Andrea Johnston’s Post

Exciting News Ahead! Over the last few months, we took a deep dive. We have tried to solve a few problems coming up in the world. Ken Cato and I have been working hard on this project. We can't wait to share it with you. Our new venture will change how you approach life and business. This venture aims to make a big difference. It will address some of the challenges we face today. I believe it can bring positive change to many people. Stay tuned for more updates. I will share more details soon. Exciting times ahead! Bullet form summary ↳ Deep dive over the last few months ↳ Excited to share the new venture

Stepping into an existing venture as a late cofounder is a rich, intense experience. Here’s why it’s exciting: * Very early days are behind. Now, it’s all about accelaration and reaching the next level. * You bring a fresh perspective. Immediate, impactful changes are within reach. * There’s still a lot to be figured out. It’s a chance to use a very diverse skill set. But let’s also be real: * Embracing the existing company culture while introducing your own style is a delicate balance. * Addressing legacy issues is cumbersome, but necessary for competitiveness. * Tough decisions are inevitable. It’s not about popularity, but about progress. Thrilled to discuss the topic with great late cofounders (Gabrielle Sergent, Philippe Maso y Guell Rivet) and Hexa (Augustin Celier) on June 18th. Interested in joining the conversation? Sign up via the link in the comments (event in 🇫🇷).

We’re back at work after a rejuvenating long weekend and I came across this quote that I thought was extremely relevant for the type of work we do when building ventures. it’s crucial that we remember to stay committed to the vision but also the importance of being open to adapting our approach along the way. Short breaks like these are often just what is needed to give you some distance from the work so you’re able to come up with new approaches that can help you achieve the same vision in more effective ways.

As cofounders, our first job is not to define a vision. It's to recognize a subtle feeling. To acknowledge a sense of possibility that arises when minds align in creation. I call this an ‘emergence’. It occurs when cofounders first come together. It's a connection, a shared wavelength. An intangible spark that is created even before the vision or mission takes shape. But, there is an ephemeral nature to this feeling! It’s the only thing ‘inside’ the cofounder bubble. All other elements like the vision, the mission, the execution etc are outside and are meant for a larger collective In that sense there is a sacred quality to it When starting out, the primary job is to nurture this emergence: 1. To sit in the uncertainty and possibility 2. To feel the resonance of complementary energies 3. To trust in a shared journey, even before the destination is clear 4. To fuel this nascent spark with curiosity, openness, and commitment The beauty of cofounding lies in this early, formless stage. It's a reminder that great ventures start not with plans, but with people - and the invisible bonds between them.

Another great discussion at #BirminghamTechWeek delving into investment trends and opportunities for both Start-Ups and Scale-Ups. 🚀 One of the points that stood out was the emphasis on crafting a compelling narrative for your business - one that resonates with investors, employees and customers alike. This narrative has the potential to propel a business to new heights or land the perfect job. So, when you're considering your next hire or seeking a new position, consider this - what's your story? 📚

🚀 One year in, reflecting on my journey with VentureBlick. 🎉 In the beginning, I myself questioned the need for a Chief Marketing & Communications Officer role (yes, that's me) at an early-stage VC. What's even more strange is our decision to establish a full in-house team with specialized expertise in content, marketing, design, and video production Now, after a year, I want to share some insights: 1️⃣ Branding Matters: The VC landscape is very competitive. While newbies like us may lack a track record, we have the unique opportunity to build a strong brand from the ground up. Our brand not only sets us apart but also influences our deal flow, recruitment, partnerships, and the value we bring to portfolio companies. 2️⃣ Trust Is Vital: In the world of VC (aka dealing with money), trust is everything. It's crucial for building relationships with investors, startups, and employees. Effective communication fosters and maintains this fundamental trust, through both the ups and downs. 3️⃣ Perception Shapes Reality: Investment often hinges on perception (think about FOMO and valuation), especially in the early stages. How we tell stories, position ourselves, and showcase our portfolio companies can significantly impact outcomes. Crafting perception is an art we're mastering. I'm still learning, but it's clear that there's immense value in what my team and I could bring to the table, even if not everyone recognizes it yet. Sometimes, that's precisely the best time to make an impact. 💪 #VCInsights #StartupJourney

A little snippet from our Industry Ally Session last week. We wanted to highlight that when we grow and develop as individuals and professionals, often our growth is from tapping into something we didn't yet know but we knew we needed to learn. There's also a domain of stepping into realms of what we don't know we don't even know yet. Take the journey of a founder, the first time they step into that role they will constantly be growing in the domain of what they didn't know they didn't even know. If they are successful, exit and end up starting a new company, they will come with heaps of knowledge from that previous experience. Operating inside a familiar domain.

Occasional business ventures arise, and when an opportunity allows you to help others while establishing a profitable venture, it becomes truly remarkable! Join a groundbreaking technological advancement set to transform the health and wellness industry. Ask me how?

Career Update: 🌱 Reflecting on a decade in the training industry, I'm grateful for the journey and the extraordinary participants I've had the privilege to interact with. Training is more than a profession; it's a passion close to my heart. The constant quest of "What's next?" and "How can we innovate?" has always propelled me forward. Through engaging with numerous inspiring founders, a clear path has emerged, guided by the weak signals that whisper of change and the courage required to pivot.   I am excited to announce the expansion of our venture, White Oak. An investment arm through which I'll collaborate with visionary founders to create an ecosystem in the financial education industry that helps Simplify, Empower, and Endure – Our Vision. We aim to partner with training firms and financial institutions to co-create transformative solutions in the ed-tech space.   🦷 Parallel to this, my commitment to the dental business continues unabated. With a focus on expansion through roll-ups, we are fortunate to have secured the financial backing of an incredible group of family and friends. Their unwavering trust and support fuel our ambition and constantly remind us of the power of community.   🚀 As we step into 2024, the excitement for what's ahead is palpable. It's a time ripe for new collaborations, challenges, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

What was missing from the last founder panel or talk you experienced? 🧐 As I gear up to take the stage at INTERSESSIONS on Friday, I’m thinking about how we can make this panel more impactful, more memorable, and more candid than others I’ve seen or participated in. With that in mind, I’m wondering… ❓ What questions aren’t founders being asked in spaces like this? 🚗 What aspects of the startup journey are rarely discussed? 📈 Which metrics-driven outcomes don’t get enough attention? 📍 And what do you wish you knew more about building as a woman founder and/or building a business in St. Louis? For those who can’t attend, I’ll make sure to send over any insight we discuss related to your question. Comment below 👇🏾 or DM me 💌 your thoughts, and I’ll pass them on to our moderator, Gabe Angieri.