5 Martin Scorsese Films That Teach Founders Why They Need an Assistant
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Being a founder isn’t a one-person show.? It might feel like you’re flying solo sometimes, but deep down, you know the truth.? You can’t do it all on your own.? Just like in the world of Martin Scorsese’s iconic films, whether it’s the complex power dynamics, the struggles with control, or the lessons learned from the grind, a strong team around you is essential.? And that’s where an Executive Assistant or Chief of Staff comes into play.?
Let’s take a look at five Scorsese films that reflect the invaluable role of having the right support - and why every founder needs a trusted right-hand person to help them scale, manage chaos, and achieve greatness.??
In Goodfellas, Henry Hill and his crew navigate the world of organized crime with precision, loyalty, and most importantly, delegation.? Henry doesn’t try to do everything himself - he has trusted people around him, like Paulie, who handle critical tasks so he can focus on bigger decisions and high-level strategies.??
Lesson for Founders: No founder is an island.? You can’t manage every single aspect of your business, nor should you.? A Chief of Staff or Executive Assistant isn’t just someone who schedules your meetings; they are the trusted person who handles the day-to-day, leaving you to focus on growing the company.? Like Henry, the more you delegate, the more your business can expand without you burning out.??
An Executive Assistant or Chief of Staff gives you the freedom to work on high-impact stuff, the vision, the big deals, and the figure - while they ensure that the execution is flawless.??
The Irishman explores decades of strategic planning, moves, and sacrifices made in the name of loyalty and power.? Frank Sheeran, despite his personal chaos, has to keep a clear focus on the long-term game, all while navigating an ever-changing world.??
Lesson for Founders: ?As a founder, you need someone who’s not just reacting to today’s chaos but thinking ahead - someone who can help you set priorities, manage long-term goals, and keep things running smoothly.? Your Executive Assistant or Chief of Staff is that person, thinking ahead and making sure you’re always on track for what’s coming next.??
Just like Frank’s ability to see the long-term consequences of every decision, you need someone who can handle the strategic nitty-gritty while you focus on your legacy.??
In Casino, Sam “Ace” Rothstein has a clear vision for running the casino empire, but he’s constantly bogged down by the details - the dirty work, the day-to-day drama and the challenges of keeping everything under control.? The film shows how much of his success comes form those around him, like Nicky Santoro, who manages the messier side of things.??
Lesson for Founders: As a founder, you will get stuck in the weeds if you try to manage everything.? You need someone who can act as a buffer between you and the chaos.? Your Executive Assistant or Chief of Staff doesn’t just handle your calendar - they make sure everything is running efficiently, keeping problems from reaching your desk so you can focus on scaling??
It’s about managing the system, not just the big wins.? When you delegate, you get the clarity to focus on growing the business, not surviving its everyday hiccups.??
Howard Hughes, in The Aviator, is an eccentric visionary - a genius with incredible ideas and innovations - but he’s often lost in his own mind.? The chaos of his genius spirals as he pushes himself to extremes.? He needs someone to ground him, to keep him on track, and make sure the world around him doesn't fall apart.??
Lesson for Founders: As a founder, you’re the visionary.? You’re the one with the big ideas and the drive to make them happen.? But without someone to keep the trains running on time, those ideas can turn into a mess.? You need an Executive Assistant or Chief of Staff who can take your visions and turn it into reality.? They help you manage the logistics, handle the day-to-day, and keep things from falling through the cracks while you focus on innovation.??
Just like Howard Huges needed someone to keep the chaos manageable, you need that trusted person who knows how to keep your business running smoothly while you dream big.??
In Taxi Driver, Travis Bickle struggles with isolation, his role in the world, and his mental health as he navigates a city full of chaos and uncertainty.? While Travis’ story is darker, there’s one truth that stands out: No one can operate in a vacuum.? Everyone needs someone to talk to, to bounce ideas off, or just to help them through the tough times.??
Lesson for Founders: Mental clarity is key to being an effective founder.? The constant weight of running a business can be isolating and overwhelming.? You need someone who isn’t just a task manager, but someone who can help you get out of your own head.? Having a Chief of Staff or Executive Assistant to keep you grounded, provide counsel, and take the mental load off is essential for long-term success.??
You need that person who can help you avoid burnout, listen when things aren’t going well, and guide you through the decisions, like Travis needed someone to pull him out of his downward spiral.??
The Scorsese Formula for Founders
Scorsese's films are filled with an intricate, high-stakes world where characters rise, fall, and struggle.? But one thing is clear across all of them: No one does it alone.? From the loyal partners in Goodfellas to the calculated planners in The Irishman, every major player needs a team to execute their vision.?
As a founder, you’re no different.? You need the right people around you - the ones who understand your vision, handle the complexities, and help you stay focused on what matters.? Your Executive Assistant or Chief of Staff is the person who can take the chaos out of your hands and give you the freedom to lead.? They are the ones who help you turn your dreams into something real.??
So, just like the greatest Scorsese characters, it’s time to stop going it alone.? Find your trusted partner, and watch your business grow into the empire it’s meant to be.
At Take It Easy Group, we specialize in providing North American-based Executive Assistants and Chief of Staff Executives who act as your trusted strategic partners.? We are here to take the chaos out of your hands, so you can focus on leading, innovating, and growing your business into the empire it’s destined to be.??
It’s time to stop going it alone.? Find your trusted partner with Take It Easy Group - because even the greatest leaders need someone by their side.? Contact us today to learn how our team can help you make it happen - one step at a time.? [email protected] or Book your free strategy call here.?????