run a company

You use this phrase when talking about leadership. It is a very active expression. You don't just 'have' a company; you run it. Use it with the present continuous running if you are doing it right now. Use the simple present run to describe your general job. It works for tiny bakeries or giant tech firms.

Use it in job interviews to show your experience. Use it when introducing a friend who is an entrepreneur. It sounds powerful and responsible. You can use it at a dinner party when someone asks, "What do you do for a living?" It sounds more impressive than saying "I work at a company."

Don't use it if you are just a regular employee. If you only manage one small team, say manage a team instead. Using run a company when you don't own it might sound like you are bragging. Avoid it in very technical legal documents where operate or incorporate might be better. Don't say it to your boss unless you want to get fired for claiming their job!

In English-speaking cultures, 'running' something implies energy and speed. It comes from the idea of keeping a mechanism in motion. There is a big focus on the 'self-made' leader. People who run a company are often respected for their hard work. It suggests you have the 'stamina' to keep the business alive.

You might hear run the show for general leadership. Small business owners often say they run a small business. In slang, someone might say they run things around here. If you are doing it with a partner, you co-run the business. If it's going badly, you might run it into the ground—but let's hope not!