What it's like to start a job as CEO

As you might have seen from my email last week, I’ve started a new job as CEO of Scribe (an additional job, since I’m still doing the books, fund, and podcast.)

I’m now about 4 weeks in, and many friends have asked me privately what it’s like to onboard as a CEO. Thought I’d share some of the experiences and advice I received.

“You have a lot to learn, very fast.”

I am new to a group of humans, company culture, community, and industry (in that order.)

For the first time in a long time, these are workdays where I look up at 6pm and realize I forgot to eat today.

“You need to campaign for president of your own company.”

The board may have hired you, but if the host does not accept the new organ, neither will have a successful partnership. It’s not enough to just start doing the job, you must also make an effort to connect with people, show yourself, and be a known quantity to build trust.

“Someone will ask you for a raise immediately.”

“Surely not!” I said.

Yes. 100% yes. Be prepared for this.

“Sweat the details, but don’t micromanage.”

I really like the contrast of this idea.

Be deeply curious about the details. Care about them. Explore them. Mayyyybe opine lightly.

But don’t get aggressive about micromanaging unless you have a very high conviction in the area and your opinion is welcomed.

“You will get asked to make big decisions in the first few days.”

Decisions I didn’t expect to make in the first 6 months need to get made in the first week. And everyone has been saving decisions up for when you arrive. These come in with bizarrely little context, and it’s up to you to decide how much time to spend getting context, which decisions to make, and how quickly.

I’m learning very quickly on the job, running to match stride with a great team who is already running apace. It’s a huge thrill, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.

If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book, for professional or personal reasons – we can help.