💥 Start-up career hacks (special edition 1)

Start-up career hacks featuring:

Sophie Theen: From corporate conformity to authentic success 

Jane Austin: Use the runway on work that will extend your runway 

Dinye Hernanda: Seek external mentors: your manager might not be from your field 

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From corporate conformity to authentic success

The mistake I made

My career took a sharp turn when I shifted from the structured corporate world to the dynamic realm of start-ups. In corporate life, there were clear guidelines to follow, whether you were a team member or a leader. But in the start-up scene, there were no rulebooks. As a woman in FinTech, I often found myself as the only female, even in leadership roles. My most significant career mistake during this transition was losing my authenticity while attempting to conform to what I perceived as the start-up norm.

Early in my start-up journey, I received feedback that I was too direct, open, and vulnerable. Believing I needed to adapt, I changed my communication style drastically. I abandoned my direct approach for a vague and wishy-washy one, thinking it was the key to success. However, this change led me away from my authentic self, causing me to lose the qualities that made me an effective leader.

The one thing I wish I knew to avoid that mistake

For me, this was one of the things I wish I had known - an experienced mentor advising me not to take this feedback too literally. I often felt like I didn't belong, and this impacted my sense of belonging. However, I’ve come to understand being direct and embracing vulnerability weren't weaknesses; they were my authentic leadership style. Confidence allowed me to provide valuable feedback, and vulnerability fostered meaningful connections.

One tip to hack your career in start-ups

In my journey from corporate to start-up, this lesson played a significant role. I spent a considerable amount of time not being my true self, trying to fit into someone else's mould, which ultimately stunted my growth. 

My tip to avoid falling into the same trap is simple: be authentic and embrace who you truly are. While feedback from trusted individuals can be valuable, remember that you have the ultimate say in which feedback to embrace and when it truly resonates with you. I wish I had known earlier that authenticity would be my key to success. If you're navigating start-ups, remember: be true to yourself, and success will follow.

Use the runway on work that will extend your runway

The mistake I made

I thought I knew how to be lean and move at speed in my previous jobs as they had all been digital transformations. What I didn’t get was that these transformations were in established businesses, and we had the luxury of a business generating revenue while we worked. I didn’t understand what urgency in start-ups meant. I wanted everything I delivered to be perfect - but you only need to focus on what has the highest impact.

The one thing I wish I knew to avoid that mistake

In start-ups, you don’t have the luxury to make everything great. You’ve got to be super commercial and understand the value proposition and the differentiation. The focus needs to be on the things that will move the needle and make a commercial impact. You need to let the rest go and accept some things will be hacky or not great. You’ve got to use the runway on work that will extend your runway.

One tip to hack your career in start-ups

Imagine you are spending your own money – do you really need to polish this thing or do several rounds of research on that thing? It's okay for some things to be good enough, and to get them out the door and into the hands of users. Users are very forgiving of some flaws in the experience if the product is giving them something they want. Make sure you know the key areas to polish and why, and be able to make a case on how this work will move the needle to more users or more revenue.

Seek external mentors: your manager might not be from your field 

The mistake I made

Transitioning to a start-up from the corporate world, I was all set to head the Learning and Development (L&D) area. What I didn't see coming was the lack of a support system that I was used to. My manager, though adept in general project management, lacked a background in HR or L&D and wasn't equipped to mentor me. With the expectation to show up as THE L&D expert, the pressure was on, and doubts about whether I was up to the task began to creep in. I was flying solo in a way I never had before and I underestimated how much I'd miss bouncing ideas off colleagues who understood my work.

The one thing I wish I knew to avoid that mistake

I wish I had recognised the importance of seeking external networks sooner. In the start-up environment, where managers often lack specialised expertise and finding peers in similar roles can be a rarity, tapping into a broader professional community becomes priceless. Joining groups like L&D Shakers and Offbeat opened my eyes to a vibrant world of professionals eager to engage, share experiences, and offer mutual support. Regular dialogues with L&D leaders from other start-ups have been a lifeline, rescuing me from many moments of isolation and the paralysing over-analysis.

One tip to hack your career in start-ups

Cultivate a professional network beyond your company. To supplement the guidance you might be missing, actively seek out an external mentor who can provide the specialised direction you need. Additionally, don't stop at attending networking events; go a step further. Whether it's a coffee catch-up or a quick Zoom call, exchanging with peers outside your bubble can be a game-changer to your practice and enrich your perspective. Connect with those on a similar journey and commit to regular peer learning group sessions where you can brainstorm and work on projects together.

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