Leadership, Integrity, and the Human Factor: Building Sustainable Startups

Leadership, Integrity, and the Human Factor: Building Sustainable Startups

There are countless challenges in the world of startups. But, two elements always seem to define lasting success: leadership and integrity. Recently, I had an insightful conversation with Jordan Green AM. He is a tech entrepreneur and investor which made me reflect on how crucial these qualities are. Not only for startups but for any organisation looking to grow sustainably.

In our conversation, Jordan emphasised that innovation and agility are essential in a startup’s journey. The strength of one’s values and the clarity of purpose sustain growth through inevitable ups and downs.

As leaders, we must make choices that foster trust, whether securing investments or building a cohesive team culture. It’s a reminder that while strategies may change, staying true to core principles can be the true differentiator. Integrity and visionary leadership are the compass points guiding organisations toward sustainable success.

Many of us, myself included, are thrust into leadership roles without warning or guidance. Relying on the human factor helped me become a more successful leader.

 

"Success is not defined by the challenges we face but by how we choose to lead through them with integrity. True growth requires not just ambition, but the courage to lead with purpose and honesty."

 

Startups and the Human Factor

Building a business is less about the product and more about people. It’s one of the most important lessons I’ve learned. Founders, teams, and investors must share a common vision and values to succeed. I’ve seen startups try to rush through growth phases. Only to realise they missed the mark when aligning their team around a shared mission. I recall being told to ‘speed up’ and worry about the ‘processes’ later. The problem is, as someone who has ‘process and governance’ in all that I do, it wasn’t an option.

 In business, qualities like empathy, motivation, creativity, ethics, and communication—shape how teams collaborate, how customers feel about a product, or how leaders make decisions. Jordan reminded me of the power of building trust within your team. This is a point I’ve always believed, but it was great to hear it reinforced by someone who has experienced so much across the globe. He emphasised that leaders who embrace diversity in their teams and leadership styles create a culture of trust and innovation. This is essential for navigating the unpredictable world of startups. Sounds obvious, doesn’t it…but how many of us walk the walk? This resonated with me because it mirrors my own experiences. Successful teams thrive when they feel heard, and their leaders can adapt to different perspectives. You don’t have to have all the answers, but being willing to adapt is key.

  

"The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said."

  

Balancing Growth with Governance

The startup world is challenging. Growth is often seen as the ultimate goal. Yet, one thing I’ve found to be true is that not all growth is good. The temptation to scale too quickly can often lead to a lack of foundational stability. Whether it’s in team cohesion, product development, or governance.

WeWork offers a prime example. Its rapid expansion led to significant instability. This was due to insufficient governance and unsustainable business practices. By focusing on scaling over building a solid foundation in operational efficiency. WeWork faced a major valuation drop, layoffs, and a restructured business model. The case of WeWork shows how focusing solely on growth can backfire when foundational elements like governance, product-market fit, and team cohesion are not prioritised.

Jordan also shared an insightful point about the slippery slope of rapid growth. Cautioning that the pressure to scale can often push startups to compromise their long-term vision. He said, “The subtlety comes in about how quickly you want to grow your business, and can you grow your business fast enough to actually survive in the market?” It’s a delicate balance—growing fast enough to stay competitive but not so fast that you lose sight of your strategic objectives.

I’ve seen this firsthand: startups can easily lose their way when governance structures aren't in place early enough. That’s why I tell founders to set up advisory panels early on. It ensures they benefit from strategic advice that helps them navigate growth challenges.

 

 An ‘advisory panel’ is a group of experts who provide guidance, advice, and insights on specific topics or decisions to help an organisation or project succeed. Unlike a board of directors, advisory panels don’t have decision-making power but act as trusted advisors, offering valuable perspectives based on their experience and expertise.


In business, having a variety of perspectives can help. I like to have many types of advisors: business, executive and personal advisors over time, building loyalty and trust.

 

 

Integrity Above All

Another key theme during our conversation—and one that I believe in—is the importance of integrity. Transparency is key in raising funds, building a product, or leading a team. Investors and customers alike are drawn to businesses that are honest about their challenges and realistic about their goals.

Jordan’s perspective was particularly compelling: “If you trick [investors] into supporting you, they won’t support you in the future.” This hit home for me, as many founders underestimate how crucial trust is for building long-term relationships. Raising money may be important. But it’s equally important to ensure you align with the right partners who share your values and believe in your vision.

 

“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

 

Leadership is a Journey, Not a Destination

Leadership in the startup space isn't about having all the answers. It’s about the willingness to learn, adapt, and, most importantly, lead with integrity. At the same time, the allure of rapid growth and success is tempting. Sustainable businesses are built by leaders who understand the value of aligning their teams. As well as maintaining the trust of their investors and customers.

Whether you're starting out or well on your way. Leadership built on a foundation of integrity will always guide you toward long-term success. Remember not everyone is cut out for the startup life. Understanding the nuanced needs of clients and team members is crucial. As well as creating a culture rooted in shared values, as this significantly impacts a startup's trajectory.

 

“In the startup world, everyone is pushing to be faster, better, leaner, but sometimes survival is about endurance, not speed.” – Scott Belsky

 

What resonated the most?



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Syed M S W.

Director of Strategy & PMO | Commercial Excellence | Retail Operations | Agile Project Management

2mo

 Leadership and integrity are the bedrock of startup success. They build trust and resilience, guiding teams through challenges. Stay true to your values, and let them lead the way! 

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