"If I don’t see a change on your calendar, you haven’t transitioned to a CEO role."
A couple of months ago, on Darren Franks’ Talking Success show, we explored a question,
How would you use behavioral science to help a founder transition into the CEO role that’s often needed once the business gains traction?
“It’s simple,” I told him. “You define what being a CEO means (or ask ChatGPT to help). You identify the specific behaviors a CEO does. And then you put those behaviors on your calendar.”
In his book Blindspotting: How to See What’s Holding You Back as a Leader, Martin Dubin shares a similar perspective after working with countless leaders in transition:
“One of the most important things you can do is try to embody the new identity you are aiming to shift to, even if you’re not yet feeling it. Think about the changes that someone shifting identities would need to make, and then, one by one, make them. Start speaking up more in meetings, for instance. Take on a new initiative at work. Do whatever it is someone with that identity would be doing.”
That’s exactly what I’m doing right now, asking myself:
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Where to next?
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Who’s the person I need to become?
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What roles will I take on?
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And most importantly — what does this person have on their calendar?
Then I make the changes.
The shift can happen fast. In a year, you can live a life that looks 180° different - in what you do, who you spend time with, even the thoughts in your head.
A profoundly different life starts with a different you. And the simplest way to change you (not thinking about it)? - Adjust your calendar.
PS We live in an extraordinary moment in history. You can ask AI exactly what actions you’d need to take to live into your new identity that has your future. No guessing - just action.
So — if I opened your calendar today, would it tell me you’re still a founder… or already the CEO?