Talent & Leadership
Cultivating your talent and leadership
Get better results by focusing on human capital, including developing the skills to manage and lead effectively.


The 3 Levels of Goal Setting That Every Startup Needs
Drive startup success by learning how to set goals at three levels: org, team, and individual.
7 min read
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Best Advice for Startup Founders from 4 Executive Coaches
Executive coaches share tips for cultivating co-founder relationships, managing anxiety, and more.
2 min read

Best Advice for Startup Founders from 4 Executive Coaches
Executive coaches share tips for cultivating co-founder relationships, managing anxiety, and more.
Anna Barber & Matt Hoffman
March 24, 2022
2 min read



5 Roles You Never Knew You Needed
When it comes to hiring at a startup, sometimes the most impactful roles aren’t the most obvious.
4 min read

5 Roles You Never Knew You Needed
When it comes to hiring at a startup, sometimes the most impactful roles aren’t the most obvious.
Karl Alomar & Matt Hoffman
January 20, 2022
4 min read



How to Scale Your Startup’s Engineering Org
Do all startups need a CTO? What makes a great first hire? Former Podz CTO Seye Ojumu weighs in.
2 min read

How to Scale Your Startup’s Engineering Org
Do all startups need a CTO? What makes a great first hire? Former Podz CTO Seye Ojumu weighs in.
Matt Hoffman
December 10, 2021
2 min read



How to Support and Develop Effective People Managers
Start by creating clear role descriptions, success metrics, and standards for your startup’s people managers.
8 min read

How to Support and Develop Effective People Managers
Start by creating clear role descriptions, success metrics, and standards for your startup’s people managers.
Matt Hoffman & Tania Luna
September 22, 2021
8 min read



My Startup Has Doubled in Size. Now What?
From hiring to firing, two executive coaches share advice on how to manage the stress of scaling.
3 min read

My Startup Has Doubled in Size. Now What?
From hiring to firing, two executive coaches share advice on how to manage the stress of scaling.
Anna Barber & Matt Hoffman
September 17, 2021
3 min read



Organizational Culture: How to Talk About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Learn how startups can create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
2 min read

Organizational Culture: How to Talk About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Learn how startups can create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
Lindsey Marlowe
September 1, 2021
2 min read



A Founder's Guide to Onboarding New Hires
Customize 30-, 60-, and 90-day plans for your startup’s new hires with these onboarding tips and tricks.
8 min read

A Founder's Guide to Onboarding New Hires
Customize 30-, 60-, and 90-day plans for your startup’s new hires with these onboarding tips and tricks.
Matt Hoffman & Tania Luna
August 20, 2021
8 min read



A 5-Step Guide to Startup Recruiting and Hiring
Here’s how creating an efficient, fair, and scalable interview process can help you recruit top talent.
12 min read

A 5-Step Guide to Startup Recruiting and Hiring
Here’s how creating an efficient, fair, and scalable interview process can help you recruit top talent.
Matt Hoffman & Tania Luna
August 20, 2021
12 min read



How to Tackle Social Impact as a Founder
Learn the difference between social impact and advocacy, how to measure impact, and more.
2 min read

How to Tackle Social Impact as a Founder
Learn the difference between social impact and advocacy, how to measure impact, and more.
Sequoia Blodgett
August 16, 2021
2 min read



Compensation in the New World of Work
Find out when you should and shouldn’t consider adjusting your remote workers’ pay.
2 min read

Compensation in the New World of Work
Find out when you should and shouldn’t consider adjusting your remote workers’ pay.
Lindsey Marlowe
July 30, 2021
2 min read



How to Build an Effective Board for Your Startup
A successful board relationship starts with recruiting the right people and knowing how to cultivate those bonds
2 min read

How to Build an Effective Board for Your Startup
A successful board relationship starts with recruiting the right people and knowing how to cultivate those bonds
Matt Hoffman
July 30, 2021
2 min read



Effective Practices for Reopening Your Office
Get practical and actionable advice for supporting your team as you return to in-person work.
3 min read

Effective Practices for Reopening Your Office
Get practical and actionable advice for supporting your team as you return to in-person work.
Kris Gerdts
June 8, 2021
3 min read



What Every Startup Should Know About Compensation
Retain your employees by creating a compensation philosophy around pay, time off, and other benefits.
8 min read

