What does it feel like to be the CEO of a start-up?

Latest post from the blog of Don Mathis

Answer by Don Mathis:

There have been a number of great answers on this question — some that have explored the down side, some that have focused on the up. The reality is, you get to experience both in most start-up leadership positions, especially CEO.

But let me emphasize: at a meta level, it is far and away an "UP" experience. I spent about half my career in more traditional business roles, about half in early stage companies. My current company, Kinetic Social, is about two and a half years old. And it has been the thrill of a working lifetime.

Sure, it can be hard, stressful, and tough on work/life balance (whatever that is). But I get to do more interesting things in a week than I did in six months in the corporate world. Moreover, it is meaningful in a way that few corporate jobs can be. You are solving problems. You are building value. You are part of of the global business (and esp. if applicable, technology) revolution.

When you disrupt markets, you advance the global economy, even if in just a small way. When you create jobs, you employ people, help support families, make an impact. And if you create opportunities for your people, if you make it worth their while to be a part of your vision and add to it, then you are helping others build their own careers.

And as to the hard parts of it as listed in so many answers: that's part of living, man! Nothing good comes without a price. You are driving towards making a difference. Few things are more meaningful than that in a lifetime.

What does it feel like to be the CEO of a start-up?

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