EP2.
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The interview focused on discussing strategies and experiences related to building early stage startup teams. Key topics included assessing founder strengths/weaknesses, hiring approaches, building advisor relationships, diversity considerations, and community building tactics. Main conclusions were around the importance of playing to personal strengths, being intentional about diversity from the start, and leading with generosity/value to build authentic networks.
Q&A
Q: How can founders assess their own skillsets?
A: Learn through real on the job experiences, notice what activities provide energy/flow, and have open conversations with team and coaches about strengths vs weaknesses.
Q: As a solo founder with limited funds, how do you decide whether to hire roles permanently vs contractors?
A: Consider affordability, certainty of ongoing need for the role, and quantity of work. Contractors can provide targeted help without long term commitment.
Q: How to find advisors and build relationships?
A: Be very clear on what you need help with, tell your network, ask lots of questions without 'asking' for anything, and relationships develop organically.
Q: How to build a diverse team from the start?
A: State outright this is a priority for you, commit time for proper sourcing and be willing to pass on non-diverse candidates even if technically strong.
Q: How can less outgoing founders network and build community?
A: Focus on 1-on-1 conversations, listen twice as much as you talk, passion shines through, ask questions about others.
Advice for founders building teams:
Founders should do self-assessments to understand their strengths and motivations
Founders should have courageous conversations with their teams about reallocating roles and responsibilities to better suit skills and interests