What Every Startup Should Know About Compensation
Retain your employees by creating a compensation philosophy around pay, time off, and other benefits.
Matt Hoffman & Tania Luna
May 27, 2021
8 min read



How to Scale Your Startup Culture and Values
Explore how to establish or refine the three pillars of your company culture: mission, vision, and values.
9 min read

How to Scale Your Startup Culture and Values
Explore how to establish or refine the three pillars of your company culture: mission, vision, and values.
Matt Hoffman & Tania Luna
May 21, 2021
9 min read



Building Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Into Your Startup
Discover how to develop diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies that can make a difference.
8 min read

Building Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Into Your Startup
Discover how to develop diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies that can make a difference.
Matt Hoffman & Ashley Schwedt & Theo Haber
May 21, 2021
8 min read



Designing an Organizational Structure for Your Startup
Learn how to create roles, levels, and job titles that can evolve as your startup grows.
8 min read

Designing an Organizational Structure for Your Startup
Learn how to create roles, levels, and job titles that can evolve as your startup grows.
Matt Hoffman & Tania Luna
April 27, 2021
8 min read



How to Give Feedback with EQ and Empathy
Remember these tips when delivering constructive feedback with emotional intelligence and empathy.
3 min read

How to Give Feedback with EQ and Empathy
Remember these tips when delivering constructive feedback with emotional intelligence and empathy.
Matt Hoffman & Tania Luna
March 16, 2021
3 min read



Lessons from Leading a Women’s Group
Consider these four steps when launching an employee resource group at your startup.
3 min read

Lessons from Leading a Women’s Group
Consider these four steps when launching an employee resource group at your startup.
Julia Brokaw
March 5, 2021
3 min read



Adam Grant: Why Startup Founders Should Normalize Asking for Help
The bestselling author of “Think Again” explains why psychological safety is critical at startups.
3 min read

Adam Grant: Why Startup Founders Should Normalize Asking for Help
The bestselling author of “Think Again” explains why psychological safety is critical at startups.
Christine Choi
February 26, 2021
3 min read



Why Arianna Huffington Says Burnout Shouldn't Be the Price of Startup Success
Learn the small steps that lead from resting to achieving at work.
3 min read

Why Arianna Huffington Says Burnout Shouldn't Be the Price of Startup Success
Learn the small steps that lead from resting to achieving at work.
Courtney Reum
February 24, 2021
3 min read



LL Cool J: Here's Why I’m Not Competing with Anyone Else
James Todd Smith shares startup tips and lessons learned as an actor, musician, and entrepreneur.
3 min read

LL Cool J: Here's Why I’m Not Competing with Anyone Else
James Todd Smith shares startup tips and lessons learned as an actor, musician, and entrepreneur.
Courtney Reum
February 24, 2021
3 min read



Idea Maze: Turning Your Vision Into a Business
Following these six essential steps can help you make the jump from startup vision to startup launch.
3 min read

Idea Maze: Turning Your Vision Into a Business
Following these six essential steps can help you make the jump from startup vision to startup launch.
M13 Team
February 15, 2021
3 min read



High Output Management: Managing in the Digital Age
As your employees shift to working remotely, here are some ways to keep up morale and productivity.
6 min read

High Output Management: Managing in the Digital Age
As your employees shift to working remotely, here are some ways to keep up morale and productivity.
M13 Team
February 1, 2021
6 min read



Founder Survey: EQ Matters More Than IQ
A survey reveals that emotional intelligence in leaders is more important than intelligence.
3 min read

Founder Survey: EQ Matters More Than IQ
A survey reveals that emotional intelligence in leaders is more important than intelligence.
Anna Barber & Robyn Ward
January 5, 2021
3 min read



Human Capital: The Essential Guide to Scaling People Systems
Learn how to build a startup that outlearns the competition with this talent guide.
3 min read

Human Capital: The Essential Guide to Scaling People Systems
Learn how to build a startup that outlearns the competition with this talent guide.
Matt Hoffman & Tania Luna
December 8, 2020
3 min read



Demystifying the Offer Process
Get advice on negotiating a job offer at a startup, including counteroffers.
2 min read

Demystifying the Offer Process
Get advice on negotiating a job offer at a startup, including counteroffers.
Lindsey Marlowe
October 16, 2020
2 min read



Leadership at M13
We’re working harder to listen, learn, and build the trust it takes to ask for help.
10 min read

