A Founder & CEO can’t rely solely on what they hear inside their own organization. Strong leadership requires the ability to build a Proprietary Network & Ecosystem outside the company to gain market knowledge, intelligence, and perspective. 

A Founder develops relationships across a broad external ecosystem, including competitors, outside executives, market research firms, publications, consultants, industry analysts, investment bankers, think tanks, academic institutions, executive search firms, and private equity firms. They gain market access, cultivate relationships, and gather knowledge that can be tested against what they are hearing internally from product development, direct reports, sales, finance, investors, and others.

The value isn't simply in having a large network. It is in using external knowledge and facts to challenge assumptions, test internal perspectives, and make better decisions. A Founder doesn't allow the organization to become isolated into an echo chamber.

The Litmus Test: Does the Founder only drink the internal Kool-Aid? Can they successfully use external knowledge and facts to balance against internal agendas?

Proprietary Network & Ecosystem is one of nine critical competencies to consider when asking the bigger question: Do you have what it takes to be CEO of your business?

Read more to explore the other competencies and see how you measure up against the Founder performance bar.