I used to resent creating presentations for “higher” authorities (VCs, Execs, Board etc). I felt like it was just a necessary and painful evil trying to get them to understand what I already knew. A distraction. It didn't help that my anxiety made such reporting extremely difficult for me personally.

I came to realize, however, that ensuring that you think through your tactics and strategy through the lens of a good leadership team forces you to get very clear (in your own mind, and amongst the operational team) about what you're doing, why you're doing it, what you're measuring and the cadence at which you're executing.

Done correctly, it can ensure that…

a) You don't get caught doing too many urgent things at the expense of important things

b) Your efforts ladder up to a larger strategic vision that drives the right business outcomes.

c) Your team has clarity about what's going on and why - helping them make the right day-to-day decisions as part of the larger context.

So embrace the accountability and discipline that comes from having a strong board or executive team. Lean into the process - not just as one of satisfying leadership, but rather as one that helps you to crystalize and clarify everyone's thinking for shared success.