Seeking Growth
Seeking Growth is a podcast about the realities of building and scaling a startup, without the usual bragging or vague lessons. Michael Momsen shares his experience taking Zipline.io from an idea to over $10m in VC funding, including product-market-fit pivots, US expansion, and building teams. Zabi Rawan acts as the curious co-host, drawing out practical insights on product, sales, hiring, mental models, and psychology. The show covers personal growth, career growth, and the challenges of growing a scaleup.
Episodes
#72: Systems Thinking: How to Build Lean, Scalable Systems
Today we unpack how you can apply systems thinking in your startup and build high-value 'systems. You get the three-question framework for mapping workflows, cutting noise, and focusing on the high-value steps and how we've applied it at Zipline.io!The few chaptersDefining a “system” and why complexity naturally creeps inMapping your core workflows as “arteries” and spotting the noisy “cap
#71: Why effectiveness beats efficiency - unpacking Drucker's timeless philosophy
In our first mini book club, we unpack Peter Drucker’s timeless book "The Effective Executive" and how you can bring it to life in your world. Some basics: Tracking exactly where your time goesZeroing in on outcomes over tasksDoubling down on strengthsHoning in on the few priorities that drive outsized results.Along the way, we share real Zipline stories on time-blocking, weekly accountability rhy
#70 - Make Sales Great Again: Building a great sales culture
Sales has become a dirty word—known for aggressive tactics, high-pressure targets, and customer frustration. MM and Zabi sit down to talk through why this doesn’t work, especially in B2B SaaS.We share exactly what great sales looks like: genuine problem-solving, aligning closely with customer pain, and building real relationships. How Zipline built a strong sales culture, deep product<>sales
#69: Why Seeking Growth should be your #1 B2B SaaS podcast
We're back! Maddie's left for Ireland 🇮🇪 for new adventures and we've been working in the background on a refresh as Zabi comes on board!In this episode we cover what inspired the rebrand (hint: we're seeking growth at Zipline!) who is this for and what you can expect over the coming months. SynopsisThe rebrand was inspired by Zipline, our startup gearing up to scale up. With this refocus, our thi
#68: How to avoid premature optimisation? "Cooked just right"
We've all got some level of perfectionism in us which leads us to trying to optimise everything. In this episode we chat about how to "cook just right" anything you work on
- How to identify when you're over optimising
- How to prioritise the right things to optimise for
- How to think through the tension of high quality and realistic effort
#67 The most popular interview question answered: What is it truly like to work at Zipline?
MM regularly gets asked 'What is it truly like to work at Zipline? How would you describe the culture?'
In this episode we unpack exactly what it's like to work at Zipline
⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ
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Connect with Us:
Michael Momse
#66: Jumping from a big company to a startup - are you sure? + 5 signals why it might the right decision for you
In this episode we consider what the smoke signals could be for someone working in a larger organisation who are looking for something more in their day-to-day. If you’re feeling any of these we think you could be very well suited to a career in a startup!
Michael’s 5 signals that you should be looking out for (& if you have all 5, it’s time to get in touch with us!):
1. Does the treadmill spe
#65 The risk of avoiding risk & how to find hyper growth by leaning into tough challenges
In this episode we discuss how staying in your comfort zone and avoiding risk prevents you from finding hyper growth, both personally & professionally. StartUps are a great environment to push yourself out of your comfort zone and embrace discomfort.
⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://b
#64 How to create & execute a killer plan - “Plan the Work, Work the Plan”
In this episode, special guest Tanmay (Chief Product Officer @ Zipline) runs us through his tried and tested approach to working backwards from an objective/key result to create a plan to execute.
First we unpack solution design and then wrap up the episode with project planning.
+ special insight into the common mistakes Tanmay has seen & why people often fail in achieving their desired outco
#63: Early hires can make or break your growth - how to get it right + Michael’s tried & tested hiring approach
⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ
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Connect with Us:
Michael Momsen (linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen)
Maddie Stillman (linkedin.com/in/maddie-stillman)
📣 Feedback, ideas or career
#62: Kai is back! With six answers every high performing employee needs to feel motivated: in a company of 2, 50, 500+
Have you heard of the 6 critical questions...
