Every CEO of a growing company faces a tough decision: do you delay a product launch to polish it...
As CEOs, we often balance two competing desires: the respect of our peers and the loyalty of our customers. In a recent Wisdom From Wizards conversation, Jennifer Schielke, CEO at Summit Group Solutions, offered a simple yet powerful reminder: admiration is earned through service.
When asked whether she’d rather build a company admired by peers or loved by customers, Jennifer didn’t hesitate.
“If you build a company that is admired by peers, that’s a good thing. But ultimately, serving your customers is what’s most important. Your customers will determine your success - keep them happy, serve them well.”
It’s a truth many leaders know but few prioritize when growth accelerates. Peer recognition can feel validating - awards, conferences, media mentions - but none of that sustains a business the way deep customer trust does. Admiration is a reflection of impact; it follows those who create value.
For CEOs, that’s a critical takeaway. Focus first on the experience, the reliability, and the empathy you deliver to customers. The admiration of your peers will eventually become a byproduct of that consistency.
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