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# Co-Founder Conflict: NFI?
- URL: https://www.howardgray.net/co-founder-conflict-nfi/
- Published: 2020-01-07T22:16:41.000Z
- Updated: 2021-07-25T22:43:14.000Z
- Author: Howard Gray
- Tags: Coaching, Entrepreneurial Endeavours, Portfolio Career, Freelancing

I met up with my friend [Gillian](https://www.linkedin.com/in/davisgillian?ref=howardgray.net) yesterday. 

Like me, she’s perhaps a frustrated introvert – very comfortable being out there in front of a room, but less keen on being the in-your-face face of a brand.

As we chatted about the shift from [contractor/freelancer to entrepreneur](https://howardgray.net/2019/05/15/freelancer-to-entrepreneur-the-forest-the-mountains-and-the-water/?ref=howardgray.net), and being front of house vs. behind the scenes, she suggested this little thought experiment which she’s used when working with co-founding teams.

> “If Time (or whichever magazine is most prominent/prestigious in your world) called and said they wanted your co-founder on the cover, but not you, how would you feel?”

It’s worth asking this one twice.

> “How would you *really* feel?”

Or how about this: you’re at an awards ceremony. 

It’s top of the tree; the Oscars for your industry (perhaps it *is* the Oscars; ’tis the season, after all). 

Your company is being honoured with a top award. However, again they just want your co-founder. 

You have to sit on your own at the back of the room. Maybe you’re even [NFI](https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=N.F.I%27d&ref=howardgray.net).

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How would you feel?

How would you *really* feel?

How would hope you co-founder would act?

And how do you think they would *really* act? 

How would they act when you’re not in the room? When you’re NFI?