Why your first hire can define the DNA of your startup.
When I was preparing to make my first hire, I was obsessed with skills. I thought the right coding language, the right certifications, the right resume would guarantee success.
But I was wrong.
That first hire wasn’t just about skill—it was about belief. I needed someone who didn’t just know how to build, but someone who believed why we were building. Someone ready to take risks, wear multiple hats, and embrace chaos.
I remember interviewing a candidate who said, “I want stability.” At that moment, I knew this wasn’t a fit. Startups aren’t about stability; they’re about growth, resilience, and adaptability.
The person I eventually hired didn’t tick every technical box, but they brought energy, curiosity, and ownership. Looking back, that hire didn’t just contribute—they shaped our culture.
As a Founder Note: In early days, don’t hire skills. Hire belief. Skills can be taught. Belief cannot.
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