of shitheel stories.