How a Creator’s Identity Evolves Over Time

While sitting at the airport recently, I was reading one of Adam Grant’s inspiring Instagram posts, and this one really spoke to me as an entrepreneur and CEO.

I must say, this post basically sums up my last ten years of starting and running Careerminds, my first foray into entrepreneurship post-corporate HR life. . If I read this post in late 2008 when I was starting the company, I’m just not sure it would have the impact as it does now ten years later.

I’d like to briefly unpack each of the milestones listed in Grant’s post through the lens of a business leader, showcasing how it impacted me. I hope it can have the same impact on you.

Beginner: This Work Embarrasses Me 

 I recall distinctly how I felt when I started Careerminds, printed my business cards, and overnight had the title of Founder and CEO. It was like starting a new job with a new flashy job title. Let’s just say, the title Founder and CEO didn’t roll off my tongue as eloquently as Mark Zuckerberg. 

I spent my career in HR before starting Careerminds, so the thought of something new like this was terrifying. 

I remember feeling embarrassed  saying I’m the CEO of my company. I felt like I needed to prove it first before earning the title. I pressed on, though, and worked hard getting passed those uncomfortable feelings.

Intermediate: This Work Excites Me 

I entered the ‘intermediate’ step after we landed our first large account, reference-able client, and secured venture capital. The excitement you get from landing a big deal or having someone say great things about your business is a validation of your existence. If you work in a job, it’s like getting a positive performance review or recognition for a job well done. I remember feeling excited and driven to get the next and then the next.

This step is a great place to be whether you’re starting a new business or starting a new job. Up to this point, I’ve been faced with skepticism and naysayers, so getting to this point was a real feeling of accomplishment, particularly seeing the company grow, building out the team, and getting the business to break even.

Expert: This Work Defines Me 

You reach a point in your career or as a business owner where you are sought out for advice, guidance or expertise. I recall getting to a point where bloggers, writers, and journalists wanted to hear from me as an authority in my industry. It’s very flattering and a great confidence booster that cements  your place in the world.

I also think this was the beginning of the culture-building phase at our company where we created an environment of people who are all striving for the same mission. As Simon Sinek says best, “it’s your why.” I didn’t know my why in stage one, but it certainly became obvious over time.

Master: This Work Is an Expression of My Skills and Values, Not a Reflection of My Worth as a Person 

 I had to sit with this one for a while. Early on, I mentioned the struggle and stress of becoming a CEO overnight, feeling embarrassed about the work I was setting off to do. Well, ten years later, I realized that the Founder and CEO title is just a title. What became more important was what I did with that title. 

There are many people who, over their careers, get to this level of mastery and place more worth on the title, and not enough emphasis on the skills and values as an expression of the work. 

All in all, I hope my personal breakdown of Grant’s post shined a little more light on my journey and personal growth. I think he really hit the nail on the head. Here’s hoping that it caused more people to reflect as well. 

As always, I’d love to hear about your personal journey through these levels of mastery. If you have something to share, please drop a note in the comments.