Elliot Roazen’s Post

The Top 10 Traits of High-Performing Founders Anyone can start a company. That’s not impressive. What’s rare, and what’s truly admirable, is high performance across the key areas of life sustained over a long time. That is sustainable career success alongside great health and an enjoyable, rich life. How to achieve this? By developing the right traits. 𝟭. 𝗥𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 They delegate tasks outside their core strengths to avoid burnout and ensure they’re focusing only on high-leverage activities. 𝟮. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿-𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺 𝗙𝗶𝘁 High-performing founders are obsessed with the problem they’re trying to solve, making their work feel fulfilling rather than a chore. 𝟯. 𝗔𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 (𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗵𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲) They empower their team to work with urgency without falling into the trap of hustle culture. They value effectiveness > activity. 𝟰. 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 & 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 They express their thoughts clearly and courageously, ensuring important conversations are productive and truthful. 𝟱. 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 They invest in their physical and mental well-being, recognizing that their health fuels their energy, productivity, and longevity. 𝟲. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 Their enthusiasm and positive energy attracts and motivates others, fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment. 𝟳. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 They swiftly learn from failures and move forward, keeping their focus on future goals rather than past mistakes. 𝟴. 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻-𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 They are driven by a compelling vision of the future, using it as motivation to shape their actions and decisions. 𝟵. 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 They establish clear limits on their time and energy to enhance efficiency, avoid overwork, and ensure sustainability. 𝟭𝟬. 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 They celebrate and support others’ achievements, understanding that creating a larger pie is the primary goal. High-performing founders succeed by focusing on what truly matters and ignoring what doesn’t. It’s not about being the smartest or working the hardest—it’s about building a rich life and impactful business that sustains you for the long haul. Credit Sean Kelly ~~~~~ Follow All Chance Hub to learn from more innovative insights

Let's be honest, building a startup is exhilarating! It's about chasing a dream and fostering a culture of innovation and creativity. But as any entrepreneur knows, the journey isn't always sunshine and rainbows. Recently, I've been grappling with a challenge that's quite common – the disconnect between employee expectations and the realities of a young startup. Here's the situation: We brought on some fantastic individuals who thrived in our early, scrappy days. They wore multiple hats, embraced ambiguity, and were the driving force behind our initial success. However, as we scale, things are shifting. We're formalising processes, delegating tasks, and facing resource limitations. This shift has created some friction, with some team members feeling blindsided by changes and questioning their future with the company. My biggest takeaways so far: Transparency is Crucial: From the get-go, I should have been more transparent about the growth trajectory and how individual roles would evolve. Open communication is key to managing expectations and avoiding a sense of betrayal. Reframing Responsibilities: Shifting from a "do it all" environment to a more specialized one can be a tough sell. Focus on the growth opportunities that come with specialization. Highlight how these changes will contribute to long-term career development and overall company success. Prioritise Two-Way Communication: Actively solicit feedback through regular check-ins, team meetings, and anonymous surveys. This experience has been a valuable lesson in navigating the delicate balance between keeping the team happy and operating within the limited resources of a startup. What about you?  Have you faced similar challenges? How did you navigate them? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!  Let's build a community of open dialogue and support for fellow entrepreneurs! #startupstruggles #leadership #communication #transparency #ChalkStudio