1. Why do we exist?
2. How do we behave?
3. What do we do?
4. How will we succeed?
5. What is most important, right now?
6. Who must do what?
In this episode we discuss why working for a company that regular discusses these questions is so important. Kai is back on the pod to share his learnings on this topic from a 500+ person organisation
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⚡️ Thi
#61: Quickly snap back into a calm+productive state after being stressed+stretched: build your mental toughness
Building your mental toughness is an ongoing journey. When personal/professional setbacks arise and demotivate or distract you in can be hard to get back into a productive mode. In this episode we discuss how to accept the setback & process it to snap back like a rubber band.
Michael steps us through focussing on what you can control, taking a growth mindset, reminding yourself of perspectiv
#60 Pt3 How to have "bad news travel fast" ⏭: receive bad news like a pro with this 7 point bullet proof plan
In this episode Michael shares his 7 point plan to receive any bad news with confidence:
1. Be a PRO (not an amateur)..
2. Make them feel safe
3. Get clarity- so you can think like Eisenhower
4. Plan the plan
5. Make it about them (show you care)
6. Agree to the check in to “work the plan"
7. Get them to capture actions/plan in writing
Bonus tip #8: Buy time to get cool yourself if required
#59 Pt2 How to have "bad news travel fast" ⏭: the 7 point bullet proof plan to share bad news with confidence
In this episode Michael shares has 7 point plan to share any bad news with confidence:
1. Prepare and reflect
2. Start with clarity and be vulnerable throughout
3. Be upfront with what you need from them
4. Use facts and specifics
5. Express accountability and responsibility throughout
6. Focus on solutions and next steps
7. Practice active listening
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywor
#58 Pt1 How to have “bad news travel fast” ⏭: why your boss wants to hear it & why you should share it
It's never easy to share bad news, but sitting on it or avoiding it is not the answer. In this episode we discuss why this is so important for your areas of responsibility, the different types of bad news & how to spot it.
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ
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#57✋ Don’t join your next 1:1 before knowing these tips to maximise “your meeting”
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ
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Connect with Us:
Michael Momsen (linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen)
Maddie Stillman (linkedin.com/in/maddie-stillman)
📣 Feedback, ideas or career questions? Send us an email
#56 🥋Here are the best coaching approaches you need to get to mastery levels
At Zipline we talk about 's-curve growth,' the journey that takes you from novice to high growth, high growth to master. In this episode we unpack the approach to seeking feedback and coaching (including criticism) to fast track this growth journey.
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.l
#55 Pt 2: Do this thing that just 1% of people do - so you can 2x your growth in 2024 🚀
Part 2 - time to execute on your reflections!
It might feel indulgent to get away from your busy to-do list to spend some time reflecting but this is where true growth can start. In this episode we unpack how step away from busy work and lean into deep thinking and journalling.
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort →
#54 Pt 1: Do this thing that just 1% of people do - so you can 2x your growth in 2024 🚀
It might feel indulgent to get away from your busy to-do list to spend some time reflecting but this is where true growth can start. In this episode we unpack how step away from busy work and lean into deep thinking and journalling.
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ
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Conn
#53 This is the one secret sentence ensures no one ever blocks 🙅♀️ you from getting what you need done
We call this a 🪃 boomerang request - use this trick to most effectively get input, feedback or approval for your work. Plus if the request expires, you are empowered to execute!
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ
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Connect with Us:
Michael Momsen (linkedin.com/i
#52 Great customer meetings start with exceptional briefs - how to brief an exec
A meeting/customer brief serves many purposes: it prepares the meeting host, it forces you to distill your thoughts & succinctly define what the goal of the meeting. Always remember bad prep = bad meeting, good prep = good meeting.
