Hattie Willis is the founder of three different companies: Guessworks, If We Raise, and Not My First Guest Podcast Guessworks teaches early-stage innovation skills, If We Raise helps founders determine if fundraising is the right path for their business, and Angel Syndicate focuses on creating more groups of angel investors. Hattie emphasizes the importance of having a growth mindset and being willing to learn new skills. She also discusses the criteria she uses to decide whether to say yes or no to opportunities, including impact, financial sustainability, and personal enjoyment. Hattie shares how she got started in the startup world by kicking a man out of a bar and eventually being hired by his startup.

Hattie shares her journey in the startup world, from working with different startups to joining an entrepreneurship education company and eventually starting her own businesses. She emphasizes the importance of testing demand and not assuming that everyone shares the same demand for your product or service. Hattie also discusses the importance of having a supportive network of co-founders and mentors who can provide emotional support and guidance. She advises first-time founders to be clear on the risks and to prioritize testing demand early on.

Summary

• Hattie Willis is the founder of three companies: Guessbox, If We Raise, and Angel Syndicate.

• She emphasizes the importance of having a growth mindset and being willing to learn new skills.

• Hattie uses a criteria-based approach to decide whether to say yes or no to opportunities.

• She values impact, financial sustainability, and personal enjoyment in her decision-making process.

• Hattie got started in the startup world by kicking a man out of a bar and eventually being hired by his startup. Test demand for your product or service early on and don't assume that everyone shares the same demand as you.

• Build a supportive network of co-founders and mentors who can provide emotional support and guidance.

• Be clear on the risks involved in your idea and prioritize testing demand to avoid building the wrong thing.

• Seek out resources and communities that can help you navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.

• Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background

• 07:44 The Power of a Growth Mindset

• 14:07 From Kicking a Man Out of a Bar to Startup Success

• 30:38 Dealing with Doubts and Seeking Support

• 40:41 Advice for First-time Founders

Listen In

kattie willis

Tuned into this this morning, great chat!