Startups & Downs is Finally Here
Today’s media landscape is filled with stories of entrepreneurial ventures and IPOs, which captivate audiences by focusing on major successes or massive exits, failures and downfalls. However, a lot happens between the headlines—entrepreneurship is a cycle of ups and downs.
Ten years ago, I was a first-time founder who raised millions in venture capital, built a team, and learned how to build software alongside engineers who helped create JOOR—a platform for buyers and retailers to transact. However, it wasn’t until stepping away as CEO, I realized that the majority of challenges that I faced could have been handled faster and easier if I had the right mindset.
In Startups & Downs: The Secrets of Resilient Entrepreneurs I take readers through my own entrepreneurial journey and explore how I successfully disrupted an entire industry, but often felt that I wasn’t always mentally prepared for what came next.
Through this guidebook I created for navigating everything from pitching with power to coping with competition, I’ve also included first-hand accounts from 10 other respected Founders:
Courtney Nichols Gould, Founder & co-CEO, SmartyPants Vitamins
Annie Jackson, co-founder & COO, Credo Beauty
Sarah Kauss, Founder & CEO, S’well
Stephen Kuhl, co-founder & CEO, Burrow
Renaud Laplanche, co-founder & CEO, Upgrade, Founder of Lending Club
Jody Levy, Founder, CEO & Creative Director, World Waters (Maker of WTRMLN WTR)
Betty Liu, Founder of Radiate, Executive Vice Chairman of The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
Ben McKean, Founder, Hungry Root
Sasha Plavsic, Founder & CCO, ILIA Beauty
Nat Turner, co-founder & CEO, Flatiron Health
I knew right away I wanted to offer real, raw advice that many entrepreneurs aren’t willing to share. The quality of the stories from my fellow founders and their ability to openly share was an inspiration. I hope it brings the same effect to readers who are looking for guidance.
This fall, I will be taking my stories and advice on the road touring several universities and entrepreneurial organizations including The Wharton School, Yale School of Management, TechStars and Springboard to bring guidance to students and first-time founders in real life.
Startups & Downs: The Secrets of Resilient Entrepreneurs is available today online and in select bookstores: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1950906086.