Leadership at M13
We’re working harder to listen, learn, and build the trust it takes to ask for help.
Christine Choi
September 25, 2020
10 min read



Building a Compelling Personal Brand
Whether you’re the one hiring or being hired, discover what can make a personal brand stand out.
4 min read

Building a Compelling Personal Brand
Whether you’re the one hiring or being hired, discover what can make a personal brand stand out.
Lindsey Marlowe
September 3, 2020
4 min read



Best Practices for Developing a Strong Startup Culture
Completing a values exercise with your team can help raise important trade-off questions.
2 min read

Best Practices for Developing a Strong Startup Culture
Completing a values exercise with your team can help raise important trade-off questions.
Matt Hoffman
August 20, 2020
2 min read



Karl Alomar on a Path Forward
In a crisis, a positive mindset is as important as the strategy itself.
1 min read

Karl Alomar on a Path Forward
In a crisis, a positive mindset is as important as the strategy itself.
Lindsey Marlowe & Karl Alomar
August 13, 2020
1 min read



Karl Alomar on Leading Through Change
Get advice on creating and communicating a strategic plan in times of crisis.
1 min read

Karl Alomar on Leading Through Change
Get advice on creating and communicating a strategic plan in times of crisis.
Lindsey Marlowe & Karl Alomar
August 13, 2020
1 min read



Harnessing Founder Talent to Accelerate Corporate Innovation
M13's Carter Reum highlights the advantages of venture studio models and the latest consumer trends.
1 min read

Harnessing Founder Talent to Accelerate Corporate Innovation
M13's Carter Reum highlights the advantages of venture studio models and the latest consumer trends.
Lindsey Marlowe
July 27, 2020
1 min read



The Power of Neutral Thinking with Trevor Moawad
By minimizing negative thoughts, your mind becomes free to perform better.
1 min read

The Power of Neutral Thinking with Trevor Moawad
By minimizing negative thoughts, your mind becomes free to perform better.
Lindsey Marlowe
July 23, 2020
1 min read



Advice for Founders During COVID-19
Get tips on how to communicate with investors, how to think about supply chain in a crisis, and more.
4 min read

Advice for Founders During COVID-19
Get tips on how to communicate with investors, how to think about supply chain in a crisis, and more.
Courtney Reum & Lindsey Marlowe
July 15, 2020
4 min read



How Entrepreneurs Can Stay Inspired Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic
Explore digital network opportunities, learn from other industries, and more.
2 min read

How Entrepreneurs Can Stay Inspired Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic
Explore digital network opportunities, learn from other industries, and more.
Carter Reum
July 2, 2020
2 min read



How, Why, and When to Cultivate a Diverse Workforce
Get tips for building a culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.
4 min read

How, Why, and When to Cultivate a Diverse Workforce
Get tips for building a culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Matt Hoffman
June 29, 2020
4 min read



Management Skills for Navigating the New World of Remote Work
Adapt to working remotely with clear communication, constructive feedback, and more.
2 min read

Management Skills for Navigating the New World of Remote Work
Adapt to working remotely with clear communication, constructive feedback, and more.
Lindsey Marlowe
June 25, 2020
2 min read



5 Ways to Focus on Less and Think More
From meditating to turning off notifications, take the time you need to recharge.
1 min read

5 Ways to Focus on Less and Think More
From meditating to turning off notifications, take the time you need to recharge.
Carter Reum
June 23, 2020
1 min read



How Entrepreneurship Can Flourish in a Pandemic
Use this time to solve problems, restructure processes, bring value, and help your community.
4 min read

How Entrepreneurship Can Flourish in a Pandemic
Use this time to solve problems, restructure processes, bring value, and help your community.
Carter Reum
June 11, 2020
4 min read



Letting Go of an Executive with Empathy
Consider this tried-and-true advice if you ever need to part ways with an exec.
8 min read

Letting Go of an Executive with Empathy
Consider this tried-and-true advice if you ever need to part ways with an exec.
Matt Hoffman & Gautam Gupta
May 13, 2020
8 min read



Building Resiliency and Focus During Stressful Times
Human connection and clear priorities can help you navigate turbulent periods.
9 min read

Building Resiliency and Focus During Stressful Times
Human connection and clear priorities can help you navigate turbulent periods.
Lindsey Marlowe
May 10, 2020
9 min read



