Jen Bonnett and I were having a nice talk the other day.  Not exactly sure how it came about but she poised the question "what do you think a CEO does?"  I volleyed back and Jen answered her own question.

A CEO:

• Controls strategic direction, they are in charge of that vision thing;
• Manages the board and investors;
• Builds the team.

Not a bad short list.  Early stage CEOs are also in charge of getting money.  Money from investors.  Money from customers.  CEO in early stage companies do the deals.

What else?