Overcoming the Transition: From Founder to Employee As a founder, the journey of building and scaling a business from scratch is filled with unique challenges and triumphs. However, when the time comes to reenter the job market, the transition can present its own set of obstacles. Here are some key challenges and tips to help founders fit back into the corporate world: Challenges: 1. Mindset Shift: Moving from a visionary role to an employee can be challenging. Founders are used to setting the vision and making decisions, which can contrast with a more hierarchical structure. 2. Skill Translation: Demonstrating how entrepreneurial skills translate to corporate roles can be difficult. Founders wear many hats, and showcasing specific, relevant skills is crucial. 3. Cultural Adjustment: Startups often have a different culture compared to established companies. Adapting to a new work environment with different dynamics and processes can be a hurdle. Tips for a Smooth Transition: 1. Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize skills like leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability. Showcase how these skills contributed to your startup's success and how they can benefit your potential employer. 2. Update Your Narrative: Tailor your story for the corporate audience. Focus on outcomes, impacts, and lessons learned from your entrepreneurial journey. 3. Network Actively: Leverage your network to gain insights and referrals. Engaging with peers who have made similar transitions can provide valuable advice and open doors. 4. Be Humble and Open-Minded: Embrace the learning curve and be open to feedback. Demonstrating a willingness to adapt and grow is essential. 5. Seek Roles that Value Entrepreneurial Experience: Look for positions that appreciate entrepreneurial backgrounds, such as roles in innovation, product development, or strategic initiatives. Transitioning from founder to employee is a journey that requires careful navigation, but with the right approach, it can lead to fulfilling and impactful opportunities. #CareerTransition #Entrepreneur #JobMarket #CareerAdvice #Leadership #Networking #Adaptability

Working at a Startup is not for everyone ❌ The ambiguity at times, the multiple hats you wear throughout the year(s)... It can be a BIG challenge if you are not prepared. Some of my recent posts talk about the lighter side of this type of work And the growth you can achieve in these situations is immense. But in reality, there are A LOT of other factors that play into your success (or your demise) at a small Org. Referencing Eric Iannello's last post ^ talking about the downsides of working at a small company (Post linked in the comments). Whether it be your benefits, compensation, variable, or overall balance between work and at-home life. It's a pick-your-poison kind of situation. But it's not all bad. 🙅🏻♂️ It's really what you make of it! This is where your research and due diligence skills come into play... 👇🏼 ↳ Invest some time in understanding that Org better. ↳ Take a look at its roadmap and leadership direction. ↳ Is it something you can believe in and sell? ↳ Does it have a Product-Market fit? Dig into the details of the work you are getting into! This post isn't to scare you from taking that leap and joining a Startup It's to remind you that every career step you take should be calculated. Regardless of company size. Think strategically about your moves and the companies you join. You're playing chess, not checkers ♟️ - T #PersonalDevelopment #CareerGrowth #SaaSSales #Startup

Had 2 important learnings over the past few months from my own experience and conversations with friends who’ve also started working with various startups: 1) Always Seek Visibility & Challenge the Status Quo In your career, always aim to take on projects that place you in the company’s inner circle. Ensure you’re visible to senior leaders—whether it’s the founders in early-stage companies or the Founder-1/2 in more mature/late-stage companies. Otherwise, you risk becoming just another employee. And never shy away from challenging the status quo. The beauty of working in startups is the opportunity to innovate. If you believe there’s a better way of doing things, don’t hesitate to bring it up with your management and even the founders. This is the “founder mindset” everyone talks about, right? It’s not just about showing up to do your job, but about making a real impact by thinking deeply and contributing to the organization's growth. 2) Perception is the Only Reality Be mindful of the image you're creating for yourself from the start. Once that image is formed, it’s difficult to change, so think carefully about how you want to be perceived. For example, I believe it's important not to come across as someone who is constantly gossiping in the office. The truth is, no one apart from your reporting manager will truly know the work you're doing. For the rest of your colleagues, it’s all about how they perceive you. This doesn’t mean you need to fake it—authenticity is key. Little things like being punctual or showing up in a way that reflects your true self can make a big difference. Personally, I value being on time and staying focused on delivering results. This has helped me project an image of someone who is serious about timelines and committed to quality work. You can choose how you want to be perceived, but the key takeaway is: be intentional about the image you create. 💬 Thoughts? Would love to hear your feedback!

