There’s a myth we all buy into—especially in tech. That once you become a CEO, you gain control. Influence. Clarity. Maybe even a little luxury.
But talk to any founder at an early- or mid-stage startup and you’ll hear a very different story. In this episode, we break that story wide open.
This isn’t about glamorizing the grind. It’s about being honest about what the role really involves. Because being a CEO is less about calling the shots and more about constantly reacting to chaos. You're the salesperson, the firefighter, the decision-maker—and sometimes, the emotional shock absorber for the whole company.
We dig into:
Why CEOs often feel like they have less control as the company grows, not more.
What no one tells you about fundraising, internal storytelling, and always needing to “sell the dream”.
The mental gymnastics it takes to be the calm face in front of a team, even when everything feels like it’s breaking.
How decision fatigue, imposter syndrome, and constant tradeoffs wear down even the best leaders.
Why most startup founders are figuring it out in real time—with no playbook and no safety net.
Main takeaways:
The job of a CEO is absorbing uncertainty—and shielding the team from it.
Founders don’t have all the answers. They’re making bets and hoping they’re right.
Selling isn’t just external. CEOs are constantly selling—to investors, recruits, customers, and their own team.
Burnout, isolation, and doubt are more common in the CEO role than most people realize.
If you work for a founder, understanding their reality helps you do a better job too (and maybe helps you with a promotion down the line as well).
🎧 Listen here:
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