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ
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Con
#51 Got any angry customer? Handle it like a pro
An angry customer or mismatched expectations can certainly trigger your cortisol. In this episode we cover some strategies for how to take ownership, empathise to their situation and take action to work through a plan to rectify.
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ
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Connect with
#50 Working with an exec - get comfortable with intense micromanagement and distant autonomy
Reporting directly into an executive leader can look very different on a week to week basis. Maddie & Michael unpack how sometimes you may feel micromanaged and highly scrutinised and other weeks you may barely hear from your boss.
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ
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Connec
#49 Number 1️⃣ tip to start every meeting with 🔥: ACE the first 5 mins & achieve the end goal
In this episode, we explain ACE (from Winning by Design) - the three steps to kick off a customer meeting:
1. Appreciate your time
2. Check time
3. Expectations / end goal
It might sound simple but getting these 3 steps right is vital to running a successful meeting. Maddie role plays her ACE and gets some gems of feedback from Michael.
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy.
#48 🔨 How to nail your next meeting. Impress your customers & get those outcomes!
You can't expect to nail a meeting if you haven't done the prep. In this episode we unpack how to run an excellent customer meeting.
Often people will over optimise what they want the customer to know. Focusing on what you need them to DO is the single most important thing.
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort →
#47 Startup tips: How to write emails that get read ✅ & actioned 👊 (esp. cold emails)
When sending cold email outreach do you consider what the receiver needs to know, how you're making them feel and most importantly have you made it clear what they need to do?
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ
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Connect with Us:
Michael Momsen (linkedin.com/in/mich
#46. Part 2: “Radical Transparency”. Use these methods to host the awkward conversations you know you need to have [CEO Memo]
Michael shares additional flavour to Pt 1 of this conversation about radical transparency.
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ
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Connect with Us:
Michael Momsen (linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen)
Maddie Stillman (linkedin.com/in/maddie-stillman)
📣 Feedback,
#45. Part1: “Radical Transparency” - what it feels like inside a Start up. Is it for you ?
Dive into the concept of radical transparency with us. What is it? How does it show up in the workplace? How does it flow both up (to managers), down (to direct reports) and laterally (to peers). + how Zipline has implemented as a foundational part of our culture.
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3
#44 Own your career: unpacking an ownership mindset
In this episode we unpack what it means to have an ownership mindset towards your career. How can you set and achieve the right career goals to get where you want to be? To put this into practice we share practical tips to implement continuous self improvement and hold yourself accountable.
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales c
#43: Challenging the linear career path & Kai transitions from Startup Jobs
Kai is passing the co-host role to Maddie as he steps away from Zipline. Maddie & Kai share their approaches to making bold side steps in their early careers over chasing a linear promotion pathway that is often termed as 'successful.' We talk about the pros and cons of this approach.
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sa
#42: What can you bring to the table? (Michael's Blackberry story)
Michael shares a story from his telco days early in his career. He knew he would never be the most commercial savvy, so he became an EXPERT on the technicalities of the product.
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We mentioned:
- Justin Lipman's interview (https://www.evp.com.au/team/justin-lipman)
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.
#41: Every startup needs someone like THIS (unreasonable urgency)
We talk about DHH's post on 'unreasonable urgency', how startups continually need to inject risk, and how that pace setting can come from folks other than the founder.
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We mentioned:
- DHH article (https://world.hey.com/dhh/don-t-lose-your-unreasonable-sense-of-urgency-b381699c)
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales c
#40: Leaving a company? How to end things well
So you're handing in your resignation. Or perhaps being made redundant (Step 1: Be unlayoffable). In this ep, we talk about how to be a "good leaver" in those final days and weeks, and leave the lasting impression you want going into your next career chapter.
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://b
#39: Stuck on busy work? How to Get THE Shit Done
Your mind plays tricks on you each day. We chat about leaning into the discomfort (often where your most valuable work will live), the Chair test, and getting *THE* shit done (not just the busy work).
