Lead Upwards

Introduction: Why Startup Leadership Matters at Every Level

So, why haven't you been an executive before? It looks like you were qualified years ago.

The venture capitalist's remarks were part of his due diligence in determining whether the early‐stage startup he invested in should hire me for a marketing leadership role. But upon hearing his backhanded compliment, my heart sank. While I was grateful for his affirmation that I was qualified to be considered for the position we were discussing, it made me wonder: why had I waited when my resume suggested I had enough experience for a startup executive position years earlier?

Fast forward several years later, and I'm a vice president of marketing at an early‐stage venture—a startup executive. That conversation with the VC was a wake‐up call, motivating me to learn how to transition from mid‐level manager to department leader, which I have done thanks in great part to the support of my executive coach, friends, my CEO, and peer network.

In hindsight, I didn't aspire to become a startup executive earlier in my career because I didn't know it was possible. I didn't understand what qualifications were required or which skill gaps I might need to address. I knew that there was a startup leadership tier I wasn't yet part of, but I didn't know how to reach it. I was also unable to picture myself as a startup executive, with so few role models in the industry who were like me, an openly LGBTQ+ woman. Lack of visibility does make ...