text: how do you know if you could be a great leader in a major corporation when you are a small business owner?   nothing is for certain, but if you can handle all of the tasks of a small business owner and do so successfully, you already have a lot of what it takes to succeed in the corporate world.  the only thing that might be a barrier is what most folks look at as a positive:  your past experience being the boss.  most corporate leaders have to answer to others, whether it be higher ups or stockholders.  some small business owners cringe at the thought of having to have a boss.