When to Step Back as CEO | James Routledge, Founder of Sanctus

When to Step Back as CEO | James Routledge, Founder of Sanctus

Author: Dave Bailey August 25, 2021 Duration: 44:16

What would make a founder give up their role as CEO? My guest, James Routledge, is the founder of Sanctus—a company that offers coaching services to businesses to support employee mental health.

In this episode, James walks us through his decision to step back from the CEO role, he explains why he decided not to hire a COO, and we discuss how ego can lead us to unhappiness.

This is genuinely one of my favourite episodes, and a must-listen if you’re a CEO scaling your business.


Key links:

Sanctus website: https://sanctus.io/

James Routledge profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdroutledge1/

Dave Bailey profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davesuperman/


Key timestamps:

[02:29] How does it feel to see Sanctus scale?

[06:21] What techniques helped you develop self-awareness?

[09:24] What need does Sanctus address?

[13:36] Why did you step down as CEO?

[21:40] How to you separate the roles of CEO and founder?

[26:45] Why are VC-backed founders less likely to consider their own fulfilment?

[33:55] Why did you choose not to hire a COO?

[36:41] The gap in strategy and leadership in tech

[39:49] Quickfire questions


Thanks to Nabil and George for help researching the episode. 


Strategy is a core role of a scale-up CEO and key to a company's success. Yet many CEOs don't dedicate enough time and resource to it. If you'd like my help in clarifying your vision and strategy, apply for my Clarity Program.


Got feedback? Email us at podcast@foundercoach.co. And don't forget to hit follow/subscribe so you don't miss out on new episodes.


Behind the polished success stories and press releases, there's a messier, more human reality to building a company. The Founder Coach Podcast pulls back the curtain on that process. Hosted by Dave Bailey, a top CEO coach whose writing reaches millions of founders annually, these conversations get into the granular, often unspoken challenges that tech leaders face after the initial excitement fades. You’ll hear scale-up CEOs speak candidly, not about their victories, but about the difficult decisions, the personal doubts, and the operational grit involved in steering a growing business. Each episode feels like a private coaching session, focusing on pivotal moments like navigating the complexities that follow a Series A round-figuring out how to scale a team effectively, managing the relentless pressure of the board, and maintaining a clear vision amidst daily fires. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a series of raw, practical dialogues that reveal what the title of CEO actually demands day-to-day. For any entrepreneur or business leader who wants to learn from the real experiences of their peers, this podcast offers a rare and invaluable perspective. Dave facilitates a space where his guests can share the unvarnished truth, making each discussion a resource for anyone on the demanding path of leadership.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 22

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