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ
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We referenced:
Tim Urban's TED Talk (https://www.
#38: How to make yourself un-layoffable
Following on from our war-time ep, we're chatting about how you can make reduce your chances of being laid-off by being a critical, valuable player in your startup (of any size).
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We referenced:
AFR Article (https://www.afr.com/technology/the-question-scott-farquhar-asks-himself-to-weed-out-underperformers-20230718-p5dp8a)
Netflix culture doc (https://jobs.netflix.com/culture)
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⚡️ This e
#37: Startups are going into 'war-time mode': Why & What does it mean for you
You've seen the tech layoffs, heard about the broader economic climate, and perhaps the 'war-time' metaphor being used in startups right now. Why are we here, and how do you navigate it as a startup employee?
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Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(02:18) Radical efficiency
(05:40) 1-in-60 rule
(10:25) The evironment we're in
(15:42) Investment in tech startups
(22:02) Wartime v pe
#36: Why we killed Customer Success (introducing Product Account mgnt)
So the deal has been won, the customer has signed. In a recurring revenue business, how do you keep them happy, healthy, and expanding? CSMs, PAMs, SAMs ... we explore the acronyms, team structures, and skillsets that all go into making a customer successful in a startup.
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit
#35: If you're under 35yr, take these career risks
Michael and I are strong believers in taking as much risk as you can early on in your working life. Startups are an incredible place to do that, and that's what we're digging into today.
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ
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Connect with Us:
Michael Momsen (linkedin.com/in/michaelm
#34: What great Product Building looks like
The ‘Product Engineer’ and how they build great products for customers
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ
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Connect with Us:
Michael Momsen (linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen)
Kai Lovel (linkedin.com/in/kailovel)
📣 Feedback, ideas or career questions? Send us an email - kai@zip
#33: Get great at managing VUCA 💨. (Volatility, uncertainty, complexity & ambiguity)
It's the US Military term which describes many startup environments well. We break down VUCA into it's parts, discuss how it shows up at Zipline, and share some tips for those operating in VUCA environment. This is a short and punchy one!
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⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy. Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ
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Connect with
#32: Why management consulting is great
Perhaps counterintuitively, mgmt consulting backgrounds can be a powerful asset in startups. We discuss why companies hire management consultants at all, the 7 Step Bulletproof Problem Solving Process, pyramid principle communication, and how you can sometimes overcook it.
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We mention:
Podcast ep: McKinsey summarises Bulletproof problem solving — https://open.spotify.com/episode/7HUQSbNzoTf1gho
#31: 🧲 Do you leave, stay or join this startup? This magnet will help you decide
We're not an everyone company. And you shouldn't join one either. Great companies are polarising. They can attract the right people with a strong magnet-like culture that pulls the right people in (with aligned values and ambitions) and repels the rest away. We discuss this in today's ep, and what Zipline's magnet looks like.
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Connect with Us:
Michael Momsen (linkedin.com/in/mi
#30: Managing your Day 🗓️ (level up your personal productivity)
There isn't a one-size-fits-all method for productivity. We discus several techniques such as using a daily highlights and "might do" lists. We also talk about the importance of finding the right balance between experimentation and execution and evaluating our success based on accomplishing important goals.
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We mention:
Make Time by Jake Knapp: https://maketime.blog/book/
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Conne
#29: Working closely with a founder/CEO
Found yourself as the CEOs right-hand person? Or working in close proximity to a founder? We discuss the uniqueness of this working partnership, and how to make the most of it.
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Connect with Us:
Michael Momsen (linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen)
Kai Lovel (linkedin.com/in/kailovel)
Feedback, ideas or career questions? Send us an email - kai@zipline.io
Zipline.io is a fast-growing B2B SaaS
#28: Follow the canvas strategy
We discover a new latin word, and explore Ancient Greek philosophy, as we discuss the unspoken ‘second job’ every early startup employee has - to make their bosses life easier.
