Navigating the Early Challenges of Startup Leadership
Written on
Chapter 1: My Journey as a Startup Co-Founder
A few months ago, I became a Co-Founder and CMO of Menabòh, a fashion startup. While I've been managing my blog, Maia Conscious Living, for some time, it never felt like a conventional business to me.
Since high school, I've aspired to lead a company, taking entrepreneurship classes and sharing my dreams with anyone who would listen. Now, having achieved this milestone, I realize that the real journey is just beginning, accompanied by a steep learning curve.
I know many others share the ambition to run their own businesses, so I wish to share my insights along this unpredictable journey, hoping they might assist someone else starting out.
Section 1.1: The Importance of Communication
The first significant lesson I've learned is the critical nature of discussing communication itself as a leader. Menabòh operates as a hybrid startup, consisting of six team members—three full-time and three part-time. Some work remotely while others visit the studio a few times weekly.
One of the major challenges I encountered was understanding how to effectively communicate with everyone. I quickly learned the value of asking team members how they prefer to receive communication.
For instance, while some enjoy receiving WhatsApp messages at all hours, others find it disruptive. We established specific times for "emergency meetings" when everyone could be present, ensuring effective collaboration.
For the small team I manage, I realized we required more frequent check-ins throughout the week rather than just a single meeting. It was also crucial to determine the appropriate channels for sharing information. For example, if someone has a brilliant idea late at night, broadcasting it to the entire team via WhatsApp isn't always well-received. Creating a dedicated space to capture ideas without causing distractions proved essential.
As leaders, it's our responsibility to establish systems that work for our teams and empower them. Effective communication systems are vital for success.
In the video "Best startup lessons from Y Combinator | Michael Seibel," you'll find valuable insights on startup communication strategies and lessons learned from successful entrepreneurs.
Section 1.2: Building Effective Communication Systems
To ensure our team thrives, we must prioritize creating communication frameworks that foster collaboration and clarity. This involves frequent touchpoints and a well-defined structure for idea-sharing.
Chapter 2: Learning from Industry Leaders
In "Learning from Startup Founders Jeff Bezos & Eric Schmidt | The Complete Guide to Startups," insights from industry giants highlight essential lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Connecting with others on this journey is invaluable. If you're interested in following my experiences, feel free to subscribe here on Medium or connect with me on LinkedIn.