April 17, 2025

#56 - The Realities of Running a 9-Figure Business: The Highs and Lows of Being a CEO and Entrepreneur

Show Notes

Is being a CEO really worth the stress?

In this week's episode, I'm joined by Mark McDermott, Co-Founder and CEO of ScreenCloud, a thriving SaaS business generating 8 figures in annual recurring revenue (ARR). We discuss the realities of being a CEO and entrepreneur, exploring the real challenges, emotional highs, and personal growth that come with leading a successful business.

The conversation covers crucial topics such as the loneliness of leadership, handling criticism, and the pressure of maintaining a strong facade for both your team and customers.

We also explore the reality of raising funds, the moments that tested his resilience, and the personal strategies used to cope with stress and maintain mental health. From the emotional toll of investor pitching to the challenges and rewards of driving innovation in the digital signage industry, this episode offers an honest look at the day-to-day demands of being leading a successful business.

Ideal for:

Aspiring CEOs and entrepreneurs
Business leaders scaling their companies
Innovators in the SaaS and tech industries
Individuals interested in resilience, mental health, and leadership
Those seeking to understand the day-to-day realities of running a successful business

Timestamps:

01:32 The Loneliness of Leadership

07:10 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

14:30 The CEO's Role

20:03 The Importance of In-Person Interaction

25:45 Adapting to Remote Work and AI

29:14 The Importance of Clock Speed in Business

34:46 The Origin Story of ScreenCloud

37:30 Challenges and Solutions in Digital Signage

48:50 Expanding to the US Market

53:43 Raising Angel Investment

57:47 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Pressure