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We mention:
• Podcast: Seeking Wisdom #19 - Carrying the Water - https://open.spotify.com/episode/08jrORqBuy9v2IAJ7w0q30
• Book: Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
• Book: The Go Giver by Bob Burg
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Connect with Us:
Mic
#27: How to think about risk in startups
In the world of startups, risk takes on a new depth. VC-backed unicorns, moonshot growth, and painful failure. How do you wrap your head around the risk of startups, and what’s the upside?
#26: Smash your Imposter Syndrome
It’s a natural feeling when you’re pushing yourself into unchartered territory. Almost a certainty in the hurtlocker! But Imposter Syndrome can be crippling. We unpack where it comes from, why it exists, and how to wrangle it.
#25: "What am I good at?" (5 tips to find your strengths)
The age-old question, with an ever-changing answer. How do you uncover your strengths, play in your zone of genius, and spiral up your self-awareness? Mike shares 5 tips for honing in on your unique abilities, we talk about the Japanese concept of Ikigai, and explore what it means to back yourself.
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We discuss:
Follow the clues
Look for where there’s flow
Ask others
Ask surveys
Reflect i
#24: Do you need passion for the industry the Startup serves? (NextChapter’s interview with MM)
THIS is Michael's in-depth chat with Josh Neil from Next Chapter. Interviewing Michael for their founder newsletter, Josh digs into:
🔥 Warm intros, ❄️ Cold emails + tips for expanding network
Developing a personal brand - is it worth it?
Picking the startup (and industry) to join
What's the best job strategy for future founders?
and MUCH more
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Connect with Next Chapter:
Website
![#23: [CEO Memo] Micro-failures](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_nologo/23018312/a0c9faa79ddaf85f.jpeg)
#23: [CEO Memo] Micro-failures
Michael shares a recent story of a micro-failure he experienced when presenting a segment at our all-hands. He explains his feelings, thinking, and process to get the 'gem' / learning from this failure, and grow.
#22: Relocate to a new country with your startup job? What to consider & how to be successful in the move
Making travel moves with your current or new job - why this opportunity is unique to startups, how to weigh up your options when making a move, and how to immerse yourself in your new world.
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Connect with Us:
Michael Momsen (linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen)
Kai Lovel (linkedin.com/in/kailovel)
Feedback, ideas or career questions? Send us an email - kai@zipline.io
Zipline.io is a fast-growing B2B
#21: People buy from people (tips for B2B selling)
Humans are at the heart of businesses. Today we explore how organisations have different personas, how to treat your customers like humans, and how we can learn a lot from a family's Xbox purchase.
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Connect with Us:
Michael Momsen (linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen)
Kai Lovel (linkedin.com/in/kailovel)
Feedback, ideas or career questions? Send us an email - kai@zipline.io
Zipline.io is a fast-growing
#20: WFH v Office - what's best for early career?
WFH is a great tool for some. But if you're early in your career, what's the best mix of WFH v Office time? We speak about roles where WFH makes sense, some of our personal experiences being 'in the office', and ways you can make WFH work for you.
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Connect with Us:
Michael Momsen (linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen)
Kai Lovel (linkedin.com/in/kailovel)
Feedback, ideas or career questions? Send us an e
#19: Managing up is not sucking up
We explore managing up, down, sideways — why it's actually work worth doing, and not just sucking up. Understanding your manager's job, sending great pre-reads, taking ownership of your goals, and much more.
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Jump to:
(00:00) Intro
(2:47) On stakeholder management
(6:37) Why is managing up so hard?
(8:19) Working with your boss
(13:51) What does your boss want?
(15:49) Pre-chewing your meat
(25:4
#18: [CEO Memo] Journaling
We're experimenting with a new format we will sometimes throw into the mix. This is our first CEO Memo; Michael sharing what's top-of-mind, raw, unedited, and punchy. Today he's exploring the power of journaling and how to do it.
