Update: No CEOs here (maybe a CCC)
by Joey
5 10 2007One of the many fun things about starting your own company is that you get to make up a title for yourself. Publicly traded companies officially have to have CEOs, etc., but private companies like Greater>Than have no such constraint. The founders of Cranium Inc., for example - Richard Tait and Whit Alexander - call themselves the Grand Poo-bah and Chief Noodler, respectively.
I’ve been searching for something a little more descriptive of what I want my role in the company to be. Ideally, it should be fairly general, as I plan to have a presence in many of our operations, even long term. But, although I am and will continue to be an owner/leader, I never want to position myself as a “boss”. I’m not “bossy”. 
So here’s my draft title: Chief Creativity Enabler
I like it because it clearly shows that our priority as a company is to give people an outlet to do the sort of work that they want to do. We are a platform for creative work, and my job as a leader is to make sure that the platform is as functional as possible. Of course, not all of my work is going to contribute directly to enabling the creativity of other people. I’m thinking here about development or sales activities, the more “businessy” stuff I have to do to make the company successful. I think the title covers this side of my role as well, reminding everyone (including especially myself) that building the business is necessary because it will allow us to enable more creativity, and not the other way around.
What do you think? Over-explained and hopelessly cheesy? Heavy handed compared to your more succinct idea? The perfect title for such a visionary genius? Let me know (or let me have it) in the comments.
Update: After some great discussion in the comments (thanks Sarah!), I’ve decided to revise my title. I think the revision still encompass the points above, but it adds an extra dimension. Here it is: Chief Creativity Catalyst. A catalyst assists in a chemical reaction by speeding it up or making it happen more efficiently, but the reaction can happen without it. I think that’s an apt metaphor, since one of our base assumptions is that there is a lot of latent creativity out there. We want to help people discover or re-awaken their creative sides, but the call to create is innate.
I like it. A ‘business’ title that actually ‘means’ something. Nice work. I need to work on a title of my own now.
I like it, but what about Chief Creativity Promoter (CCP)? I think enabler sounds a little passive, where a promoter of creativity is active - like you are!
I also feel that ‘promoter’ speaks about the includer in you as well. I’m curious to hear your thoughts!
Thanks for the feedback, Sarah.
I think you’re on to something with the more active phrasing. We want to be partners in creativity. To me, though, the word “promoter” has an unfortunate connotation. I think of a promoter as slick to the point of dishonesty, someone who works harder on the sale than the product.
What do you think? Is that just me?
What about Chief Creativity Booster, since that could mean “amplifier”, “fan”, or “promoter” (in the good sense)?
I don’t want to ‘overdo’ this, but I believe in Greater>than and think this title will be a part of you for awhile, so…I’m concerned that Booster might sound a little too juvenile. However, I completely understand ‘promoter’s’ having negative connotations. How about Chief Creativity Advocate?
Hey, don’t worry about “overdoing” it. This company is all about constructive debate.
I think “Advocate” definitely sounds more professional than “Booster”, but it loses the partnership connotation.
Ok, I think I have something here: Chief Creativity Catalyst. A catalyst assists in and speeds up a reaction but the reaction could happen without it. Plus, it generally has a “making things happen” feel.
What do you think?
Love it! That seems to capture the spirit of your role perfectly! I’m excited, you are the first Chief Creativity Catalyst I’ve had the pleasure of constructively debating with.
nice meeting you guys (at thread in seattle). other than ‘owner,’ i gave myself the title of ‘dr tim garrison: grand master of science and development.’
i figure it sums everything up that i have to do for my small business.