As women continue to break barriers in the business world, many consider whether to pursue the role of Founder of their own business or CEO of a company. While both paths can lead to success, there are distinct differences between the two functions that can impact a woman’s career trajectory.

Want to make an informed decision on how to move forward? Read on.

Why Founder?

As a Founder, a woman is responsible for creating a company from scratch. She is the driving force behind the business idea and is responsible for securing funding, building a team, and creating a company culture. Founders have a deep sense of what they want to achieve and a passion for their business. They are often willing to take big risks to make their vision a reality when others do not agree, understand, or see it.

Pros:

• Control: As a founder, a woman has complete control over the company’s day-to-day operations and the direction the company goes in. She can make decisions without answering to a board of directors or shareholders.
• Passion: Founders have a deep passion for their endeavors and ideas on what their business will look like. This passion can translate into a strong sense of purpose and motivation to succeed.
• Recognition: Founders are often seen as trailblazers in their industry. Their success can lead to media attention and public recognition.

Cons:

• Risk: Starting a company from scratch is a risky endeavor. There is no crystal ball leading to guaranteed success, and many businesses may fail within the first few years.
• Limited resources: As a founder, a woman may not have access to the same resources as a CEO of an established company. This limited resource can make it difficult to scale the business or compete with larger competitors.
• Time commitment: Building a company from scratch requires a significant amount of time and energy, which can take a toll on a woman’s personal life and well-being.

Why CEO?

As a CEO, a woman is responsible for leading an established company. She is accountable to a board of directors and shareholders and is responsible for the overall success of the company. CEOs are often recruited from outside the company to provide leadership and direction.

Pros:

• Resources: CEOs of established companies can access a wide range of resources, including funding, employees, and infrastructure. This easy access to funding makes it easier to scale the business and compete with larger competitors.
• Established brand: An established company has an existing brand and reputation that usually allows them to attract customers and investors easily.
• Work-life balance: As a CEO, a woman may have more control over her schedule and work-life balance than a founder. This can be especially important for women with families or other personal responsibilities.

Cons:

• Limited control: As a CEO, a woman may not have the same control over the company’s direction as a founder. She is accountable to a board of directors and shareholders and must make decisions that are in the best interest of the company as a whole.
• Limited passion: Unlike a founder, a CEO may not have the same level of passion for the business. This can make it more difficult to motivate employees and drive innovation.
• Pressure: As the leader of an established company, a CEO is under significant pressure to deliver results. This can be stressful and challenging, especially during times of economic uncertainty.

Ultimately, a woman’s decision to pursue the role of founder or CEO will depend on her individual goals and priorities. Both paths can lead to success, but each comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. Women passionate about a particular business idea may find that starting their own company as a founder is the best choice. At the same time, those who prioritize work-life balance may be better suited for a CEO role.

Whatever path a woman chooses, the most important thing is to believe in herself and her abilities and to stay committed to her goals.

Share your thoughts in the comments below. Have you ever given this any consideration? We would love to hear your take.