CEO CHECKLIST

By Eric Partaker

STRATEGIC DIRECTION

• Refresh 3-year vision & clear measurable north-star goals.
• Validate business model against market shifts every qtr.
• Prioritize top 3 growth bets and kill distractions.
• Share strategy widely so everyone knows the game.
• Track progress with quarterly goals and adjust fast.
• Pressure-test assumptions with mentors, peers & clients.
• Align pricing, product roadmaps & resources with vision.
• Celebrate wins that move the company toward goals.
• Map competitive landscape and moot twice a year.

REVENUE ENGINE

• Map ideal customer profile and refine yearly.
• Build repeatable sales process with clear stage exits.
• Track pipeline health weekly and remove stale deals.
• Invest in high-ROI marketing channels, pause low ones.
• Review pricing and packaging each quarter for margin.
• Upsell & cross-sell existing customers with tailored offers.
• Model revenue forecasts monthly & stress test downside.
• Align sales, marketing and product on growth targets.
• Celebrate frontline wins reinforcing revenue culture.

CASH & CAPITAL

• Maintain 13-week cash forecast and update weekly.
• Keep at least 3 months operating cash runway.
• Review gross margin drivers and cut hidden costs.
• Negotiate favorable payment terms with suppliers early.
• Collect receivables fast, enforce clear credit policies.
• Monitor burn rate versus growth plan each month.
• Secure flexible credit line before needing extra cash.
• Evaluate capital-raise scenarios yearly w/ dilution math.
• Tie investment decisions to expected payback periods.

TEAM & CULTURE

• Hire for attitude, coach for skills.
• Define clear roles, expectations, and career paths.
• Hold weekly one-on-ones focusing on support & feedback.
• Document core values and live them daily.
• Share financials openly to build ownership mindset.
• Celebrate wins and learn quickly from misses.
• Offer continuous learning budget for every employee.
• Address toxic behavior swiftly and transparently.
• Review compensation against market twice a year.

SCALABLE OPERATIONS

• Map key processes and remove manual handoffs.
• Implement step-by-step playbooks for every team.
• Automate recurring tasks to reduce error and cost.
• Set service-level targets on track daily performance.
• Review supply-chain risks and diversify suppliers.
• Choose systems that integrate, avoid data silos.
• Hold improvement workshops each qtr for fresh ideas.
• Monitor unit economics per product and customer.
• Maintain lean inventory using reliable demand forecasts.

CUSTOMERS & RETENTION

• Define clear onboarding journey & time-to-value targets.
• Assign success manager for every key account.
• Track net retention and churn monthly.
• Collect feedback using surveys and direct conversations.
• Share product roadmap updates to deepen loyalty.
• Build self-serve center reducing support tickets.
• Run quarterly business reviews with top customers.
• Act on churn signals before contracts cancel.
• Reward referrals with simple, compelling incentives.

TECHNOLOGY & DATA

• Document tech stack & eliminate redundant tools yearly.
• Ensure systems share data through simple connectors.
• Track key metrics on live dashboards everyone sees.
• Backup data automatically and test restores quarterly.
• Enforce single sign-on and strong password policies.
• Review cybersecurity posture with external audit yearly.
• Invest in automation to scale without extra headcount.
• Sunset legacy tools that slow development or support.

RISK & COMPLIANCE

• Keep current register on financial, legal, ops threats.
• Establish incident-response plan and run drills annually.
• Maintain proper insurance coverage, review limits yearly.
• Stay current on tax laws and filing deadlines.
• Monitor data-privacy rules impacting customer data.
• Enforce segregation of duties to reduce fraud risk.
• Protect intellectual property with trademarks & patents.
• Vet vendors for security and compliance standards.
• Report key risks to board or advisors quarterly.

BRAND & MARKET PRESENCE

• Clearly unique value proposition that resonates with ICP.
• Keep visual identity consistent across every channel.
• Publish thought-leadership content that solves ICP pains.
• Encourage team to amplify brand on social media.
• Track share of voice and sentiment quarterly.
• Gather customer stories and post case studies regularly.
• Speak at industry events to boost credibility.
• Monitor competitor messaging & adjust positioning.
• Respond to public feedback promptly and politely.

LEADERSHIP & SELF-MASTERY

• Block weekly reflection time to review wins and misses.
• Seek mentorship or coaching for tough decisions.
• Read one business book or podcast monthly.
• Be transparent in communication, especially in setbacks.
• Delegate outcomes, not tasks, to develop leaders.
• Solicit upward feedback and act on themes.
• Protect personal health (sleep, exercise, and family time).
• Model company values even under pressure.

BOARD & ADVISORS

• Build diverse board w/ financial, product, industry experts.
• Send concise board packs at least 5 days prior.
• Highlight decisions needed, not just updates, in meetings.
• Track board action items and close the loop.
• Meet advisors between meetings for candid guidance.
• Use independent directors to challenge blind spots.
• Review board composition annually as company evolves.
• Compensate advisors fairly with cash or equity.

EXIT & LONG-TERM OPTIONS

• Clarify personal goals (grow forever, sell, or step back).
• Keep clean financials and contracts for due diligence.
• Track valuation drivers and improve multiples steadily.
• Build middle management to reduce owner dependency.
• Explore strategic partnerships that could be acquirers.
• Understand buyer types: strategic, financial, or employee.
• Document processes to show transferable operations.
• Review estate and tax planning with professionals.

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