The leadership in a start-up has the potential to make or break the organisation, which is why it’s so important to hire the right people from the get-go.
In our latest ERUPT podcast episode, Tom Walsh, Executive Search Manager at Annapurna, sits down with Angeley Mullins, seasoned commercial leader and growth strategist, to dive into the critical topic of start-up leadership and when founders should consider bringing in roles like CRO or CCO.
Drawing from her rich experience working with scale-ups and early-stage ventures, Angeley shares the most common leadership mistakes she’s seen and made along the way. From founders wearing too many hats for too long, to misjudging the point at which commercial leadership becomes non-negotiable, this episode unpacks it all.
Angeley doesn’t just highlight the problems, she also offers practical solutions. She explains why hiring your first leadership figures isn’t just about finding impressive CVs, but about bringing in people who understand the unique pressures of the start-up environment. Her insights into team dynamics, internal alignment, and how to create a culture where your leadership team actually wants to collaborate (not compete) are golden for any founder aiming for long-term success.
Whether you’re at the Pre-Seed stage, Series A, or somewhere in between, this episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking seriously about sustainable growth.
So, if you’re a founder asking yourself, “What’s next?” when it comes to start-up leadership, you’ll find the answers right here.
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube Music.