It’s OK to Not Be OK: An Honest Exploration of Wellness for Leaders
Three startup founders share how they manage their mental health in a crisis.
7 min read

It’s OK to Not Be OK: An Honest Exploration of Wellness for Leaders
Three startup founders share how they manage their mental health in a crisis.
Lindsey Marlowe
May 10, 2020
7 min read



Karl Alomar Discusses Leading Through Crisis
M13’s managing partner explains the strategies—and mindset—that got him through past crises.
1 min read

Karl Alomar Discusses Leading Through Crisis
M13’s managing partner explains the strategies—and mindset—that got him through past crises.
Darja Gutnick
May 10, 2020
1 min read



Employee Retention and Engagement in the New World of Work
Here’s why it’s time to prioritize real-time feedback and agile check-ins—and why you should rethink annual reviews for employees.
2 min read

Employee Retention and Engagement in the New World of Work
Here’s why it’s time to prioritize real-time feedback and agile check-ins—and why you should rethink annual reviews for employees.
Lindsey Marlowe
April 19, 2020
2 min read



Managing Your Workforce and Understanding CARES & FFCRA
Legal and HR experts discuss how startups can handle layoffs, furloughs, and other tough decisions.
3 min read

Managing Your Workforce and Understanding CARES & FFCRA
Legal and HR experts discuss how startups can handle layoffs, furloughs, and other tough decisions.
Lindsey Marlowe
April 19, 2020
3 min read



Remote Onboarding in Light of COVID-19
Discover how M13 is welcoming new hires who are starting out as remote workers.
2 min read

Remote Onboarding in Light of COVID-19
Discover how M13 is welcoming new hires who are starting out as remote workers.
Marie Sokolovsky & Rita Serrano
April 19, 2020
2 min read



All-hands on… Zoom? How We’re Handling WFH
From daily stand-ups to team challenges, here's how M13 is adapting to remote work.
2 min read

All-hands on… Zoom? How We’re Handling WFH
From daily stand-ups to team challenges, here's how M13 is adapting to remote work.
Lindsey Marlowe
April 19, 2020
2 min read



Best Practices for Remote Hiring
Upgrade your technology, refine your interview process, actively listen, and more.
2 min read

Best Practices for Remote Hiring
Upgrade your technology, refine your interview process, actively listen, and more.
Matt Hoffman
April 19, 2020
2 min read



Leading Through Uncertainty
Surviving a downturn requires fiscal responsibility—and a strong leadership team.
2 min read

Leading Through Uncertainty
Surviving a downturn requires fiscal responsibility—and a strong leadership team.
M13 Team
April 19, 2020
2 min read



Discussing Goldman Sachs' Diversity Announcement
Goldman Sachs will no longer do IPOs for companies with all-male boards, CEO David Solomon says.
2 min read

Discussing Goldman Sachs' Diversity Announcement
Goldman Sachs will no longer do IPOs for companies with all-male boards, CEO David Solomon says.
Christine Choi & Matt Hoffman
March 16, 2020
2 min read



How to Successfully Manage Remote Teams
Stay connected virtually by learning new etiquette and ideas for team building.
2 min read

How to Successfully Manage Remote Teams
Stay connected virtually by learning new etiquette and ideas for team building.
Lindsey Marlowe
March 16, 2020
2 min read



A Great Founding Team: More Than the Sum of Its Parts
Identify complementary and diverse skills, and avoid these common startup mistakes.
5 min read

A Great Founding Team: More Than the Sum of Its Parts
Identify complementary and diverse skills, and avoid these common startup mistakes.
Latif Peracha & Karl Alomar
March 12, 2020
5 min read



Effective Recruiting at Scale: Planning Wins the Day
Uplevel your startup’s recruiting strategy by having an interview pre-brief, staying aligned, and more.
4 min read

Effective Recruiting at Scale: Planning Wins the Day
Uplevel your startup’s recruiting strategy by having an interview pre-brief, staying aligned, and more.
Matt Hoffman
March 12, 2020
4 min read



Awareness Not Avoidance: How to Face Common Founding Team Issues Head On
Try these strategies to overcome decision paralysis, find cost-efficient ways to fill skill gaps, and more.
5 min read

Awareness Not Avoidance: How to Face Common Founding Team Issues Head On
Try these strategies to overcome decision paralysis, find cost-efficient ways to fill skill gaps, and more.
Andrew Grone
March 12, 2020
5 min read
