Podcast

From Founder to CEO: Startup Rhythm and Leadership Lessons with Leslie Fine

In this episode, Toni sits down with Leslie Fine, Managing Partner at Enjoy The Work, to unpack the transition from founder to CEO. Leslie shares hard-earned lessons from her own journey—starting in academia and moving into startup leadership—and reveals the essential skills every aspiring CEO needs. From mastering the rhythm of a startup to navigating fundraising and leadership challenges, this episode is packed with insights for women in tech who are ready to take the leap into leadership.

“Every CEO was a first-time CEO once. Leadership is a craft. It’s a learnable skill. People talk about leadership like it’s some mystical quality that you either have or you don’t, but it’s something you can learn and improve.” – Leslie Fine

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • The key differences between a founder and a CEO—and why mastering both is crucial
  • The three pillars of leadership every startup CEO must develop
  • How to set clear goals and lead with accountability
  • Why understanding the rhythm of a startup is essential for scaling successfully
  • The five major phases of a startup and how to act stage-appropriately
  • How to decide if venture capital is the right fit for your business
  • The three main jobs of a CEO that define long-term success