In today’s podcast episode, we witnessed an engaging debate between Michele Van Tilborg, Founder of Meowingtons and CEO of Paw.com, and Colin C. Campbell, a serial entrepreneur and best-selling author of Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat. The focus was on the contrasting roles of “Founder Mode” versus “Manager Mode.” With both Michele and Colin having vast experience in these domains, their discussion provided a wealth of insights into how different leadership styles impact a company’s trajectory.
“A great founder evolves—they can hire managers while still maintaining the creative pulse of the company.”
Michele Van Tilborg
Michele, debating from the founder’s perspective, emphasized the importance of vision, passion, and entrepreneurship. She argued that founders are the backbone of innovation and the driving force behind starting a company. Michele pointed out that while scaling is critical, it’s the founder’s creative spark and dedication that get businesses off the ground, especially in small businesses that fuel the economy. Michele shared her belief that a good founder can evolve and build a company legacy through hiring skilled managers, maintaining the founder’s vision, and fostering an environment that balances innovation with structure.
On the other side, Colin, representing the manager’s perspective, highlighted the importance of structure and process in taking a company to the next level. As someone who has not only founded companies but also replaced founders as an investor, Colin discussed the challenges founders face when scaling. He pointed out that while founders often provide the initial spark, they can become their own worst enemy when it comes to managing growth. Colin shared his experiences in scaling companies through professional management, arguing that the disciplined approach of a manager, with a focus on systems and KPIs, is often crucial for sustainable success.
The debate ultimately showcased the tension between these two modes of leadership. Michele passionately defended the founder’s role in innovation and long-term success, while Colin made a compelling case for the managerial skills required to scale a business effectively. Both approaches are essential in different stages of a company’s life cycle, and the key takeaway from their conversation is that success often lies in knowing when to lean into one mode versus the other. Listen to the full conversation above!
