Transition to Founder Mode: mindset & network as your real currency

Leaving corporate life behind and starting your own company is a transition people often describe as a “jump off a cliff.” I wouldn’t go that far. For me, it was less dramatic, more of a shift in perspective than a free fall. But one thing is certain: stepping into Founder Mode changes a lot.

When you’ve spent years in executive roles, you get used to clear responsibilities, large teams, buffers, and budgets that provide stability.

Suddenly, as a founder, you’re the product, the sales team, the finance department, and the back office, all rolled into one.
But It’s not about panic or chaos. It’s about embracing ownership in its purest form.

And here’s the twist: mindset alone won’t get you through. What really makes the difference is your network: the people you trust, and the ones who trust you.

A smooth start, but a real difference

In my case, founding wasn’t a shock. I had what I’d call a “warm start” into Founder Mode at VRdirect, where I served as Co-CEO. There, I already carried founder-like responsibilities: shaping strategy, driving sales & marketing, handling investor expectations. It was intense, but it already had a strong foundation when I joined.

When I founded Linelia, my very own consultancy, it was different. Suddenly, it wasn’t about us – it was about me. No larger entity, no safety net, no brand to hide behind. If I want clients, if I want results, it all comes down to my decisions and my ability to execute.

I think this is the point where many who leave corporate life feel like they’ve hit a wall. Because even if you’re used to leadership, Founder Mode is a different kind of ownership: there’s nowhere to hide and at first nearly no task to delegate.

Four mindset shifts that matter most

So what does it take to make this shift? I’ve boiled it down to four mindset changes that proved essential for me:

1. From Planning to Testing
   In corporate life, I loved detailed plans, scenarios, and decks. As a founder, plans are nice but they don’t win clients. Testing, iterating, and delivering quickly are what moves the needle.
2. From Perfection to Pragmatism
   I used to, or better said, was forced to spend weeks refining strategies, polishing campaigns, and aligning stakeholders. As a founder, “good enough” often beats “perfect.” If you don’t move, someone else will.
3. From Security to Resilience
   In corporate, you can fail and still get your paycheck. As a founder, every setback feels personal until you learn to reset fast. Resilience isn’t a motivational poster, it’s a survival skill.
4. From Hierarchy to Speed with Balance
   In Founder Mode, there’s no more waiting for approvals or hiding behind slow committees. You’re expected to move fast because if you don’t, opportunities vanish.
   But here’s the nuance: speed doesn’t mean being actionistic. Sometimes the real strength is saying: not now, let’s do it properly.

Mini-Hack: Write down your three non-negotiables. When speed and pressure tempt you to cut corners, those values keep you grounded.

Why network is your real currency

Let’s be honest: my first clients at Linelia didn’t come from marketing campaigns or fancy websites. They came from people I’d worked with, people who trusted me, people I had built honest connections with over years.

Your network becomes your most valuable asset. Skills and experience are important, but trust is what opens doors.

Network had always been important for me, but it became absolutely essential at the same time as one of the craziest shifts in my career:

I realized I had become the product.

At L’ORÈAL, EnBW, or even VRdirect, the “sale” was always about a product, a service, or a company brand. Now, as a consultant and interim manager, the client isn’t buying “something” – they are buying me.

At first, that felt deeply personal. Every unsuccessful negotiation felt like a rejection of who I was, not just what I offered. It took me a while to separate the two. My key learning: always keep it professional.

A client’s decision is about fit, timing, or needs, not about your worth as a person.

Once I internalized that, talking about my work and “selling myself” became far more natural.

And yes, it can feel really odd to talk about yourself. But as long as you stay authentic and don’t push too hard, it’s not arrogance, it’s connection.

Building and using a network authentically

The good news: building and using your network doesn’t need to feel manipulative or transactional. In fact, the opposite is true. Here’s my checklist for building an authentic network – ideally before becoming a founder:

• Invest before you need. Relationships grow over years, not weeks.
• Be transparent. Share openly where you stand and what you’re looking for.
• Talk about your work. Don’t hide, visibility is part of the game. Just keep it authentic and don’t be too pushy.
• Ask clearly. People like to help, but they need to know how.
• Give back. A network only works if value flows both ways.

Mini-Hack: Write down 10 people you could call tomorrow for sparring, feedback, or introductions. That small circle can shape your first 12 months as a founder more than any business plan.

Founder Mode is not a solo game

At the end of the day, Founder Mode is not about being the lone hero. It’s a mix of courage, habits, and the people around you. And one final lesson:

Don’t be afraid to be bold, be yourself, and also say no.

Learning to push back helps you focus on what really matters, deliver higher quality, and keep your mind clear during tough times.

With the right mindset and an authentic network, founder life shifts from survival mode to building something sustainable, something that reflects you, not just a job title. Hopefully. 😉

So, if you’d start tomorrow, who are the 5–10 people you’d call first? Because that circle, combined with your mindset, is what makes all the difference.

If you’re curious how I support organizations and founders in their own transformation journeys, you can find more about my work here: Linelia’s services

And of course, I’m always happy to hear from you. If you’d like to exchange ideas or explore how we might work together, feel free to reach out via my contact page.