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The (Often Painful) Transition from Founder to CEO
From building the dream to bearing the weight of it
Boris Jitsukata
May 08, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
Hello from Tokyo! It’s an unbelievably beautiful day, perfect for a walk, and I want to chat about something very real—the often challenging shift from being a founder to stepping into the role of a CEO. Whether you’ve been through this journey, are in the middle of it, or seeing it on the horizon, it’s worth reflecting on.
The Thrilling Start
Launching a new venture begins with this exhilarating vision—a burning idea that you know needs to exist in the world. Fueled by passion, you dive into creating something extraordinary from the ground up: your product, your team, your entire company. This early phase is electric, infectious even, as you ride a wave of enthusiasm that seems limitless, drawing in like-minded individuals eager to join the mission.
Building Momentum
When success starts rolling in, it often catches you off guard. Suddenly, you’re working alongside talented people you’ve long admired, and clients you never dreamed of start knocking on your door. This period is invigorating and addictive, as you experience a flow state where everything aligns. Even investors show interest, and while this can be demanding, the thrill of these moments fuels you.
Tired me, sometime during 2020
Growing Pains
However, as your vision materializes, responsibilities multiply. Managing a team, satisfying shareholders, and executing complex client projects become part of your daily life. It all feels manageable when things are on track, but unexpected external changes can tilt everything, transforming 'good times' into 'war times.' Suddenly, your plans are upended, requiring quick adaptation and resilience.
Setbacks become a part of the journey. Core team members might leave despite previous promises, often finding better opportunities elsewhere. Key clients, crucial to revenue, may vanish almost overnight, taking with them the projects you’ve poured so much into. Internal changes—like a manager moving on—might disrupt your carefully nurtured relationships, leading to stalled projects and unmet expectations.
The Evolving Role
As challenges mount, the excitement of being a visionary gives way to the necessity of becoming an effective administrator. The dynamic spark of daily innovation gets overshadowed by strategic meetings and delegation—tasks less thrilling but equally important. Balancing these elements requires adaptation and a fresh perspective on your evolving role.
Your Experience
While this transition can feel overwhelming, it’s an opportunity for growth. I’m curious—how have you managed this shift? Have you found new ways to define your role and maintain your vision within your organization? This is a conversation I’m eager to have. Whether you’re just starting or have navigated these waters, sharing our stories can provide insights and support. I’d love to hear how you’ve handled your journey from founder to CEO. Let’s connect and learn from each other’s experiences.
A Community for Change
Reflecting on my own experience, I find myself wishing that a community like this had existed when I needed it. Thankfully, it does now, and I’m extending an open invitation for you to join. Neurospicy Founders welcomes not only neurodivergent founders but also their allies—those who are eager to understand and support them. Remember, you're not alone. Together, we can flourish and I cannot wait to hear your story.