Being a founder means you’re hardwired a bit differently than other people. If you’re a part of this select group, it’s something you’ve likely known (or at least subconsciously felt) for as long as you can remember. There are certain things that drive, excite, or inspire founders that many people would find incredibly unappealing. So while it’s a fairly exclusive club to be a part of, it’s also one that makes you work undeniably hard for a membership.
I’ve found that the best founders — the ones who really succeed in creating a damn good, if not great, company — exhibit specific behaviors and patterns to help them get there. I call these individuals the “more likely to succeed” founders, and I’m fascinated by how they think.
Recognizing the characteristics that set successful founders apart from other leaders or entrepreneurs can provide valuable insights into what it takes to drive extraordinary growth and help your company ascend the Stages of Development.
PERSPECTIVES
“Fearlessness is like a muscle. I know from my own life that the more I exercise it, the more natural it becomes to not let my fears run me.”
— Arianna Huffington
“Don’t be afraid to assert yourself, have confidence in your abilities, and don’t let the bastards get you down.” ― Michael Bloomberg
MARK MY WORDS
If the majority of people don’t have dreams of being founders, that means those who do are a bit contrarian by nature. You’ve likely been called “ambitious” more times than you can count, and “obsessive” more times than you care to admit. But let me be clear: That’s a good thing. As I said earlier, what most entices us about the prospect of starting a business tends to sound daunting or downright off-putting to a lot of people. It’s what sets us apart and makes us well-suited to the difficult job of building, running, and scaling damn good, if not great, companies.
Here are some signs that you’re currently operating in the Founder’s Mindset:
You feel personally accountable for every aspect of the company's success and failure, taking responsibility where others might not.
Small details are as deeply important to you as the big picture because you believe the company’s success reflects your own integrity.
Your company vision is an unwavering, driving force behind your decisions in both great times and uncertain ones.
Rather than just surviving setbacks, you thrive in the face of adversity, embodying antifragility.
You consistently seek knowledge, mentorship, and self-improvement, viewing continuous learning as essential to staying competitive.
These are just a few telltale signs of being in a Founder’s Mindset (check out the blog for more). If this sounds like you, you’ve likely already discovered the power and results of truly thinking like a successful founder. Because the Founder’s Mindset isn’t just about growing a business — it’s about transforming how you lead.
JOIN MY UPCOMING WEBINAR
This Wednesday, November 20, I’m hosting a webinar on Mastering Business Growth: The Unavoidable Stages of Development. We’ll dive into the distinct Stages every company goes through on the path to sustainable growth, each with its own challenges and essential insights.
If you're ready to lead your business through each Stage with clarity and purpose, I’d love for you to join me. Register here.
Want more on the Stages of Development? In the final part of my Stages of Development series on the Founder's Framework Podcast, I focus on leadership transitions within Stage 5 (Steward) companies, particularly when moving from a Visionary founder to a new leader. Catch this episode — and explore all Stages in the full series — on the podcast.
TUNE IN
Explore the delicate nature of leadership transitions, particularly surrounding the role of a visionary within an organization. Learn about the challenges founders may face when stepping back from leadership roles and the importance of owning responsibilities while nurturing team relationships.
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