In this fascinating interview, we sit down with Greg Coticchia, a seasoned entrepreneur, "hired gun" CEO, and startup mentor, to explore his decades-long career in entrepreneurship and leadership. If you are ready to become a startup founder, you can get started with a FREE download of my "21-Days to Launch" checklist: https://www.launch-grow-thrive.com/21-days-to-launch-check-list-download
From founding and scaling startups to stepping in as a transformational CEO, Greg shares invaluable insights, hard-earned lessons, and candid stories of success and failure.
With a deep understanding of product management, sales, and customer development, Greg has spent his career helping startups navigate the complexities of growth and market disruption. He’s also a university educator and coach to startup founders, making him a true "Entrepreneur Professor."
Whether you’re a founder, a CEO, or someone looking to better understand the entrepreneurial journey, this conversation offers practical advice, inspiration, and wisdom from a true industry veteran.
Key Takeaways from the Interview:
- The challenges and opportunities of transitioning from founder to CEO
- Why understanding your value proposition is critical for startup success
- Lessons learned from startup failures and pivots
- How to build a winning team and navigate company culture
- The evolving landscape of go-to-market strategies
Highlights:
0:00 – Introduction: Meet Greg Coticchia, Entrepreneur Emeritus
3:15 – Greg’s Journey: From Engineer to Sales to Serial Entrepreneur
9:40 – Lessons from Early Failures: What Not to Do in a Startup
16:25 – Bridging Product Management & Sales: The Role of Customer Development
21:00 – The Founder vs. Hired Gun CEO: Key Differences
27:30 – Challenges in Company Culture as a Hired Gun CEO
33:10 – The Shift to SaaS: Lessons from Industry Transformation
34:45 – Go-to-Market Strategy: Risks, Metrics, and Focus
37:30 – Five Secrets for Startup Founders Playing the CEO Role
44:15 – Greg’s Book: Start Your Startup – Insights for Founders
47:00 – Coaching Startup CEOs: What to Expect from Greg’s Approach
48:10 – Favorite Founder Film: Tucker: The Man and His Dream
49:45 – Closing Thoughts: The Power of People in Entrepreneurship
Who Should Watch This Video?
This video is perfect for:
- Aspiring entrepreneurs and startup founders
- CEOs navigating the challenges of growth and leadership
- Professionals looking to understand the startup ecosystem
- Anyone interested in candid stories and advice from a seasoned leader
Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregcoticchia/
Have questions for Greg? Drop them in the comments below! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more entrepreneurial insights.
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