Start-up's are the only place your CV is irrelevant; You can be more qualified at 27 than someone who's 47 Working with successful start-up's every day teaches you something valuable: They're a true meritocracy. Experience might get you an interview, but success always boils down to 8 key traits; 1. Adaptability ↳ Change is your comfort zone ↳ Every challenge brings new responsibilities ↳ Yesterday's solutions might not work tomorrow 2. Resourcefulness ↳ Turning constraints into opportunities ↳ Finding creative solutions to complex problems ↳ Making the impossible happen with limited resources 3. Entrepreneurial Mindset ↳ Taking ownership of outcomes ↳ Treating the company's success as your own ↳ Seeing opportunities where others see obstacles 4. Cross-Functional Collaboration ↳ Building bridges between teams ↳ Understanding different business areas ↳ Working seamlessly across departments 5. Continuous Learning ↳ Mastering new skills weekly ↳ Growing through challenges ↳ Staying ahead of industry trends 6. Bias for Action ↳ Taking calculated risks ↳ Moving fast and learning faster ↳ Choosing progress over perfection 7. Versatility ↳ Switching roles as needed ↳ Developing multiple skill sets ↳ Adapting to different situations 8. Resilience ↳ Learning from every failure ↳ Bouncing back from setbacks ↳ Maintaining focus under pressure - - - 💡 Remember: In start-ups, your greatest asset isn't what you know; it's how quickly you can learn and adapt. And: It's the one thing that seasoned professionals often struggle with. 🔽 Which trait resonates most with your start-up journey? 🔽 Share your experiences below ♻️Repost this to inspire others♻️ ************************************************ 📌 Follow me, Asif Ahmed for more insights. 📌 I advise venture backed founders of early stage start-ups.

Start-up's are the only place your CV is irrelevant; You can be more qualified at 27 than someone who's 47 Working with successful start-up's every day teaches you something valuable: They're a true meritocracy. Experience might get you an interview, but success always boils down to 8 key traits; 1. Adaptability ↳ Change is your comfort zone ↳ Every challenge brings new responsibilities ↳ Yesterday's solutions might not work tomorrow 2. Resourcefulness ↳ Turning constraints into opportunities ↳ Finding creative solutions to complex problems ↳ Making the impossible happen with limited resources 3. Entrepreneurial Mindset ↳ Taking ownership of outcomes ↳ Treating the company's success as your own ↳ Seeing opportunities where others see obstacles 4. Cross-Functional Collaboration ↳ Building bridges between teams ↳ Understanding different business areas ↳ Working seamlessly across departments 5. Continuous Learning ↳ Mastering new skills weekly ↳ Growing through challenges ↳ Staying ahead of industry trends 6. Bias for Action ↳ Taking calculated risks ↳ Moving fast and learning faster ↳ Choosing progress over perfection 7. Versatility ↳ Switching roles as needed ↳ Developing multiple skill sets ↳ Adapting to different situations 8. Resilience ↳ Learning from every failure ↳ Bouncing back from setbacks ↳ Maintaining focus under pressure - - - 💡 Remember: In start-ups, your greatest asset isn't what you know; it's how quickly you can learn and adapt. And: It's the one thing that seasoned professionals often struggle with

Why I Choose To Ditch the Entrepreneurship World & Rejoin Corporate? Everyone wants to be their boss these days—no fear of layoffs, coming to the office on your own time, and no boss breathing down your neck. It can be quite tempting, but the reality often differs from the perception. Many entrepreneurs who set out to start their ventures eventually return to corporate life. Here’s why: 📌Challenges of Entrepreneurship: - Financial Uncertainty: The financial risks are significant, especially in the beginning when income is uncertain. - Work-Life Balance: Entrepreneurs often work long hours and feel constant pressure to make their business succeed, which can affect their personal lives and well-being. - Resource Constraints: It's tough for startups to get enough money, skilled workers, and the right tools to grow their business. - Isolation: Startups frequently struggle with securing sufficient funding, skilled workers, and the necessary growth tools. Now, let’s understand the other side of the story, The advantages of Corporate Culture! 📌Stability and Security - Financial Stability: Corporate jobs provide steady income, benefits, and a reliable paycheck, offering financial security that can be lacking in startups. - Work-Life Balance: Corporate settings often offer more predictable work hours and a clearer boundary between work and personal life. 📌Career Development - Structured Career Paths: Corporations typically offer defined career paths, training programs, and opportunities for advancement, which can be appealing for professional growth. - Resources and Support: Larger companies have the infrastructure and support systems to facilitate career development and skill enhancement 📌Reduced Risk and Pressure - Lower Risk: Unlike entrepreneurship, corporate roles entail less personal financial risk and responsibility for business outcomes. - Team Collaboration: Working in a corporate environment means being part of a structured team, fostering collaboration, and sharing responsibilities. While entrepreneurship offers excitement and independence, many are returning to corporate careers for stability, security, and career advancement. Choosing between entrepreneurship and a corporate job ultimately depends on your personal goals, career ambitions, and desired work-life balance. Both paths have their advantages, so it’s about finding what suits you best. . . . #startup #entrepreneurship #career #growth #hiked

