JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon: “Fire the assholes” to fix workplace culture

CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has a straightforward solution for improving workplace culture: “Fire the assholes.” 

Speaking at the Databricks Data & AI Summit in San Francisco on June 11, Dimon told the audience that rooting out toxic individuals—whether employees or customers—is essential for any company aiming to thrive in today’s challenging business environment.

“It only takes a few of ’em to destroy a meeting,” Dimon said, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. He emphasized that a company’s leadership must maintain a “constant and honest assessment of everything,” from its customer base to its regulatory environment, but always with “heart and humanity” at the core.

Customers can be fired too

Dimon’s philosophy extends beyond internal staff. He recounted that sometimes, the people who undermine workplace culture are not just employees, but also customers. 

“I hate to say this, but sometimes those assholes include customers. I have fired customers because they are so rude to our people,” he said. 

Dimon explained that tolerating abusive behavior from customers sends the wrong message to employees: “If I allow that to happen, just think of what you’d think. Just take your energy and put it to someone who actually wants your benefits.”

Building a culture of respect and openness

Dimon asserts that cultivating a healthy and inclusive work environment commences at the highest level. Leaders must be disciplined but also strive to “get the best of people,” creating a space where employees feel trusted and respected so they can contribute fully. 

“You have to go out of your way to get the best of people, and it’s amazing, if you do, what that does—for a country, a university, a company—if you create that environment,” he said.

Leadership means setting the standard

Dimon concluded that winning in business requires total commitment and the courage to make tough decisions. “If you want to be a winner in this world, you’ve got to give it your all. And if you can’t, there’s nothing wrong with you, but you shouldn’t be the boss anymore,” he said.

Dimon also reiterated his skepticism toward remote work, arguing that it’s harder to manage people and have “real honest conversations” when not face-to-face. 

“When you’re with me, you get a hundred percent of my attention, a hundred percent of the time,” he noted.