In this Leadership Bite episode, Theresa Cantley speaks directly to Main Street business owners and founders who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or trapped in survival mode. She explains that while external factors like the economy, staffing challenges, and industry trends may influence a business, real leadership growth begins internally.
Theresa introduces four leadership styles she commonly sees in founder-led businesses:
The Craft Master – Leaders deeply connected to their craft who stay in the weeds of daily operations and struggle to step into mentorship, delegation, and vision-driven leadership.
The Firefighter – Leaders who spend most of their time putting out fires, fixing problems, and managing conflict, leaving little space for strategic thinking or long-term growth.
The Greatest Showman – Creative leaders with constant ideas who focus on momentum and appearance while neglecting foundational systems, processes, and execution.
The Idea King or Queen – Visionary leaders who understand strategy but try to implement everything themselves, often overloading teams and overcomplicating the business.
Theresa closes the episode with four reflective questions—one for each leadership style—designed to help leaders simplify, empower their teams, release past limitations, and reconnect with their core mission.
Final Leadership Reflection
Leadership is not about doing more—it’s about letting go. By releasing past experiences, simplifying focus, and leading from the inside out, Main Street business owners can move beyond survival mode and create meaningful impact for their teams, communities, and businesses.
BOOK A C-SUITE SNAPSHOT:
If you’re ready to uncover the blind spots in your business and get the results you want, book a C-Suite Snapshot with me. We’ll take one hour together to uncover the things that are breaking down and create a personalized plan for the next 60 to 90 days to move the needle. Book a C-Suite Snapshot with Theresa
BOOK A COFFEE CHAT:
Book a free virtual coffee chat with me and let’s talk through where you’re stuck, your business needs, and how we can start building a stronger foundation for you and your team. Schedule a Virtual Coffee with Theresa
