Building and scaling startups involves numerous uncertainties and complexities, from ideation to exit. Many entrepreneurs and tech leaders struggle with innovation risks, team cohesion, and the fear of failure. Today, serial entrepreneur David Hersh shares his lessons from founding and exiting four large companies.

David discusses key tech startup challenges, such as product ideation, early monetization, and building strong teams. He offers tech leaders and aspiring founders valuable lessons on adapting to market needs, making strategic pivots, and navigating the journey from startup to acquisition.

David highlights the critical role of teamwork in navigating the ups and downs of startup life, noting that building a trusted, cohesive team can be more important than the idea itself. He also shares the importance of building the products that customers want and the value of embracing external ideas.

Tune in to hear David’s candid reflections on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, his best and worst decisions, and his advice on managing post-acquisition transitions in large companies.

“Scratching your own itch is effective because if you’re solving a problem for yourself, you’re likely solving it for others.” ~ David Hersh

In This Episode:

- Lessons from product ideation to execution

- Monetization strategies and business viability analysis

- David’s best and worst decisions: the role of teamwork

- Reflecting on mistakes and pivots

- How to choose an exit strategy as an entrepreneur

- How to navigate post-acquisition challenges

And much more!

Connect with David Hersh:

 - LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhersh/ 

Connect with Debbie Madden:

- Website - https://www.stride.build/

- LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiemadden1/

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stride-consulting/