Why Being a Peacetime CEO Isn't Easy | Will Read, CEO of Sideways 6 (Scale-up)

Why Being a Peacetime CEO Isn't Easy | Will Read, CEO of Sideways 6 (Scale-up)

Author: Dave Bailey March 17, 2021 Duration: 28:02

How easy is it to transition from 'wartime' to 'peacetime' as a CEO? Meet Will Read, CEO of Sideways 6—a company that helps companies capture big ideas from their employees.

In this episode, Will shares his capital-efficient approach to growth, we discuss the anxiety that comes with the CEO role, and explain why it's important to celebrate wins with your team.

We also unpack the transition from 'wartime' to 'peacetime' CEO—and why it's not as easy as you may think.

Key links:

Sideways 6 website: https://www.sideways6.com/careers

Will Read's profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wread/

Key timestamps:

[02:58] How did you adapt Sideway 6 as you scaled?

[05:49] Capital efficiency: How much did you raise?

[09:12] How did you reposition the business after Covid?

[11:24] Which of the experiments didn't work and which messaging has ended up working out for you?

[13:56] How is your corporate podcast coming along?

[16:21] Peacetime vs. wartime CEO

[19:30] The anxiety of strategy

[22:54] How do you exercise self-compassion as CEO?

[26:41] Celebrating your teams wins

Got feedback? Email us on 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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