About Me
Meet The Bison CEO
I’ve built startups, scaled teams, and turned around companies on the brink. Over time, I’ve come to see CEOs not by title or industry—but by terrain. Some are built to launch. Some to sustain. Some to reset.
Here’s how I see it.
The Startup CEO - The Cheetah
Built for speed, instinct, and agility.
The Startup CEO spots opportunity fast and launches into action before anyone else sees it coming. They’re wired to go from zero to one—turning ideas into momentum with pure energy and vision.
They don’t need perfect conditions. They don’t need a big team. They need space to run. And when the terrain shifts, they shift with it.
Their job is to get the company moving—and they’re at their best when nothing is certain, and everything is possible.
The Long-Term CEO – The Elephant
Built for memory, patience, and legacy.
The Long-Term CEO doesn’t chase trends or quick wins—they think in decades. Like the elephant, they move with intention and lead with wisdom.
They build systems that last. They scale without losing soul. They create cultures that grow stronger over time, not just bigger.
These CEOs don’t always make headlines, but their companies endure—and their people stay loyal. When stability matters most, they’re the ones you want at the helm.
The Turnaround CEO – The Bison
Built for the storm.
When chaos hits—when morale is low, cash is tight, and the path forward is unclear—the Bison CEO doesn’t run. They face it.
Like the bison turning into the storm, they move toward the hard things. They bring steadiness when others freeze. They make the hard calls. They rebuild trust.
They’re not loud, but they’re relentless. Calm under pressure. Clear in crisis. And they don’t stop until the company is through the storm and back on solid ground.
My Terrain
I’ve moved through all three terrains.
I’ve had to be the cheetah—fast, instinctive, getting things off the ground. I’ve stepped into the elephant’s shoes—steady, scaling teams, building systems that last. But when I look back—through the breakdowns, the reorganizations, the impossible seasons—I know where I do my best work.
I’m a bison.I lead best when the pressure’s high and the path forward is unclear. When cash is tight, morale is shaky, and the weight of the business is heavy—that’s where I come alive. I don’t panic. I don’t flinch. I move in, face reality, and help teams walk straight into the storm—and out the other side.
That’s what The Bison CEO is about. Calm in chaos. Clear when things fall apart. Built for the storm.
A Bit More About Me
My name is Benjamin Brooke.
I have over two decades of experience building, leading, and turning around businesses—from early-stage startups to established companies on the brink of collapse. I created The Bison CEO to share real, battle-tested insights for entrepreneurs at every stage—whether you’re just starting out, navigating a tough season, or feeling burned out from carrying the weight alone. To hear my full story—and see how these lessons might help you—explore the Field Guides.
Contact Me
I don’t typically take on new work through this site, but I’m always open to hearing from people doing meaningful work. If you think I can help—or point you to someone who can—feel free to reach out.