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Hey There, CEO!

You didn’t start your business because you wanted to spend your days glued to emails or spreadsheets. You started it because you love your craft—whether that’s weddings, flowers, photography, or another creative pursuit.

But let’s be real: The mindset that got you started as a founder won’t be the one that takes your business to the next level.

If you stay stuck in the founder’s mindset, you’ll hit a wall—and worse, you might even become your own business’s biggest bottleneck.

Today, I’m sharing the key differences between the founder mindset and the CEO mindset, how shifting your thinking can help scale your business, and actionable steps to get started.

Let’s dive in!

1. Founders Think Small. CEOs Think Big.

Founders are incredible visionaries. “Founders are the creators, the builders, the ones with the vision, the ideas, and the passion,” I explained on the Wedding Pro CEO podcast. But here’s where most of us get stuck: founders think too small.

“Founders focus on what you can do, not what your business can do without you,” I said. If you’re wearing every hat—marketing, admin, HR, client management—you’re not building a scalable business; you’re creating a job.

CEOs, on the other hand, ask bigger questions: How can I create systems that let my business run without me? This shift in thinking unlocks the door to growth.

Pro Tip: Audit your tasks for a week. Which ones could be automated, delegated, or eliminated?

2. Founders Wear All the Hats. CEOs Delegate.

Does this sound familiar? You’re the marketing team, the HR department, the sales rep, and the customer service desk—all in one. That’s founder mode.

“Founders wear all the hats,” I shared. “And you think you’re the only one who can do it well enough. Sound familiar?” That “solo superhero” mentality keeps you small, overwhelmed, and exhausted.

CEOs know the power of delegation. “You don’t see CEOs at midnight editing photos or writing a timeline,” I said. Instead, they empower their team to take on those tasks—and sometimes, the team can do them even better than the CEO!

3. Founders Get Stuck in the Now. CEOs Focus on the Future.

Here’s the thing: founders are often so focused on putting out fires that they forget to plan for what’s next.

“While founders are busy putting out fires that are happening today, CEOs are thinking 6, 12, maybe even 18 months in the future,” I shared. CEOs are strategists. They’re constantly asking, How can I make this business run without me?

If you’re ready to grow, you need to stop thinking day-to-day and start thinking long-term.

4. Founders Ignore Data. CEOs Know Their Numbers.

Let’s talk numbers! One of the biggest differences between founders and CEOs is how they use data to make decisions.

“Revenue, profit margins, and expenses are numbers CEOs know better than their kids’ birthdays,” I said (only half-joking). Why? Because data—not feelings—drives decisions.

Here’s the harsh truth: If you’re not tracking the key metrics in your business, you’re guessing. And guessing won’t get you to the next level.

Pro Tip: Start small. Track your time, your revenue streams, and your expenses. What gets measured gets managed.

5. Founders Plateau. CEOs Scale.

Ready for some tough love? Founders burn out. Founders plateau. Why? Because they’re afraid to let go of control.

“Founders get stuck at that six-figure mark because they can’t let go of the mindset that they can do it better than anyone else,” I said. CEOs, on the other hand, take a very different approach: “They know they have to step out of the way of their business so they can grow, invest, and scale well beyond themselves.”

CEOs build systems, hire the right people, and create multiple revenue streams. And they do it without losing their passion for their craft. “Great CEOs don’t abandon their craft,” I emphasized. Instead, they find a way to focus on the work they love while letting a team handle the rest.

Why It Matters: Founder vs. CEO

Friend, this isn’t just about titles—it’s about creating the freedom you dreamed of when you started your business.

“If your business depends on you to show up to be successful, that’s not a business. That’s a job,” I explained. CEOs build businesses that can scale, thrive, and grow, even without their daily presence.

The shift from founder to CEO isn’t easy. It requires courage, trust, and a willingness to invest in the right people and tools. But I promise you, it’s worth it.

Before We Go

So, here’s my challenge to you: Are you ready to let go of the founder mindset and step into your role as CEO?

“Founders plateau. CEOs scale,” I said, and I’ll say it again. If you want to grow, you have to embrace the mindset shift. Start small. Audit your time. Delegate tasks. And most importantly, dream big.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, I’d love to help you. Head to brandeegaar.com/apply to learn more about how the Wedding Pro CEO program can guide you on this journey.

You’ve got this. Let’s make 2025 your breakout year!

FAQ

Q: What if I still want to be involved in client work?

You can still stay involved! Great CEOs don’t abandon their craft. Focus on the parts of your business that bring you joy and income, and delegate the rest to a team or system.

Q: How can I delegate if I don’t have a team?

Start small. Outsource tasks like bookkeeping, social media, or admin work to freelancers. As your business grows, you can bring on part-time or full-time team members.

Q: What’s the first step to stepping into the CEO role?

Audit your time. Track everything you do for a week. Then, identify the tasks that can be automated, delegated, or eliminated.

Q: How do CEOs track their progress?

Measure everything. Revenue, time spent on tasks, client inquiries—track it all. You can’t fix what you’re not measuring.

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