Being a ‘BOSS’
Being a business owner is not for the faint of heart. It’s a journey filled with challenges, growth, and “What on earth am I doing?” moments. But it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever take on.
As someone who has owned a clothing business, now runs a social media marketing company, and is both a daughter and wife to business owners (no shortage of ‘biz talk’ in this family), I’ve learned a lot about what it means to lead.
So, I thought I’d share my two cents on what it takes to be a business owner and, more importantly, a boss. Not the trendy “I’m a boss” vibe—this is about being responsible for actual humans who rely on you, whether you’re a business owner, team leader, manager, or coach.
Wearing All the Hats (And Sometimes Feeling Like You’re Wearing None)
In the beginning, you’re wearing every hat imaginable:
- Marketing: Figuring out how to get people to care about what you’re selling.
- Sales: Convincing them to actually buy it.
- Operations: Making sure it all runs smoothly.
- Accounting: Counting your pennies (and occasionally wondering where they all went).
Eventually, you can hand off some of these roles to others, but at the start, it’s all on you. And trust me, Googling “How to write an employee contract that contains all the things it should” at midnight is a humbling experience.
The Human Side of Leadership
Here’s the thing no one tells you: Being a boss isn’t just about running the show; it’s about leading people. And people? They’re beautifully complex. They’ve got emotions, unique ways of learning, and quirks that make them, well, human.
This is where things can get tricky. You can’t treat everyone the same way. One team member might thrive with detailed instructions, while another will excel if you give them room to run with an idea. You have to be flexible and adjust your approach because your team members are not robots (this blog was written in 2025, so if your employees are in fact robots now, please disregard).
Think about your past bosses. You probably remember the ones who inspired you just as much as the ones who made you want to fake a sick day. Being a great leader isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about understanding your people and creating a space where they can do their best work.
Leading with Integrity and a Whole Lot of Care
I can’t stress this enough: Leading with integrity and genuine care is non-negotiable. Integrity means doing the right thing, even when it’s inconvenient (yes, even if it means admitting you messed up).
Caring leadership is about showing up for your people. It’s recognizing their wins, listening when they’re struggling, and giving them the tools they need to succeed. And yes, sometimes it’s about letting someone vent while you nod empathetically and think, I totally get it.
My Leadership Style (A Work in Progress)
Over time, I’ve come up with a few leadership principles that work for me:
- Empathy: Everyone’s juggling something—at work and in life. A little kindness goes a long way.
- Clarity: Miscommunication is the enemy. Be clear about what you need and what success looks like.
- Support: Give your team the tools, encouragement and recognition they need and deserve, then watch them shine.
When you lead with these in mind, you create an environment where people actually want to show up and do great work.
The Ripple Effect Is Real
Here’s the deal: How you treat your team doesn’t just stay in-house. If your employees are unhappy, it’s going to show—whether it’s in their work or in the way they interact with your clients. That’s why focusing on your team’s well-being isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s a must-have.
As Richard Branson puts it, “Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.”
Let’s Talk About It
Being a business owner and leader isn’t all sunshine and Instagrammable coffee meetings. It’s messy, challenging, and full of lessons you never saw coming. But it’s also deeply fulfilling.
This is a conversation I’m passionate about—whether it’s helping other business owners, supporting under appreciated employees, running workshops, or just chatting over coffee (preferably somewhere that offers lattes or cappuccinos, because that’s my vibe).
Whether you’re the “Boss” or working for one, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the environment you’re creating—or experiencing—every day. As a leader, how are you prioritizing the well-being and growth of your team? Are you leading with integrity, empathy, and genuine care? And if you’re an employee, how do you feel valued, supported, and motivated in your role?
Leadership is a two-way street. The way you lead or follow can shape the culture, success, and happiness within your workplace. So, I challenge you to ask yourself: What can you do today to make your work environment better—for yourself and those around you?
In one to a few words, what do YOU think makes a great boss?
At Studio Ninety, we understand that being a great boss means juggling countless responsibilities while creating a supportive and thriving environment for your team. That’s why our services, from social media management to branding, are designed to take some of the weight off your shoulders so you can focus on the things that make your business yours. Whether you need help amplifying your message, streamlining your online presence, or connecting with your audience in meaningful ways, we’re here to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and care. Learn more about our services and how we can partner with you to lighten your load and empower your leadership journey.
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ABOUT THIS POST
This post is written by Jess Rickus – CEO and Founder of Studio Ninety. She specializes in social media and brand strategy design, creating original and impactful solutions for entrepreneurs.