When I started consulting with founders and startups, something became very noticeable:
Many founders wear too many hats — not because they want to, but because they think they have to.

There’s pride in being scrappy. But there’s also a hidden cost in trying to do it all:

  • Spending too much time on tasks outside of your zone of genius

    ➡️ According to a McKinsey survey (2023), startup founders who spend more than 30% of their time on operational tasks

  • Missed strategic opportunities because you’re too busy in the weeds
    ➡️ Let to 45% slower growth than those who delegate effectively.

  • Burnout
    ➡️ Founders working 60+ hours per week are 2.5x more likely to experience decision fatigue and reactive leadership patterns (Harvard Business Review, 2022).

  • Slower growth
    ➡️ 73% of startups that fail cite scaling and operational mismanagement as a key factor (CB Insights).

  • Hidden Costs
    ➡️ Average cost to hire and onboard an operations manager ranges from $4,200 to $6,800 per employee (Gartner).

Founders are natural problem-solvers. But sometimes, that instinct to tackle every problem yourself becomes your biggest bottleneck. I've met founders who spent more time troubleshooting HR software than pitching investors.

What I’ve learned?
You scale when you focus on what only you can do — and let trusted experts handle the rest.

What works:

  • Outsourcing operational complexity to fractional experts reduces overhead by up to 40% (Deloitte Global Outsourcing Survey, 2023).

  • Companies that delegate administrative and compliance tasks report 31% faster time-to-market for new initiatives (PwC Future of Work Report).

Here is an example in action: A Phoenix-based healthtech startup outsourced HR and compliance through Lane B. Within 9 months, they reduced internal admin work by 30%, saved $120K in overhead costs, and redirected resources to product development and sales acceleration.

Let’s get practical:

  1. Track where your time goes for two weeks.

  2. Identify tasks that don’t generate revenue or strategic value.

  3. Start with one outsourced function and measure results.

  4. Regularly re-assess: what’s your highest and best use?

Here is the kicker, just in case you missed it: At Lane B, our mission is to help founders shed that operational load. Not just to save money but to give you time and clarity to lead.

👉 Scaling isn’t about doing more — it’s about focusing on what only you can do and letting experts handle the rest.

➡️ What’s the task you know you should delegate? I’d love to hear your story — drop a comment or DM!

Keep reading

No posts found