VCs often get grief from founders for asking “How can I help?” Often, this grief is deserved. One of the best signs of founder/VC fit is that a VC can actually help – whether it’s strategic partner intros, key hires, strategy guidance, fundraising help, etc. Yet quite often that “How can I help?” question rings…
Why Great Board Members Don’t Make Recommendations
Great board members don’t jump in with recommendations – even when asked directly. Instead, they share perspective, data, and guide a CEO/executive team to decide and fully own the decision. This is respectful, wise, and growth-mindset driven. It’s respectful because it empowers a CEO to listen to differing perspectives and ultimately own the decision –…
The Gray Zone
I’ll never forget that lesson on ethics — taught by one of my favorite grad school professors, Irv Grousbeck. A business manager is asked a tough question. She has the choice to reply without technically lying, but leave out important details and not be fully transparent. It’s the type of response that leaves you with…