The Founders Trap: How the Best Builders Become the Biggest Bottleneck
Every founder eventually hits the same wall. The energy, instinct, and hands-on hustle that built the company start working against it. Decisions that used to feel effortless start to feel heavy, and the very drive that created success becomes the thing standing in the way of what comes next.
In this piece, Don Zinn, Senior Vice President of Executive Search at StevenDouglas, draws on his own experience as a founder and CEO to explore why the instinct to push harder or step back in is almost always the wrong one. The real answer isn’t becoming someone you’re not. It’s getting honest about your own superpower, and then getting precise about what needs to exist around you to do the rest.
For Business Council members navigating growth, scale, or a leadership transition, this is a candid look at the moment that defines what comes next.
More Member News
As it celebrates its centennial this year, Sarah Lawrence College is pleased to announce the latest expansion of its lifelong learning educational offerings with the launch of the College’s Center for Midlife and Meaning, which will begin offering programming in February 2027. Designed for adults in midlife and beyond who may be experiencing career changes, […]
Demonstrating its commitment to supporting internal growth, KDD Marketing has promoted Casey Morris to senior creative strategist. Morris, who joined the agency in September 2025, will guide the creative and strategic direction of campaigns, bringing ideas to life across digital and traditional platforms. “Over the past year, Casey has become an invaluable member of our […]
join WEDC in celebrating local business and success stories Wednesday, November 4, 6-8 pm at Reid Castle at Manhattanville University, Purchase, NY. Honoring 2026 Enterprising Woman Julie Chitiyo, Founder & CEO, A2Clean and 2026 Inspiring Author Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson, Partner, Thompson & Bender. Hosted by Tom Gabriel, President and CEO of United Way of Westchester and […]
Become A Member
Join the county’s largest and most influential business organization today.
JOIN NOW!
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.