If you haven’t caught the dialogue around “founder mode” of late, let me get you up to speed: Brian Chesky, founder and CEO of Airbnb, has recently been celebrated for his refusal to step back from the driver’s seat amidst assertions that his decision to retain control is one of the reasons for Airbnb’s enviable growth. Some have even compared him to Steve Jobs, with Chesky apparently downright thrilled by the association. But before we champion founder mode as the be-all and end-all for creating a unicorn, let alone building a successful business, we need to explore and dissect why and when it works and also why it can, at times, do a disservice to both the employees and the business itself.
BUT FIRST THINGS FIRST - THE POSITIVES.
Yes, founders have a vision, and yes, they’re uniquely positioned — and invested — when it comes to turning that vision into reality. They’re also typically purpose-driven, which is no small thing in the entrepreneurial world. After all, not everyone can buy into something in depth when they aren’t the ones who conceived it. Take a look at Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, comments from earlier this year, in which he told Gen Z grads to lower their expectations about work. His comments were met with some backlash, but they drive home the point that few people will be as committed to the cause as the company’s founder.
This story is from the December 2024 - January 2025 edition of Entrepreneur magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2024 - January 2025 edition of Entrepreneur magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Chords of Success
For Saahil Goel, the deep-rooted passion for playing the guitar dates back to his high school days. Influenced by legends like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and the Pakistani band Strings, his musical journey mirrors his leadership style-balancing focus, discipline, and a collaborative spirit. Goel feels that playing guitar has enhanced his ability to balance focus and teamwork as a founder of an eCommerce shipping start-up.
IS YOUR RENT TOO DAMN HIGH?
Many small business owners struggle with their rents. Here's what to do.
HOW TO BOUNCE BACK FROM A BAD REVIEW
A one-star review can hurt your ego - and your business. But it's possible to prevent (and remedy!) this scary scenario.
HOW TO HIRE FOR THE FUTURE
Small businesses are struggling to find quality labor. So flip the conversation: Show workers how your business will set them up for opportunity.
You Can Hire Like Netflix
The streaming platform built an incredible team with a strategy called “talent density.” But you don’t need to be a tech giant to do it.
Speedy Growth Killed My Startup
We seemed to be rocking it - lots of press, major partnerships. Then we learned the harsh consequences of overlooking our customers.
Three Pivots to $100 Million
How do you find a working business model? Do it like Rowan-a brand that reinvented itself many times before finally piercing the ear-piercing market.
What Goals Actually Matter?
Some benchmarks are more important than others so what should you really care about? We asked six founders for their hardest-won lessons.
'Only the Strongest Are Going to Survive'
Brian Lee cofounded companies like LegalZoom and ShoeDazzle-and he believes a lot of conventional business wisdom is backward. Sure, it's harder to raise capital. But it's actually cheaper than ever to start a company.
HOW TRUST SAVED KFC
The former CEO of Yum! Brands explains how he turned around a struggling KFC-and the important lesson it offers for anyone in franchising.
