Founder syndrome – the entrepreneurial trap where visionary business owners become their own bottlenecks – affects countless business leaders. In a candid conversation on The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast, host Nico Van de Venne and COO expert Derek delve into this common yet rarely addressed challenge.

In order for you to get to that next level, you actually have to do less, better, and really trust somebody that can come in and essentially run your business with you or, in some cases, run your business for you.

The core issue many entrepreneurs face is their tendency to do everything themselves. As Derek explains, “In order for you to get to that next level, you actually have to do less better and really trust somebody that can come in and essentially run your business with you or, in some cases, run your business for you.” This insight cuts to the heart of why many businesses plateau around the half-million mark – the founder is stretched too thin, trying to maintain control of every aspect of their operation.

The discussion reveals a critical distinction entrepreneurs must make between what they could do versus what they should do. Derek offers a practical framework: ask yourself if a task is “nice, necessary, or neither.” This simple categorization helps business owners prioritize their energy and attention, delegating or eliminating tasks that don’t require their specific expertise or vision. By focusing only on the truly necessary tasks that only they can perform, entrepreneurs create space for both business and personal growth.

A fascinating aspect of the conversation centres around the evolution of business support. For entrepreneurs just starting out, a virtual assistant (VA) can make a tremendous difference by taking over specific administrative tasks. As the business grows, an Online Business Manager (OBM) becomes valuable for more strategic implementation across marketing, operations, and project management. Finally, businesses approaching or exceeding seven figures benefit tremendously from a Chief Operating Officer (COO) – a trusted second-in-command who can truly partner with the entrepreneur in both vision and execution.

The return on investment from proper delegation extends far beyond financial metrics. Derek and Nico coin the term “FOI” or “Fun on Investment” to describe the energetic and emotional returns of having support. When entrepreneurs focus on their zone of genius – the work that energizes and fulfils them – they not only make more money but also experience greater satisfaction and creativity. This dual ROI/FOI approach makes delegation not just a business strategy but a wellbeing practice.

Perhaps most poignantly, the conversation acknowledges the inherent loneliness of entrepreneurship. Without a team, many business owners lack people to celebrate wins with or to provide accountability. Family members, while supportive, often don’t understand the unique challenges and triumphs of building a business. Building a support network, whether through team members, coaches, or mastermind groups, becomes essential for maintaining motivation and perspective.

The conversation concludes with Derek’s powerful reminder that all successful businesses share one common denominator: a team. While it’s possible to do everything alone, it’s neither efficient nor sustainable. The true path to scaling involves finding the right support at the right time, building on trust, and allowing others to contribute their strengths while the entrepreneur focuses on their unique zone of genius.

#everlasting #coaching #entrepreneurship #CEO #founder #purposedrivenbusiness #CEOdisease #Foundersymptom #Founderitis #nicovandevenne #podmatch

• Interested about what I'm saying?
• Want to learn more about Everlasting Fulfilment and how it can improve your life?