The Most Founder Mode CEO Working Today Isn’t the Founder: Opendoor’s Kaz Nejatian

"Founder mode" demands that CEOs take absolute responsibility for outcomes rather than merely managing processes, often requiring a "re-founding" approach to reverse corporate stagnation. This leadership philosophy prioritizes truth and long-term value creation over short-term metrics or conventional management structures. By overriding societal defaults—such as traditional career paths or work-life balance norms—leaders can align their personal lives and family missions with their professional objectives. Kaz Nejatian, CEO of Opendoor and former Shopify CTO, exemplifies this by treating companies as exoskeletons of their leaders, emphasizing stewardship over status. Building enduring businesses requires a zero-discount rate on future outcomes and an aggressive, AI-native operational strategy. Ultimately, professional success stems from viewing one’s career as a personal craft and maintaining a relentless focus on solving problems for users rather than chasing stock price fluctuations.