In this episode, Rob Levin talks with Nick Herinckx, Co-CEO of Oxygen and seasoned executive coach, to explore how a founder’s role evolves as a business scales. Drawing from experience coaching over 100 CEOs and leading multiple companies himself, Nick breaks down what leaders often get wrong. From understanding the difference between managers and leaders to knowing when to step in (and out) of “Founder Mode,” this episode is packed with practical advice for business owners navigating growth.

Key takeaway

Founders and CEOs must adapt at every stage of growth, and that includes building leaders who push you, not the other way around. Creating a scalable business means investing in your managers, clarifying your own role, and making intentional decisions based on what kind of company you truly want to build (or sell).

Questions I Ask Nick

02:11 What's the role of the business owner/CEO?

03:44 What are some of the challenges CEO's usually face?

07:03 How can you tell if your leadership team is pushing you, or if you’re still dragging them?

09:05 What is "Founder Mode" and when should a CEO step into it?

13:45 Why is promoting high-performers into management without training such a big risk?

17:46 When a great manager is promoted into a leadership role, should business owners invest in outside training for them, or is it better for the owner to coach them directly?

19:07 How can CEOs develop leadership in a remote or hybrid environment?

23:06 What should business owners consider when preparing for a sale or exit?

More About Nick Herinckx:

• Check out Oxygen.

• Connect with Nick on LinkedIn.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:

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