Throughout the last few years of my entrepreneurial journey, both in my home country and now in the U.S., I’ve learned firsthand the challenges and triumphs of starting, running, and growing a business. Today, I want to share insights into a crucial shift that’s reshaping my approach to business: transitioning from an entrepreneur to a CEO mindset.
Reflecting on a Decade of Entrepreneurship
When I started my first venture, it was driven by a mix of passion and necessity. Each step was a learning curve—securing the first client, making the first hire, managing the first crisis. As entrepreneurs, we often start as solopreneurs—chief cook and bottle washer, doing everything from sales to support. While this hustle is essential, it is inherently limited. I remember days when I thought , “How can I squeeze more tasks into these 12 hours?” This mindset was invaluable in those early days but needed to evolve as the business grew.
The CEO Mindset: Scaling Beyond the Self
Having moved to the U.S. and immersed myself in a new business environment, the concept of scaling has taken on new meaning. It’s no longer just about working harder but smarter. The CEO mindset focuses on strategic growth—thinking about not just tactical wins but sustainable expansion. For instance, whereas I used to worry about setting up operations myself, I now focus on hiring the right people to do these tasks so I can concentrate on the broader vision.
Strategic Delegation and Long-Term Planning
The real turning point came when I read a perspective that made me rethink my role: “A CEO asks, ‘If I hire five people, that’s 60 hours in our workday we all get to capitalize on. ” This insight into strategic delegation transformed how I view my time and resources. It’s about multiplying efforts and outcomes, not adding more hours to your personal workload.
Why This Shift Is Crucial
This mindset shift is more than just a change in daily tasks; it’s a fundamental rethinking of how to approach business growth. It’s about setting up systems that allow the business to operate independently of any single individual, including myself. This transition from an entrepreneur who starts a business to a CEO who scales it is essential for long-term success, especially in a competitive market like the U.S.
For those of you have similar experience, whether geographic or strategic, how are you adapting your approach to meet your growth goals? Share your stories and tips below, and let’s discuss how we can all foster a CEO mindset to scale our businesses effectively.