Apologies if someone has already noted this, but the interaction you describe sounds very much like what learning psychologists — and in particular leading psychologist Carol Dweck — would call fixed mindset (the CEO) versus growth mindset (accepting that failure is part of learning, and knowing when to ask for help).

https://hbr.org/2016/01/what-having-a-growth-mindset-actually-means

“To briefly sum up the findings: Individuals who believe their talents can be developed (through hard work, good strategies, and input from others) have a growth mindset. They tend to achieve more than those with a more fixed mindset (those who believe their talents are innate gifts). This is because they worry less about looking smart and they put more energy into learning.”