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Insights, Stories, and Lessons from the Startup World
How to Spot Toxic Hires Before They Join Your Team
Based on real data from thousands of hiring experiences, discover the subtle warning signs of problematic hires.
Why Gut Feelings Matter When Vetting People
We’re talking about why your gut feelings are crucial signals that shouldn’t be ignored in business relationships.
10 Red Flags That Signal a Bad Startup Advisor
I’ve been on both sides of the table. As a founder, I’ve worked with over 20 startup advisors. As an investor, I’ve advised more than 40 companies. But my most valuable experience? Losing $200,000 to a “startup advisor” who showed every red flag I’m about to share with you.
The True Cost of Ignoring Red Flags in Business
Learn from real founder experiences how overlooking warning signs impacts startups, and how to protect your company using data-driven insights.
Lessons From Founders Who Trusted the Wrong People
Learn how to protect your startup through real-world examples of business relationships gone wrong.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Reference Checks: How to Find the Truth
Learn how to conduct meaningful reference checks that reveal the truth about potential hires, partners, and vendors.
How to Protect Your Startup’s Reputation
In today’s business environment, your reputation isn’t just what people find when they search for you – it’s what they trust when they find it. Protect it accordingly.
Building a Startup Culture Rooted in Trust
Learn how successful founders build lasting startup cultures based on trust. Discover real stories and practical wisdom about creating an environment where trust drives growth and innovation
How to Spot Toxic Startup Deals Before They Cost You
Let me tell you about the most expensive coffee meeting of my life.
Questions Every Founder Should Ask a Potential Vendor
Learn how to identify red flags, verify capabilities, and protect your company from problematic vendor relationships.
How to Recover From a Broken Business Relationship
Learn proven strategies to recover from toxic business partnerships, bad hires, and broken trust in startups. Real examples from founders who bounced back stronger after business relationships went wrong.
A Founder’s Guide to Vetting Business Partners
How successful founders vet partnerships and avoid costly relationship mistakes using real-world experience and proven methods.
How to Avoid Hiring the Wrong People for Your Startup
Discover how to evaluate candidates effectively, spot red flags early, and build a team that drives your company’s success.
5 Steps to Thoroughly Vet a Potential Startup Advisor
Learn how to properly evaluate startup advisors before bringing them on board. Protect your company from bad advisory relationships.
Why Trust Is the Most Valuable Currency in Startups
The day I lost $1.2 million in a handshake deal taught me something no venture capitalist or startup advisor had ever mentioned: trust isn’t just important in business—it’s the only currency that truly matters.
8 Common Scams Targeting Startup Founders in 2025
Learn how to protect your startup from sophisticated investment scams and predatory financial schemes.
Why Reputation Matters More Than Revenue in Startups
Discover why startup reputation is your most valuable asset. Learn how successful founders build and protect their reputational capital, based on real data from thousands of startup relationships.