Embracing the CEO Role: One Team Member or Three

The transition into the CEO Role marks a significant shift for business owners, from being deeply involved in day-to-day operations to focusing on the broader strategy and growth of the business. This change is about something other than the size of your team; whether leading just one person or managing a group of a hundred, becoming a CEO is about effectively using your resources to drive growth and scalability. Lisa Gutierrez, owner of Columbus, Ohio's Dos Hermanos Food Truck, exemplifies this leadership and development journey.

When Lisa joined my business coaching program, she was at the helm of a tiny team. Caught in the relentless cycle of daily tasks, taking a break seemed impossible, let alone going on vacation. The concept of scaling her business appeared to be a distant dream. Lisa would work from sun up to sun down (literally). She had no days or time off and worked every aspect of her business. With a solid team, Lisa could step away, knowing her business was in good hands.

However, the subsequent four years were a period of incredible growth and strategic development. We expanded her team from just a handful of employees to over 40, and today, she leads a thriving workforce of more than 100. This expansion was not merely about adding numbers but strategically choosing the right roles to ease the burden of being overwhelmed and overworked that plagued her early days.

Stepping into the CEO Role means focusing on leadership and strategic vision. It involves understanding your business's needs for growth and scalability. For Lisa, it was crucial to identify and fill critical positions that would take on significant operational tasks, freeing her to concentrate on strategic growth and planning. This is what working on the business looks like, as opposed to working in it. While in my program, we focused on delegation and trust. When you delegate, you must trust the people you hire. You must believe they can do the tasks you give them, which is why the hiring process is important.

A critical step in Lisa's transition into the CEO Role was simplifying her business operations. This wasn't just about hiring more people; it was about creating a system that allowed for more efficient and effective management. Simplification involved streamlining processes, clearly defining roles and responsibilities and ensuring her team was on board with the business's direction.

Moving into the CEO Role is a personal journey. It requires acknowledging your limits and understanding that growth often means delegating certain tasks to focus on more strategic areas. For someone like Lisa, building a large team was essential for her expanding business. For others, hiring a virtual assistant or a marketing strategist might be enough to facilitate the transition.

Being a CEO is about making strategic decisions for your business aiming for growth while ensuring your own well-being and that of your team. Whether leading a small team or a significant workforce, the goal is the same: to steer your business toward success and sustainability, allowing you to enjoy life both inside and outside your work.

Lisa Gutierrez's journey from an overworked entrepreneur to a strategic CEO illustrates the power and potential of embracing leadership. Taking on the CEO Role involves careful planning, delegation, and a readiness for change. Whether your team is small or large, the aim is to grow your business in a way that enriches your life and meets your personal and professional goals.