Signs that the CEO path isn't your ideal career
Seeing your ideas materialise, working for yourself, leading others, and becoming a CEO might seem like a dream come true, and indeed, it is for many.
However, it's not the right path for everyone, and it's not something you can easily walk away from once you've realized that the entrepreneurial lifestyle isn't for you. It can entail the loss of money, time, and motivation. Hence, it's crucial to assess whether it's the right fit for you before embarking on this journey.
This article will go over a few factors why the CEO’s path might not be for you.
You lack persistence in the face of setbacks
It's easy to get caught up in the glamorised world of CEOs and their seemingly effortless success stories. But the truth is, not everyone is cut out for that type of journey. In fact, if you lack persistence in the face of setbacks, becoming a CEO may not be the best fit for you.
The road to success is paved with obstacles, and true leaders know how to overcome them with determination and perseverance. So, while it may be tempting to chase after a CEO title, it's important to consider whether or not you have what it takes to weather the storm of setbacks and come out on top.
For instance, Mantas Kondratavicius, Kilo Health’s Co-found Program co-founder, emphasises: “In my journey with Kilo Health, I had the chance to bring various business ideas to life, including supplements and nutrition products. Some of them turned out to be real winners, while others didn’t quite hit the mark.
There was a time when we went all-in, investing heavily and assembling an amazing team. We churned out 5 products full of hope and excitement. However, as time went on, we had to face the reality that some of them weren’t as successful as we had hoped. We had to make the tough call to shut them down because they didn’t meet our goals or gain enough traction.”
In a study, they found that when people failed at first, those with high self-esteem kept going on tough puzzles if they were told that persistence helps. But when they heard that persistence doesn't make a difference, they gave up earlier. Low self-esteem people did the opposite. It shows how the information we get can affect how we perform.
As an entrepreneur, you will inevitably encounter failure in some form, and it's essential to get back up and try again. Persistence, learning from your mistakes, and maintaining a growth mindset are crucial elements for success; without them, your path to success becomes much more challenging.
Pressure overwhelms your performance
Entrepreneurship and pressure are intertwined. You are the one in charge, and everyone looks to you when problems arise. You assemble your team, set goals, choose a strategy, and maintain a clear vision. In many ways, you must thrive under pressure.
“We, the co-founders, are just ordinary individuals with grand ambitions. There are times when we work twice as long and intensely as others, yet we’re equipped with the same amount of daytime, energy, and capacity.
However, as leaders in the startup world, we can’t just call it quits when we’re tired.”, says Vitalijus Majorovas, a co-founder at Kilo Health.
Reflect on how you've reacted under pressure in the past. Did you withdraw? Did you give up? Conversely, did you excel when faced with pressure? In the best-case scenario, you find motivation in both situations—during calm periods and when storms hit.
This is because you don't overthink the storm; you focus on doing what needs to be done and continue growing your business as usual.
Just as there are challenges in every aspect of human life, there are challenges when you are the founder of a product and the leader of a startup. Pressure can serve as a powerful motivator and ally, but it can also be the force that discourages you from pursuing this lifestyle.
Lack of passion for your concept
“I had quite a few ideas on my plate, including apps and supplements. And guess what? Bioma came out on top. It’s important to consider: Which of your ideas has a solid foundation in reality?
I closely examined the market. Probiotics were, and maybe still are, a trend, but they had a strong foothold among users and scientists. To put it simply, it was a strategic market opportunity.”, explains Kasparas Aleknavicius, a medical doctor and co-founder of probiotic supplements at Kilo Health.
Upon hearing this, you might think that finding the perfect market fit and having the most unique idea are the keys to success. However, that's not always the case.
In fact, many successful CEOs are fueled by a deep personal passion for their chosen field. In this article, it's highlighted that CEO candidates with high-reliability scores were twice as likely to be selected for the role and 15 times more likely to succeed in it. While this isn't directly related to passion, reliability can serve as an indicator of a CEO's dedication to their product or business.
If you don't find the theme of the product personally exciting or interesting, it might indicate that you're not yet ready to become its founder. Ultimately, the desire to make a meaningful impact is often more crucial than simply fitting into the right market.
All in all, although the role of a CEO can be demanding and hectic, it by no means has to be your sole career path. In fact, learning the skills necessary to run a successful business and ultimately reach your own definition of success can take many other forms beyond just one title or position. Seek out what speaks to your heart and gives you purpose.
