In the early days of building Xcitemy, Amanda Tirado made one of the biggest mistakes that many first-time entrepreneurs fall into – trying to do everything alone. She believed that by having control over every aspect of the business, she could ensure quality, branding, and execution. However, what she didn’t realize at the time was that this approach was actually holding the business back.
For many entrepreneurs, especially those breaking into a competitive market, delegation can feel like losing control. But the truth is, learning to let go and trust others with areas outside their expertise is one of the most powerful steps toward sustainable business growth.
CEOs who master the art of delegation see a significant boost, up to 33% more in revenue.
The best leaders understand that they can’t do everything alone, so they focus on empowering their teams to take on tasks that match their strengths. This not only builds confidence among employees but also lifts team morale and boosts productivity. By letting go of smaller responsibilities, these CEOs free up their time to focus on big-picture strategies that drive company growth and deliver real results.
The Challenge of Doing It All
When Xcitemy was first launched, Amanda Tirado was deeply involved in every aspect of the business – product development, marketing, logistics, customer service, and administrative tasks. Like many founders, she believed that no one else would care about her vision as much as she did. But as the company started to grow, she quickly found herself stretched too thin. Instead of focusing on high-impact strategies, she was drowning in day-to-day operations, leaving little room for innovation and long-term planning.
One of the biggest turning points came when she realized that trying to do everything alone wasn’t a sign of dedication, it was a bottleneck. Her time and energy were being pulled in too many directions, preventing her from focusing on the things that truly mattered. If Xcitemy was to scale, she had to build a strong team and trust them to execute.
Finding the Right People
Letting go is not about blindly handing off responsibilities, it’s about surrounding oneself with a team that shares the vision and values of the company. One of the most valuable lessons Amanda learned was the importance of hiring people who were not only skilled but also passionate about the company’s mission.
She was fortunate to have mentors who guided her in identifying the right people for key roles. Instead of focusing solely on qualifications, she looked for individuals who brought fresh perspectives, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to excellence. Finding the right team members meant she could step away from micromanaging and instead focus on empowering them to make decisions confidently.
Delegation as a Growth Strategy
Once Amanda began to trust her team, everything changed. Instead of spending hours trying to master every aspect of the business, she could redirect her focus to leadership, strategy, and innovation. Delegation became a secret weapon for growth.
Focusing on Core Strengths
By handing off tasks outside her expertise, she was able to dedicate more time to what she does best: product innovation and brand strategy.
Fostering a Culture of Ownership
When people are given responsibility and trusted to make decisions, they take ownership of their roles. This leads to higher engagement, better problem-solving, and a stronger sense of accountability within the team.
Accelerating Growth
With a dedicated team handling operations, customer experience, and marketing, Xcitemy was able to scale faster than if Amanda had continued wearing multiple hats.
Overcoming the Fear of Letting Go
For many entrepreneurs, delegation can be daunting. The fear of mistakes, miscommunication, or loss of control often holds business owners back from taking this critical step. However, Amanda learned that mistakes are part of growth, and trusting others doesn’t mean losing control, it means gaining the ability to lead at a higher level.
To make delegation work effectively, she established clear communication channels and set expectations early on. Regular check-ins, well-defined goals, and an open feedback loop ensured that the team had the guidance they needed while also giving them the space to thrive.
The Long-Term Impact of Delegation
Looking back, learning to delegate was one of the most transformative decisions Amanda made as an entrepreneur. It allowed her to create a business that isn’t just dependent on her but is powered by a team of talented individuals who bring their expertise to the table.
For founders who feel like they have to do it all, it’s important to take a step back and ask: Are they truly driving their business forward, or are they holding it back? The sooner they learn to delegate, the sooner they’ll unlock the full potential of their company.
Surrounding themselves with the right people, trusting them with responsibility, and focusing on what only they can do is how real growth happens. Delegation isn’t just a strategy, it’s a mindset shift that can transform a business and a life.
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