How th Unf**k Your Startup

The Fine Line Between Passion and Strategy in Startup Leadership

Jeff Hirsch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hirschjeffrey/] is the Founder & CEO of Executive Guru and a leader with decades of experience in tech, media, and advertising. He’s led multiple businesses to successful exits, and now he advises startups on growth strategies, leadership, and navigating the challenges of scaling. In this episode, Jeff talks about what it takes to lead a startup effectively—balancing the emotional investment founders have in their businesses with the practical decisions needed to grow. We broke down everything from building leadership teams that can scale with the company, to making tough calls when you don’t have all the data, and getting the most out of your board. If you're struggling to balance your passion with the demands of growing a company, Jeff has practical ideas to help you find that sweet spot.

Relentless Resilience: Exploring Joe De Sena’s Approach to Entrepreneurship

Joe De Sena joined me this week to share his journey from selling fireworks as a kid to building Spartan, a global obstacle course race company known for its intense races, ranging from 5K sprints to ultra-endurance events. Throughout Spartan’s expansion across 40+ countries, Joe remains focused on his mission to help people transform by pushing beyond their physical and mental limits. On the podcast, Joe shares what it takes to keep going when things get tough, how he leads a team of 500 with a purpose-driven focus, and why starting a business is like running one of Spartan’s Death Races. We also discuss how Spartan stays true to its mission, how Joe evaluates business risks, and the value of having the right team around you.

B2B Sales Are Changing - Here’s How Founders & CROs Can Adapt

Warren Zenna [https://www.linkedin.com/in/warrenz/] is founder of The CRO Collective, and has over 25 years of experience in B2B sales and marketing. He’s made it his mission to redefine the role of CROs and help companies navigate the complexities of revenue generation. Founders face a rapidly changing market that demands adaptability, self-awareness, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. Warren shared a lot of advice for how founders and CROs can make more informed decisions about their growth strategies - from rethinking traditional sales approaches to balancing short-term gains with long-term vision. That’s what this blog will focus on - but the whole episode covers that and much more.

Can AI Help us Become More Human? With Ioanna Mantzouridou Onasi, Co-Founder and CEO of Dextego

Ioanna Mantzouridou Onasi is an applied AI thought leader with a mission is to help people and organizations thrive by developing soft skills like communication, empathy, and leadership. Through Dextego, she’s showing how AI goes beyond automation to drive human potential. With a background that spans founding a sustainable fashion company at 16 to leading talent development at a B2B SaaS AI startup, Ioanna’s experience is as diverse as it is impressive. This conversation digs into how AI can free us up to focus on human connections and creativity. Ioanna breaks down the practical ways AI can enhance, rather than replace, our ability to lead, collaborate, and problem-solve. If you're looking for ways to leverage AI in your startup

How to Scale Yourself While Scaling Your Business, with Matthew Yahes, CEO of Extend Your Team

Matthew Yahes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/yahes/] has been around the block a few times when it comes to building businesses. As the CEO of Extend Your Team [https://www.extendyourteam.com], he's taking the lessons he's learned from either starting, buying, or growing four different companies and putting them to work to help others scale up. These days, Matthew is connecting businesses with top-notch talent in the Philippines, showing founders how to build strong teams without breaking the bank. Whether it's e-commerce, restaurants, or staffing, Matthew's seen it all - and he's sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly of his story. In this episode, we went particularly deep into the evolution of a founder's role, from hands-on operator to strategic leader. We explore the stages of a founder's journey, the importance of hands-on experience, strategic time management, and the art of delegation. Matthew has a gold mine of tips on how founders can effectively grow with their companies. So whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your existing business, this conversation is packed with practical advice.