Startup founders – beware, your product will change.
I’m not talking about product updates and pivots; “your” product will change from the actual product (e.g. your app or SaaS product) to the company. Your company will soon become your main product. When does it happen? It varies, but for me personally, it was around the 80 employees mark.
As CEO, you should always live and breath the product – the same applies to your new product, i.e. your company. Every waking moment, you should make sure the company works like a well-oiled machine, pumping on all cylinders. I’m surprised many founders think they got this, without putting in the work – studying about leadership/management and upgrading themselves. Their overconfidence might make them one of those founders who get kicked out by their board at some point.
So study and upgrade. Remember – unlike pop culture portrayal, no one really is born with leadership, it’s a learned skill.