Resources:
- Tim Ferris on Journalling (https://youtu.be/UFdR8w_R1HA)
#17: How to handle overwhelm in your startup job
In the hurtlocker, it's not unusual to feel overwhelmed by what's on your plate. Michael and Kai discuss some simple, actionable strategies to work to completion on important work.
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Jump to:
(01:38) What causes overwhelm
(10:38) Flushing cortisol
(12:33) The 4 questions to will always kill anxiety
(19:17) Breaking down the thing in front of you
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Resources mentioned:
Book - Four Thousand Weeks by
#16: The 1 question nearly ALL candidates screw up in interviews
Startup hiring 101. What to expect in the hiring process, how to write a CV to get a company's attention, prepare for your interviews, and more.
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Jump to:
(01:51) Own the process
(04:29) The role of a CV (more in ep #15)
(06:55) First call & nailing "Tell me about yourself?"
(09:22) Summary of remaining steps
(11:00) The infamous CEO interview
(12:28) Should you send a follow up email?
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Con
#15: Job change in 2023? Here’s 5 ways to stand out.
Looking for a startup job in 2023? Here's how to stand out from the crowd, and land that role. And it turns out, one of the best approaches is to think like a founder. This week on Startup Jobs.
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Jump to:
(3:55) “I’ve done it before” is less important in startups
(5:50) On job supply & demand
(7:50) 1\ Be willing to take a hit
(9:22) 2\ Laser-focussed outreach
(10:32) 3\ Have some outbound hu
#14: The ideal first role at a startup… which can also earn you over $100k+ 🔥
We chat about why customer-facing roles like Sales and Customer Success are incredible entry points into startups. We touch on customer-centric sales, financial upside of these roles, and what to expect in these roles day-to-day.
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Jump to:
(1:10) The lifeblood roles of any startup
(7:15) Realities of the job
(14:27) Financial upside of revenue-generating roles
(20:16) Sales/CS content to snack on
#13: Set goals that you’ll smash in 2023 🎯
We chat about the power of goals, how to set them, and tips on seeing them through to completion.
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Jump to:
(02:13) Why even set goals
(08:01) Setting the compass bearing
(10:59) Michael's goal-setting process
(11:37) Intrinsic v extrinsic goals
(12:36) “What do I want my life to look like in 10 years?”
(16:58) Some of Michael's recent goals
(26:26) Summary of goal structure
(26:47) Getting goals
#12: The 1 game-changer hack to read more books & be a learning machine
Got a book under the tree this Christmas? Ready to boot up on new skills heading into a new year of work? Here are our tips on becoming a learning machine, by focussing on just-in-time learning, optimising for the ‘aha’ moments, and getting rid of unfinished book guilt!
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Jump to:
(03:08) Focus on getting the "aha's", not reading books back-to-front
(06:32) Connect learning to pain (just
#11: How to Ship your work & manage perfectionism
We chat about getting work done to the right fidelity, explore Michael's journey with perfectionism, share tactics for shipping pragmatically, and more.
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Jump to:
(03:29) Why it's important to 'ship well'
(06:45) Michael's perfectionism journey
(07:42) Defining perfectionism
(16:14) Getting your focus area + fidelity right (5 star system)
(20:33) Self-forgiveness
(22:01) Accountability
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Connect
#10: Given the layoffs, is NOW a good time to get into tech & startups ?
So you've seen the tech layoffs news (from companies big & small), the market shifts, and all the rest of it — and you're wondering, "is it a good time to be getting into this space??" - very understandable! We unpack this all today, and explain why we think it's an excellent time to jump in to startups, for the right person.
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We covered:
(01:50) What's been happening at the moment?
(05:38) S
#9: How to nail your new role in the first 3-6months
This episode is all about the first few months in a new job. If you're a new hire, we explore the common mistakes people make early on, why you have to focus on what you can control, how to build a relationship with execs, why you NEED to execute well and much more.
