Dayna Stewart’s Post

Embracing Failure as Growth for Founders... I always find Friday a great time for some reflection of the week. Figure out what still needs to be done and how you can set yourself up for next week. You may or may not need to hear this today / this month but... 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵: In the startup world, our days / weeks are rarely smooth sailing! ⛵ Failure is inevitable! But it's also a stepping stone to success. Remember to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and use it to iterate, innovate, and grow. 📈 Understanding that setbacks aren't the end, but rather the springboard for progression is pivotal. It's how we adapt, learn and build resilience. It's how we discover what works and what doesn't. In the start-up ecosystem, this adaptability is key to staying competitive and ahead of the curve. So, next time failure rears its head, remember - it’s not a dead end. It's an open door to innovation, a chance to hone our strategies, refine our hiring processes, and better equip ourselves for the challenges that come with scaling a company. After all, the road to success is paved with lessons learned from failure. Embrace it, learn from it, and watch your startup grow 🚀. #FounderAdvice #Startups #Hiring #Innovation

What I learned about building resilience from Navigating Startup Challenges Startups are often painted as exciting journeys filled with innovation, growth, and success stories. But behind the headlines lies a different reality: 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴, 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮-𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨. As someone who has worked for a decade in a high-growth startup and mentored numerous founders, I witnessed firsthand how demanding this journey can be. Here's what I've learned about 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴: 𝟭. 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 No startup journey follows its original plan. Markets shift, products pivot, and unexpected hurdles emerge. The ability to adapt and embrace change will be essential to grow and position yourself. 𝟮. 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Startups thrive on execution, not endless planning. Take small, imperfect steps forward and iterate along the way. Progress builds momentum, and momentum fuels resilience. 𝟯. 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘀 In the daily hustle of goals and deadlines, remember to pause and acknowledge your accomplishments. Small wins showcase your progress and fuel your motivation to persist. 𝟰. 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 '𝗪𝗵𝘆' When challenges arise (and they will), your purpose, your "why", keeps you grounded. Whether you're solving a problem, creating impact, or building something meaningful, staying connected to that purpose strengthens your resilience. The startup world isn't for the faint-hearted, but it's where transformative ideas take shape. To all the founders and startup dreamers out there: What has helped you stay resilient during tough times? #StartupLife #Resilience #LessonsLearned #Innovation

Some thoughts about ideation and founders... 0.01% of a startup is picking what you work on, and 99.99% of a startup is about building a team that has a shared mission/values. But that 0.01% still disproportionately determines the destiny of a company. Especially because the vast vast majority of founders get that decision wrong initially, and have to navigate towards a company/solution that has a chance at PMF. Early stage decisions feel stickier than they are, due to psychology and the necessity for teams to be aligned. It's hard to stay upbeat and keep belief when you're constantly pivoting and seeking PMF. It can feel like floundering, even though it's a very normal part of early stage work... Conventional wisdom dictates that it's very common for founders to end up working on something completely different than what they started on, after all. That's what makes teams who have belief in each other so powerful--there's much more forgiveness for those floundering moments. This phenomenon also explains why most start-ups are killed not because there's something wrong with the general direction of the company, but due to misalignment with founders. When you're making big decisions quickly, that's a common consequence. It also explains why many early-stage VCs are still hesitant to invest in a product until they see signs of PMF... because few teams can survive navigating towards it with the added pressures of funding. Getting that ideation decision right from the get-go can increase your chances of success significantly.

Fancy??? Startup founders often wear many hats, each one contributing to a unique blend of exhilaration and stress. Imagine working tirelessly on your vision, pouring countless hours into a project that feels like a child you’re nurturing. The stakes are high, and every decision feels monumental. You face the constant pressure of securing funding, juggling budgets, and steering through unpredictable market shifts. It’s a journey filled with long nights and moments of doubt, but also with bursts of triumph and discovery. The weight of responsibility can strain relationships and lead to burnout, but it's balanced by the drive to make a difference and the joy of seeing your dreams come to life. This personal journey, full of highs and lows, underscores the need for support and self-care. To all startup founders: your journey is filled with incredible highs and daunting challenges. Remember to take time for yourself and seek support when needed. Your passion and dedication are what drive innovation, but maintaining your well-being is crucial for long-term success. Keep pushing forward, and know that your resilience is truly inspiring. #startup #founders

Startups are a wild ride, full of excitement and challenges. The thrill of facing something new every day and the satisfaction of solving tough problems can be incredibly rewarding. Plus, you grow as a person and a professional at an amazing pace. But let's be real—startups are also tough. The challenges can be overwhelming, and the effort required is immense. It’s normal to feel anxious and even a bit down sometimes. Founders often have to solve the hardest problems with very limited resources. If you’re thinking about starting a business, be prepared for the ups and downs. It takes a lot of resilience to stay grounded through the highs and lows. Only dive into this journey if you believe you have the stamina and mindset to handle it all.

