Beyond the Trend: A CEO's 5 Rules for Living Your 'Main Character Era' for Real
Image from the movie “Clueless“
The term "main character era" is everywhere, and for good reason. It’s a perfect shorthand for the desire to stop being a passive spectator in your own life and start directing the narrative. It’s a feeling, a vibe, an aesthetic.
But feelings fade and aesthetics change. A CEO knows that to create lasting change, you need more than a mood board—you need a strategy.
The difference between wanting to be the main character and actually being one is execution. It’s the conscious, daily practice of making decisions that align with the story you want to tell. This isn't about pretending to be in a movie; it's about building a life so intentional and purpose-driven that it could be one.
If you’re ready to move beyond the trend, here are the five non-negotiable rules I live by.
Rule 1: Write a Mission Statement, Not Just a Vibe
A "vibe" is passive. A mission is active. A vibe is how you feel; a mission is what you do. The first step to becoming the main character is to define your plot. What is your story about? Vague goals like "be successful" or "live a fabulous life" are a recipe for drifting. A mission is your anchor.
The CEO's Take: Instead of "my vibe is 'girl boss'," try "my mission is to build companies that solve X problem" or "my mission is to create platforms that empower women." A mission is a filter for every decision you make. If an opportunity doesn't serve the mission, it's a distraction from your plot.
Rule 2: Curate Your Inner Circle Like a Board of Directors
The people you surround yourself with are either co-writers of your success story or editors who cut out all your best scenes. The main character is fiercely protective of their energy and seeks out allies who provide counsel, challenge their blind spots, and champion their vision.
The CEO's Take: Audit your inner circle. Who is on your "personal board of directors"? You need a 'CFO' who gives you honest financial advice, a 'CMO' who cheers on your personal brand, and a 'COO' who helps you execute. Friends, family, mentors—give them a role. And anyone who consistently drains your energy or doubts your core mission? Their term on the board has expired.
Rule 3: Master the "Graceful No" as a Strategic Asset
Every "yes" you give is a "no" to something else—often, a "no" to your own priorities. Main characters understand their most valuable, non-renewable resource is their time and energy. They don't give it away to subplots that don't serve the main story.
The CEO's Take: Stop seeing "no" as a confrontation and start seeing it as a strategic allocation of assets. A graceful "no" is one of the most powerful tools in a leader's kit. My go-to script: "Thank you so much for thinking of me for this. It sounds like a fantastic opportunity, but my current priorities require my full focus. I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines." It's respectful, firm, and non-negotiable.
Rule 4: Define Your "Uniform" to Win the Day
Think of any iconic main character, real or fictional. They have a signature look. Steve Jobs had the turtleneck. Audrey Hepburn had her little black dress. This isn't about vanity; it's about brand consistency and reducing decision fatigue.
The CEO's Take: Your "uniform" is the visual language of your personal brand. It’s the outfit that makes you feel most powerful, most yourself. By defining it—whether it's sharp blazers, classic denim, or bold colors—you eliminate daily guesswork and show up with a consistent, confident identity. You save your precious mental energy for the decisions that actually matter.
Rule 5: Stop Asking for Permission to Execute
Supporting characters wait for their cue. Main characters drive the scene forward. In your career and life, there's a huge difference between seeking advice and seeking permission. The former is smart; the latter is a surrender of your power.
The CEO's Take: Adopt the "ask for forgiveness, not permission" mindset. This doesn't mean being reckless. It means doing your research, trusting your gut, and taking the calculated risk. Launch the project. Send the email. Book the ticket. If you wait for everyone to approve, you'll be waiting forever. Own your decisions and their outcomes. That's what a leader does.
Being the main character isn’t an aesthetic you adopt. It’s the result of a series of intentional, strategic decisions you make every single day. The story is already being written. It’s time to pick up the pen.