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We covered:
(03:58) 1. Internal Locus of control
(07:19) 2. Getting clarity from manager on your role
(09:09) 3. Set a rhythm
#8: The 10 must-know tips for new people managers
In ep #3 on Career Strategy, Jack talked about optimising for a great manager when looking at startup jobs. In today's ep #8, we explore the habits, mindset, and tools that you find with great managers. Whether you're at the stage of your career where you're managing people, or people are managing you, Michael's 10 must-know tips for new people managers is full of great takeaways.
#7: Hurtlocker(2of2) - the making of a startup athlete in the growth locker
In Hurtlocker(1of2), we painted a picture of the realities of the startup hurtlocker — who it's for, what it feels like. In this second part, we touch on why you'd want to sign up for this pain, and how to succeed as a startup athlete in this hurtlocker. Pain + reflection = progress.
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We covered:
(03:26) Revisting the 'why' of the hurtlocker
(10:14) Pillar 1 - Mental Resilience
- Book: Mental To
#6: The Hurtlocker (1of2) - are you sure you want it?
We go deep on the ‘hurt locker’ — how we define it, why it’s unavoidable in fast-growing environments, stories from the inside, and connecting the hurtlocker to your purpose.
Bonus! 🔥 Screenshot your review of the show, post it on LinkedIn with us tagged, and we'll send you our fresh 👕 Hurtlocker t-shirt 👕 on the house!
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We covered:
(02:11) Defining the hurtlocker
(05:06) Stories from the
#5: How to pick a startup that will invest in you
Choose to work for a company that invests you. Today we chat about why investing in people matters, what ‘good looks like’ when making investments in teams, plus interview tips for working out if that startup will *actually* invest in you.
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We covered:
(06:06) Three reasons startups should invest in their people
_ 1/ It’s the right thing to do
_ 2/ It’s value accretive
_ 3/ It builds better human
#4: Hottest startup roles right now? We talk w/ the #1 recruiter in Tech (JJ, Co-founder of Think & Grow)
Jonathan Jeffries (JJ) is the Co-Founder of Think & Grow. Over the last 15 years he has assisted some of the worlds most impactful businesses including Stripe, Square, Etsy, Dropbox and GoCardless. He's passionate about solving business issues through people, connectivity, content and partnerships. Founded in 2015, Think & Grow’s mission is to help businesses grow through great people.
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W
#3: Career strategy - 7 practical tips you should know
How do you carve out a career that’s right for *you*? What should you optimise for early on? When’s the right time to leave a job? We hear from a bunch of folks on their perspectives on career strategy, particularly in the world of startups.
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We covered:
(04:21) Mimetic nature
(07:59) Optimising for global maximums
(12:14) Doing what you love
(13:51) Focussing on the long term (Inversion)
(
#2: The top 3 reasons to get into startups (one will surprise you!)
So we know what a startup is, but should you even join one? Michael gives his three honest reasons why you should join a startup (plus a few bonuses), and we take a brief look at what a great startup culture looks like. Hint: it’s not about the t-shirts and beanbags.
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We covered:
(01:30) Why you shouldn’t join a startup
(03:28) We ask Maddie her thoughts
(12:00) Three reasons to join a startup
(2
#1: ONE thing all great startups have in common
What makes a startup, a startup? Do they have to be a software company, or VC-backed? Not necessarily. We share our definition of a ‘fast-growing startup’, touch on the world of venture capital, and give you some red (and green!) flags to look out for in a startup job.
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We covered:
(00:00) Welcome
(00:47) What is a startup?
(15:49) Funded vs Non-funded Companies
(27:27) What to look for in a star
#0: Why this podcast? Introducing Startup Jobs 🔥
Welcome to Startup Jobs! A new show exploring all the different jobs in a tech startup — what exactly are they, and what we've learned from scaling teams from the inside.
We're about ready to launch, so here's a sneak peek of what to expect.
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We covered:
(00:40) Why are we doing this show?
(12:06) Other podcasts we love
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We referenced:
- Seeking Wisdom (seekingwisdompodcast.drift.com)
- Th
