Operating Without a Playbook

Build Trust and Get Out of Your Own Way

Why do so many early startup teams fall apart? Most first-time founders are never taught how to lead people and build trust. This episode explores what gets in the way and what it actually takes to fix it.

Chris Bach (Co-founder of Netlify) on Building for Developers, Ecosystem Thinking & AI

Chris Bach is the Co-founder of Netlify, the web development platform that pioneered the Jamstack movement and serves over 1 million developers worldwide, including Twilio, Nike, and Verizon. Chris helped scale Netlify from an idea into a company that has raised nearly $100M in funding. Today, he is an active investor, board member, and advisor to founders across the modern web ecosystem, and serves on the Board of the MACH Alliance. Chris joins Valerie to talk about co-founding Netlify, his unconventional path into tech, and what he's learned from building for developers over the past decade.

Mastering the Inner Game with Klaus Kleinfeld

Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld — former CEO of Siemens and Alcoa, and ex-Chairman of Arconic — joins Andy for a reflective conversation on leadership from the inside out. A leader who has stewarded global organisations spanning energy, manufacturing, and technology across more than 40 countries, Klaus brings hard-won perspective that goes far beyond the boardroom. Drawing from decades of global executive experience, he shares insights on energy management, emotional discipline, and the importance of aligning work with personal values. This episode invites leaders to pause, recalibrate, and reconsider where their energy truly goes. In this episode: * Why energy management outperforms time management * Emotional control under sustained pressure * Purpose as something that evolves * The role of spirituality in leadership * Investing in relationships that endure

Operating Without a Playbook

Andy and Valerie sit down to unpack what it means to build in markets where there is no clear roadmap — especially in established industries that don’t move easily. Andy reflects on entering the railway sector as a startup outsider and the discipline required to earn credibility. Valerie explores the advantage of fresh perspective — and the humility needed to make it work. They discuss speed versus precision, the reality that startups can’t afford to run out of money, and why the customer ultimately defines what’s true. This episode is about learning fast, adapting constantly, and building without assuming you already understand the rules. In this episode: * The strategic edge of a beginner’s mindset * Earning trust in legacy industries * Balancing urgency with patience * Staying grounded when resources are tight * Letting customer reality guide decisions

Navigating Leadership Pressure: The Role of Transparency

Andy and Valerie sit down to discuss the emotional weight of leadership — especially in moments when the outside world sees momentum, but internally things feel fragile. They reflect on the pressure founders carry, how transparency can strengthen teams when handled thoughtfully, and where honesty needs discernment. The conversation also touches on the changing venture landscape — including the shift back toward revenue discipline and sustainable metrics. Rather than offering surface-level advice, they examine what steadiness actually looks like in practice — and why defining success for yourself is one of the most important leadership decisions you’ll make. In this episode: * Managing anxiety while leading others * Communicating transparently without destabilizing the team * The evolving expectations of investors  * Maintaining motivation after fundraising * Setting your own definition of success