Here at CBNation, we love to hear what being a CEO means to different entrepreneurs and CEOs. We understand it entails a great responsibility and expectations from the clients and the team you’re leading but its meaning varies with each CEO.
We asked entrepreneurs and business owners their definition of the word CEO and here’s what they had to say.
#1- Convergence of vision
Being a CEO to me embodies the convergence of vision, responsibility, & the relentless pursuit of innovation. It's about steering the company not just toward profitability but also toward making a meaningful impact in the lives of customers, employees, and the broader community. A CEO is the custodian of the company's culture & values, leading by example & fostering an environment where creativity & collaboration flourish. This role demands resilience, as it involves navigating through challenges & uncertainties while keeping the team aligned & motivated.
Thanks to Valev Laube, The VL Studios!
#2- Two different things
To me, being a business owner and CEO are two different things. As a business owner, I feel like it's a personal journey that reflects my identity and expertise. Most of the time, it's about expanding ideas, taking risks, and investing financially. However, my role as the CEO of my company requires me to be a leader, where I have to manage teams, delegate tasks, make decisions, and execute projects. These roles are both my personal and professional journey that can bring fulfillment to my life.
Thanks to Andre Oentoro, Breadnbeyond!
#3- Articulating a clear vision & direction
Being an effective CEO requires a multifaceted skill set that combines strategic vision, adaptability, and a deep understanding of one's industry. Above all, communication and decision-making stand out as the most essential skills. A CEO must articulate a clear vision & direction for the company, ensuring that every team member is aligned with the company’s objectives. This demands the ability to speak & write effectively but also the capacity to listen & synthesize information from various sources. Equally critical is decision-making.
Thanks to Mark Sadaka, Sadaka Firm!
#4- Service
Being a CEO means service. How I can serve my staff so they can serve my clients to the best of their ability? I also check how can I serve my clients and add value so they always come back to my company and trust us implicitly. How do I serve my shareholders by running their business expertly and ensuring they have great returns year on year? Being the CEO is about being a servant to all your stakeholders.
Thanks to Erwin Vico, Slick Cash Loan!
#5- Charting a strategic course
Being the CEO means embodying the role of the primary visionary for Kate Backdrop. It's about charting a strategic course that aligns with our core values and mission while also leading our team toward continual growth and success. I think of myself as a “chief dot connector,” constantly seeking new opportunities & making connections to expand our reach and impact in the industry. I like to maintain a balance of professionalism and approachability so that my team feels comfortable coming to me with ideas, questions, or concerns while also respecting the authority and expertise I bring to the table.
Thanks to David Zhang, Kate Backdrop!
#6- Setting the standard
As the founder and face of Esthetic Finesse, being a CEO is so much more than just managing operations. It's about setting the standard, every decision I make, every treatment I perform, and every interaction I have reflects our commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and continuous learning. Because at the end of the day, we're not just in the business of beauty – we're here to help people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.
Thanks to Diane Howard, Esthetic Finesse!
#7- Taking on great responsibility
As a CEO, many entrepreneurs and business owners see you as the embodiment of vision, hunger for success, and the ability to build and grow a team. You need to stay hungry, always striving for innovation, continuous learning, and relentless growth. And of course, building and growing a team is crucial to realizing your vision. Ultimately, being a CEO is about taking on great responsibility to create value, drive change, and lead your company toward its goals.
Thanks to Loren Howard, Prime Plus Mortgages!
#8- Inspiring and motivating others
My role as a CEO in three main parts: setting the vision, leading & empowering my team, & making decisions that drive growth. My job is to have a clear understanding of where I want my company to go & then communicate that vision effectively with my team. Next, I lead by example, empower my team to make their own decisions, & provide them with the resources they need to succeed. Lastly, I am responsible for making strategic decisions that will ultimately drive the growth & success of my company. Being a CEO means constantly adapting to changing circumstances, inspiring and motivating others, and always striving for continued growth and improvement.
Thanks to Andrew Pickett, Andrew Pickett Law!
#9- It's more than just a title or position
Having a deep passion for entrepreneurship and helping others, being a CEO means everything to me. It's more than just a title or position; it's a responsibility to lead, inspire, and contribute to the success and growth of my company, employees, clients, and community. It requires a constant commitment to learning, adapting, and making tough decisions while staying true to our values and vision.
Thanks to Dana Ronald, Tax Crisis Institute!
#10- Embracing the responsibility
Being a CEO means embracing the responsibility of steering the organization towards its goals while navigating the complexities of the business landscape. It requires decisive leadership, strategic thinking, & the ability to inspire & motivate teams to achieve excellence. It entails fostering a culture of innovation, empowerment, & accountability within the company, ensuring that every decision made aligns with our overarching objectives. Ultimately it's about driving sustainable growth, delivering value to stakeholders, & leaving a positive impact on the organization and its stakeholders.
