Are You Ready to Step Into the CEO Role?

Take this quick self-assessment to see how you’re doing and what to do next. Rate yourself from 1 (Never) to 5 (Always) on the statements below. Feel free to print this page or note down the numbers in a notebook or on your phone.

Vision and Leadership

  1. I have a clear long-term vision for my business. ___
  2. I regularly share my vision with my team. ___
  3. I make decisions based on strategy, not just urgency. ___
  4. I prioritize business development over day-to-day tasks. ___
  5. I invest in my leadership growth (coaching, training, etc.). ___

Subtotal: ____ / 25

Finances and Metrics

  1. I know my numbers (revenue, profit margins, cash flow). ___
  2. I review financials at least monthly. ___
  3. I price my services for profitability, not affordability. ___
  4. I set and track financial goals annually or quarterly. ___
  5. I use data to make hiring, marketing, and pricing decisions. ___

Subtotal: ____ / 25

Operations and Team

  1. My business runs on repeatable systems and SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). ___
  2. I’ve delegated or outsourced admin tasks. ___
  3. I trust my team to manage projects and make decisions. ___
  4. We have clear roles and expectations across the team. ___
  5. We use project management tools to stay on track. ___

Subtotal: ____ / 25

Marketing and Brand Positioning

  1. We consistently market our business, even when busy. ___
  2. Our brand clearly reflects our style and values. ___
  3. We track ROI (Return on Investment) from marketing efforts and adjust accordingly. ___
  4. We attract ideal clients who align with our brand. ___
  5. I position myself as a thought leader in the industry. ___

Subtotal: ____ / 25

Time and Boundaries

  1. I spend most of my time in my zone of genius. ___
  2. I say no to opportunities that don’t align with our goals. ___
  3. I set and honor boundaries around my time and availability. ___
  4. I take regular time off without disrupting the business. ___
  5. I focus on high-leverage activities, not busywork. ___

Subtotal: ____ / 25

Scoring: Your CEO Readiness Level

100–125: You’re Ready!
You’re stepping into leadership and building a scalable, strategic business. Now it’s time to double down on growth and refine your systems.

75–99: Rising CEO
You’re on your way! You’ve made progress, but there are key areas where you’re still holding onto control or operating without clarity. Time to tighten up.

50–74: Creative Bottleneck
You’re wearing too many hats and doing too much manually. Delegation, planning, and strategy will help you reclaim time and build a stronger foundation.

Under 50: Shift Your Mindset
You’re still stuck in the weeds. It’s time to shift from reacting to leading. Consider coaching or mentorship to guide you through the next phase.

If you’re an interior design firm with annual revenues of $1M or more and you need a helping hand, book a complimentary discovery call with the Pearl Collective team. Let us help you reach your full potential!

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