Founder vs CEO (Mode)

Startup legend Paul Graham piece last week on "Founder Mode," it hit me hard.

The gist? As founders, we often get stuck trying to “manage” our companies like any other exec, but that’s not where our magic lies.

Graham argues we should stay in the trenches—talk to everyone, break traditional rules, and keep that scrappy, hands-on approach that got us here.

It’s about being less of a manager and more of the builder you were on day one

Think of Steve Jobs or Elon Musk—they didn’t follow the playbook, they rewrote it.

Graham’s essay reminds us to trust our gut, stay scrappy, and never lose that initial spark that drove us to start our companies in the first place.

In Founder Mode, leaders stay:

- Deeply engaged

- Connect with all levels of the company

- Constantly adjust based on intuition rather than rigid structures

Stay Hands-On: Founders should remain deeply involved in the day-to-day operations, not just oversee from a distance.

Paul Graham said Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-founder and CEO, is a living example of this, often wearing multiple hats.

Break the Rules: Traditional management advice often doesn’t apply. Founders need to engage directly with their teams and problems, not just filter information through layers of management.

Direct Involvement is Key: Engaging beyond direct reports and working closely with employees and customers helps maintain the founder’s unique perspective.

Preserve the Founder’s Vision: Don’t let management advice dilute your instincts; they’re what got you here.

This essay is a reminder that the founder’s touch is irreplaceable and essential for scaling a company successfully. Graham’s insights encourage us to embrace our unique approach and keep leading in our own way.