Kristen Hamilton is a seasoned tech founder and CEO. As the co-founder and CEO of Koru, she played a pivotal role until its acquisition in 2019. Currently serving as General Manager with Enjoy the Work, Kristen is dedicated to helping founders evolve into great CEOs. She has over 25 years of experience in building and running companies, and brings a unique blend of expertise and empathy to her advisory role. She has a deep commitment to impact-driven entrepreneurship.
You’ll hear Lindsay and Kristen discuss:
- The impact-driven nature of Kristen’s work and the deep connections she forms with entrepreneurs drive her sense of purpose.
- The transition from being a CEO to an advisor brought a shift from a constant learning mindset as a founder to realizing the depth of expertise accumulated over years, allowing her to genuinely help others.
- Kristen underscores the value of sharing stories, especially the challenges faced during the entrepreneurial journey. Vulnerability and openness create a connection, making the real work possible in the often lonely journey of entrepreneurship.
- Your North Star will emerge from a deep understanding of a pressing problem, resonating with both your team and customers.
- Ground your mission in practical problem-solving while maintaining an audacious, game-changing vision.
- Entrepreneurs must adapt and iterate by understanding how their customers experience pain continually.
- Founders face vulnerability, courageously putting their creations out for evaluation. The act of receiving feedback, even if it implies potential flaws, is an essential aspect of leadership. Embracing vulnerability fuels growth and improvement.
- A common pitfall is where founders fall in love with their product rather than deeply caring about the problem they are solving. Start with the problem, ensuring a genuine connection to a critical and meaningful issue.
- Connecting your personal “why” and company mission becomes a source of courage, endurance, and guidance during the challenging entrepreneurial journey.
- Knowing yourself is critical for decision-making, defining priorities, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
- Kristen introduces the concept of “working theories” as decision-making filters. These are stable viewpoints based on strategy, the North Star, and market analysis. Revisit these theories only when new information challenges existing beliefs.