IC work is the new career flex

Founder takeaway

Treat high-impact individual contribution as a first-class career path, not a step below management. Let people gain scope, recognition and rewards through exceptional work without requiring them to manage a team.

Why it matters

When advancement depends on becoming a manager, founders risk losing strong practitioners and creating reluctant leaders. A credible IC path can preserve expertise while matching roles to how people create the most value.

Relevant guides

Put it to work

Where does your career ladder equate advancement with managing more people, and how could you instead recognize greater IC impact, scope or influence?