Thanks to Rongzhong Li, Petoi!
#11- Implementing something that moves the needle
To me, being a CEO means perpetually seeking innovative ways to create significant impact — it's about “implementing something that moves the needle.” Working in the tech industry, I am always looking for ways to utilize technology to improve people's lives based on the core value of making people's lives better. As a solo entrepreneur, I have had to take on many roles and responsibilities, but ultimately, being a CEO means having the power to shape my path and make decisions that align with my vision and values.
Thanks to Burak Ozdemir, Character Calculator!
#12- Setting an example
I see my role as more than just managing a business. For me, it's about infusing my passion for the outdoors into everything we do, ensuring we offer the best resources for fellow nature lovers. Guiding my team with inspiration, we push boundaries while staying true to our mission of ethical hunting and conservation. It's about setting an example, fostering collaboration, and always pushing the boundaries to enhance our platform. Being deeply rooted in nature, being a CEO allows me to turn my passion into purpose, making a positive impact on both people and the environment we cherish.
Thanks to John VanDerLaan, Deer Hunting Guide!
#13- Opportunity to create something personal
Being a CEO means that I have the opportunity to create something personal to me in the world of business. It may not be earth-shattering but I'm proud that I've created a business that reflects my values; something that accommodates individuals and their needs. Being a CEO means I can build a supportive environment that people enjoy being a part of and in turn, helps us all to be more creative and create something new.
Thanks to Ryan Stone, Lambda Films London!
#14- Leadership and impact
I believe being a CEO means leadership and impact with real passion and conviction on what you do and why you do it. Helping others see what's possible, even if they don't see it in themselves yet. Leading by example, that includes mistakes, failures and faceplants and showing others that true success is getting back up and having a comeback.
Thanks to Crissy Conner, The Visibility Queen!
#15- Profound commitment to innovation
To me, it's less about the prestige it carries and more about a profound commitment to innovation, team empowerment, and making a lasting mark on the gaming industry and our broader community. I've long had an enduring love for gaming and technology, and this passion is the cornerstone of my dedication, pushing me to not only aim for financial success but to also create memorable experiences for our players and continuously explore the limits of the gaming universe.
Thanks to Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, Online Games!
#16- Setting the direction of the organization
Being a CEO means having the privilege, and the responsibility, to set the direction of the organization. It’s exhilarating to know that everything that I do matters to a lot of people, from clients to employees. It also keeps me grounded to realize that the organization’s success or failure is in large part on my shoulders. Being a CEO is not something to be undertaken lightly, but it’s definitely worthwhile.
Thanks to Tim Johnson, Health In Tech!
#17- It's a unique position
There are a lot of similarities between being a CEO and being a parent. In some situations, I really am the parent, both literally and figuratively. But regardless of biological relation, I do feel like the dad of the business at times. A CEO is in a unique position. However well you get on with your team, you are the boss. I bet a lot of parents can relate to this experience. Sometimes you have to make tough choices. There may even be moments when you are disliked, and that’s something you must learn to live with. The important thing is that you are always respected.
Thanks to Jan Brandrup, Neurogan!
#18- Being the Chief Excellence Officer
To me, being CEO means being the Chief Excellence Officer. I see myself as the leader who gets all the people in the organization motivated to reach their full potential and give their very best to the team. As the Chief Excellence Officer, I advocate for a culture of innovation and self-improvement. I encourage the celebration of both big and small milestones wins, which in turn builds an environment in which everyone is valued. I believe every CEO should build an environment where the people have an inner drive to keep improving, learning, and developing continuously.
Thanks to Dennis Sanders, Burning Daily!
#19- Thinking outside the box
To me, one of the core tenets of being a CEO is thinking outside the box. This is important whether times are good or bad for your business. When you’re profitable and succeeding, a CEO’s job is to keep looking ahead. What do you need to do to maintain your success? What’s the next step for growing your business? How can you balance stability and security with innovation and calculated risk? When your business is struggling, it can be helpful to think outside the box to identify solutions. What are you missing? What else could you try?
Thanks to Thomas Samuels, Cardinal Expo!
#20- Building a consistent business
Being a CEO is both a challenge & a responsibility. It's about making tough decisions while keeping the team motivated and engaged. It's about being a visionary – seeing the big goal, the destination, & plotting the course to lead the team there. It's about being a leader – able to find the right people for the business, & helping them to fulfil their potential. It's about wearing many hats – from strategist to motivator to problem-solver, to marketer – sometimes all at once. Above all, it means building a consistent business, where trust & respect are at the core.
Thanks to Marianne Page