Start-up founders, RELAX! Yes, really - you can chill out. Here’s why: --> Your value prop may not be unique, but execution will be -Ditch the perfect pitch; ideas are dime-a-dozen. -It’s your execution that counts. -Trust you’ll figure out the “unique value” part as you go. --> Forget 'product-market fit' for now -You’ll never know for sure until you’re actually out there. -Build, launch, and pivot like your life depends on it. -Perfection is a myth. -->You’re not hiring the Avengers at the start Stop obsessing over “dream teams.” You need scrappy, resilient people, not always superstars. Great people grow with you; they're not unicorns on Day 1 --> Yes, a few weeks of cash will not kill you -Many start-ups made it on fumes. -Yes, financial runway is important. -But you’ll find creative ways to extend it when it matters. --> Start-up operations are supposed to be messy -Streamlined operations? Not now. -If you’re growing fast, things will be chaotic. -Just keep the wheels on for now and refine as you go. --> Your customer is out there, whether you’ve met or not. -Stop spending all your time building a “perfect” audience. -Find them, connect, and adapt your pitch. -Early adopters care more about results than your narrative. --> Roadmap? Try a compass instead -Detailed planning in a volatile environment? Good luck. -A flexible roadmap is useful, but you’ll need to adjust a lot. -Focus more on direction than destination. --> KPIs don’t need to be complex -Skip the endless tracking. -Find one or two metrics that matter most, and get to work. Growth and retention tell you a lot without drowning in data. --> Risk is everywhere, so stop trying to avoid it. -Don't try planning for every “what if”. -Accept uncertainty as a constant. -Learn to roll with the punches. --> Burnout is real - so, pace yourself -Your company will last longer if you do. -Trust that breaks make you sharper. -Taking care of yourself isn’t weakness; it’s your edge. Ditch perfectionism; simplify, and embrace unpredictability. You’ll be amazed how much more effective things feel. So go on, relax, and swim with the tide. Are you afraid where it might take you? #startup #growth #fundraising

The Top 10 Traits of High-Performing Founders Anyone can start a company. That’s not impressive. What’s rare, and what’s truly admirable, is high performance across the key areas of life sustained over a long time. That is sustainable career success alongside great health and an enjoyable, rich life. How to achieve this? By developing the right traits. 𝟭. 𝗥𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 They delegate tasks outside their core strengths to avoid burnout and ensure they’re focusing only on high-leverage activities. 𝟮. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿-𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺 𝗙𝗶𝘁 High-performing founders are obsessed with the problem they’re trying to solve, making their work feel fulfilling rather than a chore. 𝟯. 𝗔𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 (𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗵𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲) They empower their team to work with urgency without falling into the trap of hustle culture. They value effectiveness > activity. 𝟰. 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 & 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 They express their thoughts clearly and courageously, ensuring important conversations are productive and truthful. 𝟱. 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 They invest in their physical and mental well-being, recognizing that their health fuels their energy, productivity, and longevity. 𝟲. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 Their enthusiasm and positive energy attracts and motivates others, fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment. 𝟳. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 They swiftly learn from failures and move forward, keeping their focus on future goals rather than past mistakes. 𝟴. 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻-𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 They are driven by a compelling vision of the future, using it as motivation to shape their actions and decisions. 𝟵. 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 They establish clear limits on their time and energy to enhance efficiency, avoid overwork, and ensure sustainability. 𝟭𝟬. 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 They celebrate and support others’ achievements, understanding that creating a larger pie is the primary goal. High-performing founders succeed by focusing on what truly matters and ignoring what doesn’t. It’s not about being the smartest or working the hardest—it’s about building a rich life and impactful business that sustains you for the long haul.