top of page

Should Startups Hire from Corporates?

  • Writer: Matthew Lerner
    Matthew Lerner
  • May 21, 2021
  • 2 min read

It’s tempting to think that someone from a big successful company will gallop in and give your little startup hockey-stick growth. That’s a common expensive misconception.


Trust me, I spent 10 years climbing the marketing ladder in a big company! My secrets to success: Present great decks, build political alliances, spend millions on agencies and manage up. Will any of those skills help your startup be successful?

The Fundamental Difference

Big companies already have a playbook, so they hire people to come in and execute. (That’s easy!) Startups need to figure out their playbook, and that’s hard. So look for people who can do two things:

  1. Reason Well - Bright & curious, able to think from first principles, identify your riskiest assumptions and test them, and make good decisions about which work to do.

  2. Get Stuff Done - Scrappy and resourceful, will roll up sleeves and do whatever, wear lots of hats and draw the owl.*

Interview Questions

I would not categorically rule out “big company” types. But make sure they have the intellectual honesty and mental flexibility to embrace drastic change. Here’s how I figure out whether a candidate can write the playbook or just follow it:

  • "What do you see as the key unknowns in our business right now? And how can we bottom them out quickly?"

  • "What did it take to succeed in your last job, honestly?” (and a followup) "What do you think it will it take to succeed in this new job, how is it different?"

  • "What’s something you learned from a customer recently in your current job that surprised you?”

  • “If you needed to test some messages on your first day at the office, how would you do it? Literally what would you do?" (roll up the sleeves?)

When you hire someone, do not expect them to have all the answers! Expect them to make good decisions about which work they do, execute fast, and learn how your company can grow. (Here's my object lesson on growth mindset leadership.)


* Draw the Owl is one of Twilio's company values, it means “there’s no instruction book, go figure it out.” But it’s much more hilarious than it sounds.

Recent Posts

See All
Hiring: Internal Locus of Control

If I could only hire for one trait... Since 2015, I've interviewed over 100 entrepreneurs and hires, and I've got it down to one trait:...

 
 
 
The Illusion of Knowledge Bias

If a job applicant said "I have no idea how to grow your startup" would you hire them as your VP of Growth? (Because I probably would)....

 
 
 

15 Comments


empire88b
6 days ago

You should read this book if you like: Historical fiction, novels based on true stories, Paris circa 1918, New York City circa 1987 gunpowder raja botak

Like

reputezap
May 13

The experience isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the journey, too. As you travel to Moraine Lake in the early morning hours, the bus ride itself is peaceful. Most passengers stay quiet or nap, and the quiet hum of the vehicle against moraine lake shuttle the backdrop of alpine wilderness creates a soothing atmosphere. This calm transition makes arriving at the lake even more special, as it eases you into the majestic view ahead.

Like

reputezap
May 13

A behavioral health EMR should offer robust reporting capabilities to help therapists and administrators analyze trends and outcomes. This data can inform treatment decisions, track patient progress, and even assist with quality improvement initiatives. Many systems come with pre-built reports, while others allow users to build custom reports for specific needs. Accurate reporting helps meet the requirements healthcare rcm software of insurance providers, regulators, and internal management teams, streamlining compliance and supporting evidence-based care.


Like

Love Marie Yu
Love Marie Yu
May 13

UNICCM delivers a broad portfolio of professional development programmes tailored to key industries including construction, engineering, and law. Courses are developed in alignment with recognised bodies to meet industry standards and promote career progression. The virtual delivery format ensures global accessibility and flexibility for learners. Comprehensive modules blend theoretical frameworks with applied learning. Programmes are structured for those seeking practical credentials in their field. Certification carries credibility across international job markets. 

Like

Kms Pico
Kms Pico
May 06

Com o kmspico Ativador, você economiza e ainda ativa seu sistema. O kmspico Ativador tem uso simples e direto. Não há complicação ao usar o kmspico Ativador. O kmspico Ativador funciona mesmo após formatação. Ative novamente com facilidade usando o kmspico Ativador. O kmspico Ativador garante uso ilimitado. O kmspico Ativador não compromete os dados do usuário. Milhares já aprovaram o kmspico Ativador. É hora de você experimentar o kmspico Ativador. Aproveite o melhor do seu PC com o kmspico Ativador.

Like
bottom of page