MASTERING FOUNDER MODE

Ever wonder what sets damn good, if not great, founders apart from ones who struggle? It isn’t just about leading — it’s about engaging with a purposeful framework that enables us to handle challenges with clarity and confidence. That framework, of course, is Founder Mode — the intense, instinctual mindset founders use to stay deeply connected to their companies.

Founder Mode helps you balance the big picture with the critical details, prioritize what truly matters, and make quick, thoughtful decisions that align with your vision.

At its core, Founder Mode requires us to remain steadfast in our vision while steering the business through inevitable ups and downs. It allows us to protect our culture, pivot when necessary, and remain adaptable during high-stakes moments. But Founder Mode isn’t just a gut instinct: It’s intentional. This intentionality begins with self-awareness, recognizing the mode we’re operating in, and knowing when to shift gears.

Founders who master this ability to consciously shift between modes can tackle challenges with focus and agility, keeping their teams aligned and their businesses thriving. This ability to engage the right mindset at the right time keeps us focused, aligned, and fully thriving in our Work.  

Read more in Mastering Founder Mode: The Core Operating System.

This way of operating doesn’t happen by chance. It takes skill, self-awareness, and practice to build productive, humane, and resilient organizations when it matters most.

PERSPECTIVES

“Clarity about what matters provides clarity about what does not.”

— Cal Newport

“You can’t change the direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sails to always reach your destination.” ― Jimmy Dean

MARK MY WORDS

Like many important skill sets, mastering Founder Mode takes a considerable amount of time and dedication. It’s a complex subject (as you can tell from previous newsletters, there’s much to explore and discuss within the concept of Founder Mode), but I deeply believe it to be well worth studying. 

Founder Mode is what allows founders to navigate complexity, see the interconnectedness of every part of their businesses, and ultimately lead their companies to success as they grow and scale. In my view, there are several traits that really help this Founder Mode operating system thrive, including:

• Decision-Making Agility: Calling back to a previous blog series of mine, you’re either growing or you’re dying. The inability to make smart decisions in a reasonable amount of time leads to inertia, which ultimately begins to erode your business. Tapping into Founder Mode helps us balance strategic thinking with gut instinct, allowing us to act intentionally instead of reacting reflexively.
• Persistence and Resilience: Founders face challenges or setbacks every week. Those locked into Founder Mode experience a deeper connection with the company, fostering both the resilience needed to endure adversity and the antifragility to grow stronger from it — a combination that pushes them to keep going when most would be ready to throw in the towel.
• Emotional Investment: As founders, we’re connected to the organization’s success or failure on a personal level. After all, we’re responsible for bringing the company to life through our vision and determination. Because of this, it’s helpful to recognize and navigate the strong emotions that can come up when you’re operating in Founder Mode.

Each of these traits (read the blog to learn about all seven) helps the operating system of Founder Mode fire on all cylinders. And while fully understanding Founder Mode doesn’t happen overnight, you’ll likely find it to be somewhat instinctual. This connection uniquely equips us to understand our company’s challenges, opportunities, and priorities, even when others can’t. By intentionally developing the skills that fuel Founder Mode, you’re not only evolving as a leader but also laying the foundation for a lasting legacy.

TUNE IN

Learn more about the importance of planning and preparing for a smooth, successful exit as a business owner or leader. In this podcast, I’m touching on succession planning, investor involvement, and the disciplines necessary for running a business effectively.

You'll learn:

• The difference between exit planning and enterprise value — and how they’re deeply connected
• Key disciplines and strategies to ensure your business thrives without you
• How to balance day-to-day operations with long-term exit preparation