Thanks for the A2A!

Unsure if this would be the best advice but will try to collate a few thoughts based on my experience over the past 2–3 years.

• You are not actually a CEO yet. You are a builder, people manager, money manager and even an office boy if need be. Embrace it and enjoy it
• Your job is to ensure the company breaks through and adds actual value to your customers, employees, investors etc. Focus on that before you go out to give interviews, speak at events etc.
• Don’t hire anyone you wouldn’t work for. One bad team member can drive your company to the ground. Avoid letting your emotions rule your mind. Be as objective as possible
• If you have raised money, don’t burn cash on frivolous things. Frugality is a virtue you should drive in your team. Our first office was my hostel room and once we graduated, it was a 750 sq ft office and my co-founder’s old dining table was the first desk for everyone. It still lies in our meeting room.
• Lead as an example by taking up tasks which may not be in your supposed job description in order to drive home the message that startups are dynamic & hustle is everything!
• Once you have done that, let others take over and give them the opportunity to make mistakes & learn
• Always pass on the credit to your team. Don’t be adulation hungry. You are already called the CEO!
• If you have raised money, keep your investors constantly updated through a small email or WhatsApp messages. Retaining their attention post investment can open numerous doors & you will always have great sounding boards
• If your friends are raising large amounts of money, don’t get jealous or insecure. Every journey has its own curve. Figure out what yours may look like and try to meet them. Your confidence can dramatically change opinions & approach across stakeholders involved in your journey.
• Make friends with fellow founders and share your fears & challenges. Everyone is going through some struggle. You don’t have to prove to them that you are ‘killing it’
• Don’t let the title weigh you down. Being indifferent towards being called a ‘CEO’ can do you wonders.
• Feel free to drop a note to people who inspire you or you think you can learn from. You will be surprised how many of them actually reply if you are genuine and share their learnings.

Most importantly, enjoy the journey and focus on building a sustainable business & a great environment for other smart people to come work at.

If you are able to inspire your team to be excited about coming to work everyday, you have won a good part of the battle.

All the very best :)