Chief Everything Officer
When I first became a CEO, I quickly realised how little support there was for leaders of small organisations. The challenges were constant, the learning curve was steep, and the role often felt overwhelming. I began writing down the lessons I was learning along the way — partly to remind myself of what I’d figured out, and partly to have a guide I could return to when the next challenge arrived.
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Those notes slowly grew into a handbook. At first, it was just for me: a way of supporting my own growth as a leader. But I knew I wasn’t the only one navigating the pressures of being a Chief Everything Officer. Publishing it felt like a way to share what I had learned with others — especially those stepping into leadership for the first time or facing situations that felt new and daunting.
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The result is this: a field guide written by a small organisation leader, for small organisation leaders.
Handbook description
Small organisation leaders are less Chief Executive Officers, and more Chief Everything Officers. With tiny budgets and teams, they have huge responsibility and huge impact. More than 99% of UK companies and 96% of UK charities are classified as small organisations.
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‘Chief Everything Officer’ is a field guide for leaders of micro and small organisations. It covers all aspects of the role: from looking after yourself and avoiding burnout, to developing strategy and culture, through to planning succession and making a smooth handover.
It’s designed to be dipped in and out of — a practical reference guide you can turn to when a new challenge lands on your desk.
Contents
INTRODUCTION
- The role of a CEO
PART 1: INNER LIFE
- Know yourself
- Manage your stress
- Look after yourself
- A note on being good enough
- A note on being a young CEO
PART 2: CEO-ING
- Acquiring a new job
- Transitioning
- Strategy
- Culture
- Management
- Development
- Managing crises
PART 3: OPERATIONS
- Finance
- Compliance
- Income generation
- Managing risk
- Communications
PART 4: MOVING ON
- Succession planning
- Know when to leave
- Effective handover
