The reminder that founders must evolve faster than the company is spot on, and the Brave Warrior → Wise Monarch → Considered Architect model captures the real, uncomfortable work of scaling leadership
This is really spot on great read I'm pinning this infographic to a wall somewhere. I'd recommend to any founder to have a coach, have someone to hold you accountable outside of the business, and to help you think "on" the business not "in" it and help signal when to change gears. As a CTO it helped me signal when to step away from the keyboard, because leaders doing work in the trenches can create more problems later down the line than you think.
I’m especially interested in the transition between Stage 1 and Stage 2. I’ve worked at companies right at that cusp, and I keep noticing the same patterns emerge.
The transition is often night and day. It marks a recognition that decision-making, ownership, and delivery constraints need to be systematized enough to support scale without heroics.
Framing your question, “What does the business need from me now, not what I’m good at?” as a diagnostic feels like a useful way to make that transition more concrete.
The reminder that founders must evolve faster than the company is spot on, and the Brave Warrior → Wise Monarch → Considered Architect model captures the real, uncomfortable work of scaling leadership
You transform every 18 mths. The company transforms every 18 mths 🤓 spot on
This is really spot on great read I'm pinning this infographic to a wall somewhere. I'd recommend to any founder to have a coach, have someone to hold you accountable outside of the business, and to help you think "on" the business not "in" it and help signal when to change gears. As a CTO it helped me signal when to step away from the keyboard, because leaders doing work in the trenches can create more problems later down the line than you think.
Yep. Surround yourself with great people is a success hack for certain 🤓
"What does the business need from me now — not what I’m good at?"
Spot on Chris, great article 🙏🏻
Thanks Yvette..So glad you liked it 🤓
I’m especially interested in the transition between Stage 1 and Stage 2. I’ve worked at companies right at that cusp, and I keep noticing the same patterns emerge.
The transition is often night and day. It marks a recognition that decision-making, ownership, and delivery constraints need to be systematized enough to support scale without heroics.
Framing your question, “What does the business need from me now, not what I’m good at?” as a diagnostic feels like a useful way to make that transition more concrete.
It's super powerful as you say. I hope the content helps. We're publishing 3x per week for Founders and Operators and the team love great feedback 🤓👏
Spot on, confirms my experience having worked in corporate world, at
indie’s and now supporting Startup Founders. Great analogy
People find the framing super helpful when it's all laid out! Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🤓
An important concept for founders to grasp. Here's a personal story of the same.
https://clgguy.substack.com/p/founder-to-ceo?r=wjpis
Thanks for sharing. I'll check it out
The identity change is the real obstacle between the start-up phase and the scale-up phase.
Investors buy transferable value and your absence.
Replacing myself is enshrined in every I do ! Thanks for sharing your wisdom