The Role of the CEO in Nurturing Culture and Leadership

Every CEO serves a dual role – not only as the chief executive officer but also as the chief cultural officer. As an entrepreneur, one of the principles I hold close is: let your team shine when times are good and lead from the front during challenges.

This isn't just a feel-good mantra. It's rooted in experience and backed by data. For instance, a study by Glassdoor discovered that companies named “Best Places to Work” outperformed their peers in 9 out of 11 years, generating 20.3% vs 12.9% for the S&P. 

What most folks do not realize is that culture is formed at the very beginning of the company journey. Culture is incredibly difficult to change once the company is large, so investing into this in the early days of a startup is paramount. 

Most folks have a story in their career of a boss or leader that took credit for their greatest accomplishment. Such behavior isn't just disheartening but corrosive, eroding trust and collaboration. In contrast, when leaders lead by example and prioritize empowerment, magic happens. In tech startups, where collaboration is the lifeblood of innovation, empowering teams can be the difference between stagnation and explosive growth.

But what does this look like in practice? Let's dive into some real-world scenarios:

In Good Times:

Successful Product Launch: The latest product release receives acclaim, and growth metrics skyrocket. Let the IC PM send the email out to the company. Have them present at all hands, and have them present to your board, even if they are just a few years out of school. 

Sealed the Deal: Imagine your team just clinched a deal boosting revenue by millions with a large customer. Now is the time to highlight your Business Development lead. Give them the opportunity to talk to the press about their accomplishment. 

In Challenging Times:

Pandemic Punch: When an unforeseen crisis, like COVID-19, hits the revenue streams, lead from the front. Set up weekly all hands, communicate transparently, as well as the path ahead. 

Investment Setback: An investor's last-minute decision to pull a term sheet can demoralize any team. As the leader, take ownership, emphasize resilience, and together, chart out alternate funding avenues. 

Tech Glitches: Post a much-awaited launch, the product crashes. Rather than playing the blame game, mobilize a war room, join it, and keep everyone focused on the bigger picture. 

As you progress from CEO to a manager, then a manager of managers, remember: growth isn't just about numbers. It's about nurturing a culture that responds to success with humility and to challenges with resilience. It starts from the top, and folks will model their leadership after yours. 

In leading by example and instilling these values in your leadership team, you set the stage for a company culture that thrives, innovates, and hopefully outlasts both yourself, your products, and your company.