Scaling your #startup brings thrilling opportunities but also challenges. As you welcome new talents, there are sudden shifts? Smooth operations start to stumble Clear communications blur Ultimately tasks lag, you slow down instead of accelerating. This isn't just growth pains; it's a sign of a deeper need for a solid cultural foundation. Before your first hire, take a step back. It's time to establish the core of your startup #culture, ensuring every new member can amplify rather than disrupt your rhythm. Culture is easily defined as 'How we do things around here', and it has 4 Pillars 1️⃣ Purpose: The heartbeat of your startup, driving more than just profits. It's the 'Why' that inspires and unites your team towards a common goal. 2️⃣ Vision: The beacon on the horizon. It paints the picture of what you aspire to achieve in the long run. 3️⃣ Mission: Your journey. It's the narrative that binds each action to your vision and purpose, driving your team forward with a shared sense of direction. 4️⃣ Values: The core of your startup's culture, guiding everyday decisions and behaviours, ensuring alignment with your team's identity. Tomorrow, I dive into crafting your startup's Purpose, the first step in building a culture where everyone thrives. #founders #peopleops #scaleup #peoplefirst #peoplestrategy

🌟 The Real Struggles Startups Face (And How to Tackle Them) 🌟 Here are my 2 cents based on my experience working with over 50 startups in the last 5 years. Building a startup is exhilarating—but let’s face it, it’s also one of the toughest journeys. Along the way, startups often encounter challenges that can feel overwhelming. Here are some common struggles I see founders face—and tips on how to overcome them: 1️⃣ Idea Validation It’s easy to fall in love with your idea, but the real question is: Will your customers love it too? 💡 Tip: Talk to potential users early and often. Build a simple prototype or MVP to test assumptions before investing heavily in development. 2️⃣ Scaling Too Soon Scaling is exciting, but if the foundation isn’t solid, it can lead to cracks. 💡 Tip: Focus on nailing your product-market fit before expanding. Build scalable systems and processes from day one. 3️⃣ Burning Through Funding The pressure to show rapid growth often leads to overspending. 💡 Tip: Prioritize spending on things that drive value. Stay agile and adapt quickly to what’s working—and what’s not. 4️⃣ Misaligned Tech and Business Goals It’s easy to get caught up in the tech itself, but does it align with your business objectives? 💡 Tip: Treat your tech roadmap as an extension of your business strategy. Regularly revisit and refine it as your goals evolve. 5️⃣ Finding the Right Talent Your startup is only as good as the team behind it, but hiring the right people is tough. 💡 Tip: Hire for culture and adaptability, not just skills. Startups need problem-solvers who thrive in uncertainty. 6️⃣ Maintaining Momentum The early buzz can fade, and keeping your team motivated through the grind is critical. 💡 Tip: Celebrate small wins and stay laser-focused on your mission. Remind your team why you started in the first place. Startups are a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but the most successful founders are those who learn, adapt, and persevere. What struggles are you facing in your startup journey? Let’s spark a conversation in the comments!👇 #Startups #GrowthMindset #MVP #TechStrategy #StartupJourney #ProblemSolving Image ref : prosales connections

Dear Founders, building a PRODUCT is one thing, but building a COMPANY? That’s a whole different journey. Your team’s attitude shapes the DNA of your startup. I know that having the right skills is crucial for a startup to succeed, but having the right ATTITUDE is just as essential. Here’s what I’ve learned about the qualities that make a difference: 1️⃣ Optimism and Resilience: You’ll face more doubters than believers, especially in the early days. Having team members with an unwavering belief in your mission and the grit to push through setbacks can be a game-changer. 2️⃣ Problem-Solvers and Idea Generators: A few people who bring fresh ideas—even if not all of them work—spark the creativity needed to tackle unexpected challenges. These are the “we’ll figure it out” folks that keep the momentum going. 3️⃣ Ownership Mentality: In startups, there’s no room for “not my department.” The best team members step up, take responsibility, and say, “I’ve got it.” That mindset is invaluable as you scale. The skills matter, yes. But when things get tough (and they will), it’s this spirit and attitude that will carry you through. What kind of team culture are you building? #Startups #Founders #TeamBuilding #Leadership #GrowthMindset

The number 1 lesson I learned from running my own startup is… …that there is absolutely no excuse for not being able to create value. ➡️ Creating value for your customers with that new feature you dropped. ➡️ Creating value for your fellow founders when they need you the most. ➡️ Creating an environment where people can be creative, empowered, and productive. Value Creation is about 50% showing up and 50% listening, learning, and helping. I believe in business, there is no room for a “victim” mindset. To every incident there is a lesson to be learned, a possibility of a pivot, or terms that are up for negotiation. There’s always something that you can do without-being-told-to-do-it that simply creates value for your environment. Flip the script from taking loses and not doing a thing about your situation to an abundance mindset thats geared to win. #Startups #Founders #StartupCulture --------------------------------------------------------------- 📌 Hey I’m Roger (Founder and Product Manager) - and I write content that helps early stage startups 10x their odds at reaching Product-Market Fit.

🎯 The top 1% of productive founders spend 53% of their time on high-impact tasks. But the average founder spends just 28% of their time on strategic work. Ruthless prioritization is the key to focusing your time and energy on the tasks that matter most. Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks based on urgency and importance. Focus the majority of your time on tasks that are both urgent and important, or not urgent but important. These are the activities that will drive your startup forward and create lasting value. Be ruthless in minimizing or delegating tasks that are urgent but not important, or neither urgent nor important. Apply the 80/20 rule to identify the 20% of tasks that generate 80% of your desired results. Prioritize those tasks relentlessly. What's one high-impact task you can prioritize this week to accelerate your startup's growth? #startups #founders #growth