Business Wingmen

Every successful business starts with a visionary founder, but not every founder is the right person to lead the company once it begins to scale. Knowing when to step aside — or when to level up your leadership — can make or break your startup’s future. In this episode, Steve Smith and Travis Smith unpack:The critical shift from startup founder to commercial CEOHow to recognize if your leadership style fits your company’s next stageThe dangers of ego and why self-awareness is key to scalingWhat investors look for when deciding to back your businessOptions for founders: CTO, CMO, Chairman, or staying CEO — which role is best?Real-world examples (from Zuckerberg to startups that imploded)How to avoid chaos, retain your best people, and build sustainable growthWhether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or leader navigating change, this discussion will give you a practical framework to evaluate your role — and your company’s future.