The CEOs Guide to Being Punched in the Face

The CEOs Guide to Being Punched in the Face

From The Modern CEO by Joe Leech

September 10, 2025 · 33 min · Season 2 · Episode 2

About this episode

Joe Leech interviews Roan Lavery about the challenges and responsibilities of being a CEO.

Episode 2 — The CEO’s Guide to Being Punched in the Face (Metaphorically, Mostly) What does it really feel like to lead when the stakes are high, the spotlight’s on you, and everything’s breaking at once? In this episode of The Modern CEO, Joe sits down with Roan Lavery , CEO and co-founder of FreeAgent — a UK-based accounting software platform for small businesses. They talk about the real punches leaders take: the transition from co-founder to CEO, the weight of responsibility, and the difference between having opinions and actually leading the change. From building FreeAgent over 18 years to managing through chaos and calm, Roan shares raw, behind-the-scenes lessons every leader needs to hear.. Listen now and hit subscribe for unfiltered conversations on power, pressure, and presence of the Modern CEO.

People in this episode

Guest: Roan Lavery

Topics covered

  • leadership
  • responsibility
  • entrepreneurship
  • co-founder transition

Keywords

  • FreeAgent
  • accounting software
  • small businesses
  • leadership lessons

Mentioned in this episode

Products: FreeAgent

Books & works: The CEO’s Guide to Being Punched in the Face, The Modern CEO

Places: UK

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