Let’s be honest—if most women approached their love lives the way they built their careers, the dating world would look very different. But instead? Too many of us are out here dating like interns—over-investing in situations that don’t pay us back, chasing after people who can’t even send a proper text, and settling for roles (read: relationships) with no benefits, no security, and definitely no promotion.

But what if you ran your love life like a CEO instead? What if you moved with power, made strategic decisions, and refused to let anyone waste your most valuable resource—your time?

As the wife of a dating app CEO, co-founder of the app and someone who spends their life analyzing the dating world… trust me, I’ve seen it all. I know what works, what doesn’t, and why so many women get stuck in “situationship cycles” instead of securing the kind of relationship they actually want. And let me tell you, the difference between dating like a CEO and dating like an intern is the difference between playing to win and just hoping for the best.

It’s time to level up, babe. Grab a glass of wine, and let’s talk about how to date like a CEO…

Step 1: Stop Over-Qualifying for Underwhelming Opportunities

CEOs don’t beg for entry-level jobs—so why are you out here convincing someone to choose you when they haven’t even met the bare minimum?

Intern energy:

❌ Over-explaining your worth instead of just being valuable.
❌ Making excuses for flaky behavior (“Maybe he’s just bad at texting?”)
❌ Waiting for someone to “pick” you instead of deciding if you even want them.

CEO energy:

✅ Knowing your value and only engaging with people who recognize it.
✅ Setting clear standards—if someone isn’t showing up for the interview (i.e., putting in effort), they don’t get the job.
✅ Being in evaluation mode—Do they add to my life? Do they align with my goals? Do they make me feel excited, respected, and secure?

If they can’t meet your minimum requirements, cut them loose. They’re not the opportunity you’re looking for.

Step 2: Treat Your Time Like the Limited Resource It Is

CEOs don’t waste time—they invest it. And yet, so many women spend months “talking” to a guy who won’t commit, waste energy analyzing texts, or dedicate entire weekends to a situationship that’s going nowhere.

If your time was money, would you be spending it the way you are now?

The CEO Mindset Shift:

• Invest in what gives you ROI—your happiness, your growth, your peace of mind.

• Stop giving free emotional labor—if dating someone feels like admin work, that’s a no.

• Operate on a next opportunity basis—if one connection doesn’t work out, NEXT.

Your time is your most valuable asset. If he’s not adding to your life, he’s a liability.

Step 3: Date Like a Business, Not a Charity

You’re not running a nonprofit organization, so why are you out here trying to fix people, lower your expectations, or accept someone’s “potential” as a valid form of currency?

A CEO invests where they see growth potential. That means dating people who bring value to your life—not just problems to solve.

Ask yourself:

❌ Are you constantly giving without receiving?
❌ Are you making all the effort while they coast?
❌ Are you more excited about their “potential” than their actual behavior?

If yes, you’re not in a relationship—you’re running a one-woman mentorship program. And babe, they’re not even paying tuition.

Step Four: Ditch the Scarcity Mindset—There Are Plenty of Investments Out There

Intern daters operate from a scarcity mindset—believing that if they don’t hold onto this one guy, they’ll never find someone else.

CEOs? They know there’s always another opportunity.

If you’re acting like a man is the last great option on Earth, you’ll tolerate behavior you shouldn’t. But when you truly believe in abundance, you stop entertaining mediocrity because you know there’s always something better coming.

The CEO Mindset Shift:

• Stop settling for “potential.” You wouldn’t invest in a stock that might be valuable one day—you invest in one that’s already performing.

• Detach from low-effort connections. If you have to convince him to show up, he’s already a bad investment.

• Adopt a high-value mindset. Act like you have options, because you do.

Step 5: Make Them Schedule the Meeting

Here’s a reality check: If they can plan a fantasy football draft, a boys’ trip, or a brunch reservation for six people, they can plan a damn date.

A CEO doesn’t chase meetings—people book time with them.

So why are you the one doing all the heavy lifting?

The new rule: If they want to see you, they can make a plan. If they can’t even schedule a date, they’re not ready for a relationship. Period.

Which, by the way, is why we built First Round’s On Me—to eliminate the wishy-washy bullshit and make dating actually happen. One match a day, 24-hour chat window, and an in-app date scheduling system.

Because a real CEO doesn’t waste time with endless back-and-forth texting.

You Are the Prize. Act Like It.

Listen, I know dating can be frustrating. I know it’s exhausting to sift through mediocre men who want maximum effort for minimum commitment.

But remember…Interns hope for an opportunity. CEOs create one. Interns accept whatever’s given to them. CEOs negotiate, level up, and demand more.

So the next time you’re dating, ask yourself: Am I operating from power or passivity? Would CEO Me accept this offer? Does this person make me feel chosen, secure, and excited?

If the answer is no? Thank them for their time and move the hell on. Because in the business of love, you’re the executive decision-maker. Act accordingly. Until next time x