A Founder's 0 to 1: What's Your Execution Style?

From military precision to organized chaos. Why different execution styles work, and how to find yours.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. “No such thing as a unique thought. Only unique execution.” Ideas are a dime a dozen. And with the advent of AI, outsourced talent, and access to information, the notion of a proprietary moat is dead. Execution is the edge.

Execution is like style. There’s lots of trending items, but only one unique style. It’s not what you buy (i.e., the idea) but how you wear it (i.e., execution). It’s the same in startup land.

This article explores the various founder execution styles—from military precision to organized chaos. Which one are you? Take the Quiz HERE.

The General: Orderly + Fast

Summary: Leads with structure and speed, keeping teams aligned and moving efficiently.

Key Attributes: Decisive, highly organized, clear communicator; excels at rapid execution but can be rigid.

Ideal Work Environment: High-growth, late-stage startups with clear resources and defined roles (e.g., scaling operations in later stage enterprise SaaS).

The Architect: Orderly + Deliberate

Summary: Plans meticulously, building systems and strategies before acting.

Key Attributes: Strategic, detail-oriented, methodical; reliable but slower to act, may overanalyze.

Ideal Work Environment: Early-stage startups or complex product/tech builds that value long-term planning (e.g., biotech, deep-tech, enterprise software).

The Artist: Chaotic + Deliberate

Summary: Combines creativity with intentional experimentation.

Key Attributes: Visionary, innovative, reflective; produces unique outcomes but can overcomplicate or slow down execution.

Ideal Work Environment: Early stage VC, where research meets intuition, or innovation labs that reward experimentation and originality.

The Hacker: Chaotic + Fast

Summary: Thrives in uncertainty, improvising solutions quickly.

Key Attributes: Agile, risk-tolerant, adaptive; great at rapid iteration but may get bored quickly.

Ideal Work Environment: Startups or product discovery testing where speed and iteration are key (e.g., early-stage tech).

Conclusion: Finding Your Zone of Execution

The leap from 0 to 1 is the hardest part of building. Somehow, once you’ve crossed it, going from 1 to 100 feels less daunting. That first step matters most, so it helps to know how you get there.

No one operates the same way in every environment. The General in a scaling startup might feel unstoppable, while the Artist in a highly structured team could feel constrained. Sometimes we adapt—but understanding your execution style helps you see where you naturally thrive, make the most impact, and play to your strengths.

Lean into the conditions that bring out your best. You’ll move more efficiently, create stronger foundations, and enjoy the journey way more.