In this job, you will work with people you don’t like. It’s inevitable — co-founders, board members, investors. Strong personalities. Big egos. Some will be difficult. Some will be outright assholes.

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🧠 But you’re not paid to be friends. You’re paid to deliver results.

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Here’s how I handle it:

1. Don’t Rush to Judgment ⏳

   • First impressions lie. I’ve worked with people I thought were toxic — six months later, they were trusted allies. And the reverse is true too. Give it time. Stay neutral until you have data.

2.  Respect > Likeability 📊

   • You don’t need to like someone to work with them. But if there’s no mutual respect — for judgment, values, or competence — the wheels fall off. Respect builds trust. Trust builds outcomes.

3.  Anchor Everything in Execution 🎯

   • You’re not building a friendship. You’re building a business. Shared goals are your common ground. Align around results. Focus on what matters: performance, capital efficiency, and winning.

4. Overinvest in the Relationship 🛠️

   • Be the one who shows up first. Take the call. Follow up. Do the extra 10%. Relationships at this level are rarely 50/50. The best CFOs put in 60 and don’t keep score.

5. Know When It’s a Red Flag 🚩

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Dislike isn’t fatal. But no respect, no trust, and no progress? That’s not a challenge — it’s a signal. If you’re surrounded by people you don’t believe in, you’re in the wrong room.

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📌 Net-net: You don’t have to like everyone at the table. But if you want to be a world-class CFO, you need to play well with power — and win on execution.

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If you're building something big, chemistry is a bonus. Alignment is a requirement.