Builder Vs Operator

The best co-founders aren't two builders - they're a builder and an execution artist. I've noticed the teams that struggle early often have the same problem: everyone wants to build. Nobody wants to build the systems around the building. Which makes sense. Especially in the early stages, momentum feels like everyone sprinting in the same direction. But building the product and building the business are two different jobs. One person is asking, "What's possible?" The other is asking, "How do we do this 100 more times without everything catching fire?" You don't always need another co-founder for that. Sometimes you need someone who can step in, build the operational foundation, and hand owners and founders back the time they're spending putting out fires. That's my favorite part of the job. Ops isn't known to be glamorous - but dang, it is to me. P.S. Did I just make up "execution artist"? I'm keeping it. It's either a COO or a Bond villain. Either way, I'm here for it and just wish it looked less sinister on a business card. …more