Three darker tendencies every founder carries in some measure — the drive for recognition, strategic self-interest, and boldness. A mirror for self-awareness, not a diagnosis. Moderate can help; the extreme is the risk.
The traits we’re taught to hide are often the ones quietly driving the work.
A measured pull toward recognition, a willingness to play the angles, a taste for bold moves — in moderation these can fuel a founder. Unseen and unchecked at the extreme, they become the failure mode. ShadowIndex is a non-clinical mirror: it shows you where you sit on three tendencies so you can use them deliberately, not be used by them. There is no "bad" score — only a spectrum, and a self-aware relationship with it.
A real ShadowIndex item. Answer it and watch how a single response reads — the full assessment goes far deeper.
Short, honestly-worded statements — no timer, no trick questions. About 3 minutes of reflection.
Your answers resolve into three tendencies — recognition-seeking, strategic self-interest, and boldness. Each is shown with an inverted-U in mind: a moderate, useful zone, and the extremes to keep in view. Never a "good" or "bad" score.
A written interpretation — no jargon — of what your result means for how you lead, where it’s a strength, and where it can become a blind spot. Retake anytime to track the shift.
ShadowIndex is one facet. Each assessment adds a thread — together they become your integrated founder profile.
Three private minutes to know the tendencies that quietly drive you.
Take ShadowIndex free → Free · private · non-clinical · sign in to begin