Newsletter #53: Avoid These Startup-Killing Mistakes

SCALE UP Newsletter #53

Welcome to Scale Up, the smarter way to grow with fractional executives.

In this edition:
💡 Use Strategic Thinking to Create the Life You Want
🗣️ PODCAST: The Common Mistakes that Hold Startups Back
🤝 The 10 Hottest Startup Events In Europe 2025

Let’s dive right in. 👇🏼

Use Strategic Thinking to Create the Life You Want

In corporate strategy projects, executive leadership teams figure out how their companies can succeed. You can use a similar approach to plan your own life and figure out what truly matters.

First, think about what a "great life" means to you. What does it look like? Then, figure out your personal mission and what you're aiming for. Next, take a hard look at how you're spending your time and energy right now. Think of this as your current "portfolio" – is it going to the things you care about most? Are you putting your best effort into what matters?

hbr.org

PODCAST: The Common Mistakes that Hold Startups Back

Mona Sabet is a startup guru, tech boss, and deal-maker who knows how to help companies grow fast, get bought out, and create winning strategies. She also founded HiPower, a network for women in leadership.

In this episode, you'll learn how to know if your product is a hit, how to change direction when needed, and how to grow your company without slowing down. Mona shares secrets on getting ready to be acquired, hiring the right people, and keeping your company culture strong as you get bigger.

spotify.com

If you're ambitious but lazy, please watch this video...

In this video, Mark Tilbury addresses the struggles of ambitious individuals who feel stuck and unproductive, emphasizing the importance of taking action to break free from stagnation and create meaningful change in their lives.

I Had Only Positive Performance Reviews During 2 Years At Meta. I Still Got Laid Off As A 'Low Performer.'

A former Meta employee, hired in 2022 and consistently receiving positive performance reviews for two years, was unexpectedly designated a "low performer" and subsequently laid off on February 10th.

The individual expressed feeling betrayed and voiced concerns that the negative performance designation would impede their job search.

This account is based on a conversation with the former employee, whose identity and employment history have been verified by Business Insider.

businessinsider.com 

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Having a hard time growing your startup?

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The 10 Hottest Startup Events In Europe 2025

Startup funding is improving, making conferences key for meeting investors. These events offer chances to pitch and connect, potentially landing your next funding round.

But are they all worthwhile? Do they have quality investors, and are they easy to meet?

As an investor who's been to tons of events, here are the author’s top European picks for 2025 and why they're worth your time.

forbes.com 

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