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Don't forget that Alexis is both above AND below Pao in the org chart. He's an employee, but also is the Chairman of the Board.

EDIT: Sources that Alexis reported to Ellen Pao:

From Alexis: https://www.reddit.com/r/TheoryOfReddit/comments/3d2hv3/kn0t...

From u/kickme444 (previous employee; fired last month): https://www.reddit.com/r/TheoryOfReddit/comments/3d2hv3/kn0t...

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The Board is the CEO's boss, and he is the leader of the board, I think it's pretty straight forward. I guess I'm not sure of what you mean by he is also 'below' her on the org chart? Regardless of whatever responsibilities he held at Reddit that might be below the CEO that never changes the fact that he is Executive Chairman of the Board, which should completely clear up any ambiguity of authority.

EDIT: Thanks for clearing up this those comment links. But, my original sentiment still stands in terms of the power dynamic being clear. Just because in some capacities he is under her doesn't diminish his ability to influence her firing/hiring. If anything being in that position could prompt him to take action as a board member because he didn't like decisions she made in his role working under her. And I think Alexis mentioning that is him trying to divert attention away from the real power he actually has.

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