Founder Mode for the Rest of Us

What exactly is founder mode? Is it just another form of micromanagement, or is it a practical approach to leadership in today’s fast-paced business environment?In this episode, Stephen and Taylor dive into the debate sparked by figures like Paul Graham and Brian Chesky, proposing a middle ground between founder and manager mode—micro-leadership. By striking the right balance between employee empowerment and direct managerial involvement, leaders can drive results and foster innovation, staying engaged with both their work and their teams while supporting autonomy and creativity.

Join us as we discuss:

• How to embrace micro-leadership by staying connected to your team’s work.
• How to build a management system with regular check-ins that balance stability with high performance.
• How to give top performers the context and guidance they need to maximize their potential and drive success.

• Founder Mode, by Paul Graham 
• Lenny’s Podcast featuring Brian Chesky