Obsession The Founder’s Secret Superpower
As a CEO, Founder, or business leader, you know the thrill of building something from nothing. You may have crossed the $10M revenue threshold, and your team is growing—maybe 20, 50, or even 100+ strong. But if you’re like many, growth isn’t as fast or as smooth as you’d like. You might be thinking about your next move: Should you double growth, redefine your role, or start planning for exit or succession?
What if the secret to unlocking your company’s next phase isn’t just strategy or process, but something deeper—obsession, or perhaps, fascination?
The Jimmy Fallon Effect: Obsession as a Path to Breakthrough
In a recent interview on The Diary of a CEO, Jimmy Fallon opened up about the relentless drive that fueled his rise. From his earliest days, Fallon was consumed by a single goal: to be on Saturday Night Live. He describes years of rejection, financial struggle, and mental exhaustion—yet, he kept pushing forward until the wall moved.
“I was beyond obsessed… Obsessed without a doubt. That was it. That was the pinnacle.”
Listen to the full interview: Diary of a CEO podcast
For reference to the quote above hear Jimmy explain his obsession from 28:05 to 37:09.
For those who find “obsession” too intense, consider “fascination”—a deep, enduring curiosity and commitment to your vision. Whether you call it obsession or fascination, it’s this single-minded focus that keeps you up at night, drives you to outwork, outthink, and outlast your competition, and ultimately separates good companies from truly great ones.
Founder-Led Companies: The Power of Relentless Focus
Fellow UNSW graduate, Tobias Yao, Portfolio Manager at Wilson Asset Management, echoes this sentiment on the Superhero: Sidekick podcast. He’s spent a decade studying founder-led companies and found that the most successful aren’t just passionate—they’re obsessed by their mission.
“Obsession, like the positive kind, you know. I just wanted a word that’s higher than passion because these guys and girls are obsessed with driving every aspect of the business.”
Listen the full interview: Superhero Sidekick podcast
For reference listen to Tobias from 3:53 to 5:45.
Yao’s research shows that founder-led companies outperform the market by about 10%, and that this relentless focus is a key driver of resilience, innovation, and long-term value creation. Founders with “skin in the game” and a singular focus on their vision are more likely to take bold risks, pivot when needed, and build businesses that customers and employees love.
So, what does this mean for you as a growing business leader?
Reignite Your Drive: Sometimes, growth stalls because the founder’s fire dims. Reconnect with what drove you in the beginning. What problem are you solving? Why does it matter?
Build for the Long Haul: Obsession isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Invest in systems, people, and culture that amplify your vision.
Think About Succession and Exit: Your relentless focus doesn’t have to end with you. The best founder-led companies plan for the future, whether that means developing future leaders, considering an exit, or redefining your role to focus on what you do best.
Spot the Red Flags: Obsession can turn into burnout or founder fallout if not managed. Know when to step back, delegate, or seek support.
The Bottom Line
Obsession, the kind that drove Jimmy Fallon to Saturday Night Live and that fuels the world’s most successful founder-led companies, can be your secret superpower. It’s the force that turns vision into reality, setbacks into breakthroughs, and good companies into legendary ones.
As you navigate your next chapter—whether that’s scaling, exiting, or redefining your role—remember: the most powerful asset you have is your own relentless, focused, and deeply personal commitment to making your vision a reality.
Ready to transform your obsession into sustainable, high-performance growth?
If you’re feeling the weight of your business on your shoulders, overwhelmed by rapid growth, or wondering how to step up your leadership as you prepare for your next move, you don’t have to go it alone. I help visionary leaders like you build businesses that feel as good as they perform—through executive coaching, leadership workshops, and tailored strategy projects designed to unlock your full potential and drive lasting success
Let’s unlock your superpower!
