The Accidental CEO: What No One Prepares You For
You Didn’t Plan to Become a CEO—and That’s Normal
Most small business owners didn’t wake up one day and say, “I want to be a CEO.”
They followed a skill. A passion. An opportunity.
And somewhere along the way, they became responsible for decisions that affected income, reputation, employees, and clients.
I call this becoming an Accidental CEO.
It’s a position many people step into without training, preparation, or a roadmap—yet they’re expected to lead, plan, and perform at a high level anyway.
What Catches Accidental CEOs Off Guard
After decades in business, I’ve seen the same surprises show up again and again:
You’re never really “off”
Every mistake costs time or money
Leadership decisions feel personal
The business can’t outgrow you unless you grow
In The Small Business CEO’s Playbook, I share how my own path into leadership wasn’t linear—and why that’s important. Experience teaches you that running a business isn’t just about what you do; it’s about how you think.
The Shift That Changes Everything
At some point, every Accidental CEO must make a choice:
Continue reacting…
Or start leading.
Leadership doesn’t mean knowing everything. It means taking responsibility for direction, priorities, and outcomes—even when the answers aren’t obvious.
One of the most important realizations I’ve had is this:
If you don’t intentionally lead your business, circumstances will lead it for you.
CEOs Are Built, Not Born
You don’t need an MBA to think like a CEO.
You need awareness, discipline, and a willingness to stop operating purely on instinct.
When you begin thinking like a CEO:
Decisions become clearer
Boundaries become easier
Growth becomes intentional
That’s when the business stops running you.
Final Thought
Becoming an Accidental CEO isn’t a flaw—it’s common.
Staying one is optional.
Book & Speaking Invitation
This topic connects directly to Chapter 1: How This Happened in The Small Business CEO’s Playbook, where I share how real-world experience shapes leadership far more than theory.
This is also a frequent topic in my keynotes and leadership workshops, especially for entrepreneurs transitioning from “doing the work” to leading the business.
👉 If you didn’t plan to become a CEO, this is how you grow into one.
