Seeking Growth - podcast cover

Seeking Growth

Michael Momsen and Zabi Rawanpodcasters.spotify.com
Startup advice usually sucks. Founders bragging, vague lessons and little reality. We built Seeking Growth because you deserve better. Michael scaled Zipline.io from idea to over $10m VC funding —through 3 PMF pivots, expanding to the USA (and retreating!) and building A-player teams. He shares the raw truth with no fluff. Zabi is your eyes and ears, the aspiring Snr Leader/Founder - he uncovers the aha-moments to reveal exactly how shit gets done. Product. Sales. Hiring. Mental Models. Even Psychology! So let’s dive in as we seek personal growth, career growth and growth in a scaleup.
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Episodes

#41: Every startup needs someone like THIS (unreasonable urgency)

We talk about DHH's post on 'unreasonable urgency', how startups continually need to inject risk, and how that pace setting can come from folks other than the founder. — We mentioned: - DHH article (https://world.hey.com/dhh/don-t-lose-your-unreasonable-sense-of-urgency-b381699c) — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ⁠⁠ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Aug 18, 202323 minEp. 41

#40: Leaving a company? How to end things well

So you're handing in your resignation. Or perhaps being made redundant (Step 1: Be unlayoffable). In this ep, we talk about how to be a "good leaver" in those final days and weeks, and leave the lasting impression you want going into your next career chapter. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ⁠⁠ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ) Kai Lovel ( ⁠⁠⁠...

Aug 11, 202327 minEp. 40

#39: Stuck on busy work? How to Get THE Shit Done

Your mind plays tricks on you each day. We chat about leaning into the discomfort (often where your most valuable work will live), the Chair test, and getting *THE* shit done (not just the busy work). — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ⁠⁠ — We referenced: Tim Urban's TED Talk ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arj7oStGLkU ) Tolerating Distress PDF ( https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/L...

Aug 04, 202344 minEp. 39

#38: How to make yourself un-layoffable

Following on from our war-time ep, we're chatting about how you can make reduce your chances of being laid-off by being a critical, valuable player in your startup (of any size). — We referenced: AFR Article (https://www.afr.com/technology/the-question-scott-farquhar-asks-himself-to-weed-out-underperformers-20230718-p5dp8a) Netflix culture doc (https://jobs.netflix.com/culture) — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠⁠h...

Jul 28, 202335 min

#37: Startups are going into 'war-time mode': Why & What does it mean for you

You've seen the tech layoffs, heard about the broader economic climate, and perhaps the 'war-time' metaphor being used in startups right now. Why are we here, and how do you navigate it as a startup employee? — Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:18) Radical efficiency (05:40) 1-in-60 rule (10:25) The evironment we're in (15:42) Investment in tech startups (22:02) Wartime v peacetime CEOs (26:53) Upside of wartime — We referenced: AFR Article (https://www.afr.com/technology/tech-party-is-over-as-canva...

Jul 23, 202333 minEp. 37

#36: Why we killed Customer Success (introducing Product Account mgnt)

So the deal has been won, the customer has signed. In a recurring revenue business, how do you keep them happy, healthy, and expanding? CSMs, PAMs, SAMs ... we explore the acronyms, team structures, and skillsets that all go into making a customer successful in a startup. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ⁠ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ) Kai Lo...

Jul 14, 202334 minEp. 36

#35: If you're under 35yr, take these career risks

Michael and I are strong believers in taking as much risk as you can early on in your working life. Startups are an incredible place to do that, and that's what we're digging into today. — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → ⁠https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ⁠ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ) Kai Lovel ( ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/kailovel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ) 📣 Feedback, ideas or career questions? S...

Jul 08, 202334 minEp. 35

#34: What great Product Building looks like

The ‘Product Engineer’ and how they build great products for customers — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ) Kai Lovel ( ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/kailovel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ) 📣 Feedback, ideas or career questions? Send us an email - ⁠kai@zipline.io...

Jun 30, 202329 minEp. 34

#33: Get great at managing VUCA 💨. (Volatility, uncertainty, complexity & ambiguity)

It's the US Military term which describes many startup environments well. We break down VUCA into it's parts, discuss how it shows up at Zipline, and share some tips for those operating in VUCA environment. This is a short and punchy one! — ⚡️ This episode is brought to you by Earlywork Academy . Applications are open for their next tech sales cohort → https://bit.ly/3KwIiBZ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ) Kai Lovel ( ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/kailovel⁠⁠⁠...

Jun 23, 202314 minEp. 33

#32: Why management consulting is great

Perhaps counterintuitively, mgmt consulting backgrounds can be a powerful asset in startups. We discuss why companies hire management consultants at all, the 7 Step Bulletproof Problem Solving Process, pyramid principle communication, and how you can sometimes overcook it. — We mention: Podcast ep: McKinsey summarises Bulletproof problem solving — https://open.spotify.com/episode/7HUQSbNzoTf1gho5n8wc32 Book: Crossing the Chasm — https://www.amazon.com.au/Crossing-Chasm-3rd-Geoffrey-Moore/dp/0062...

Jun 16, 202336 minEp. 32

#31: 🧲 Do you leave, stay or join this startup? This magnet will help you decide

We're not an everyone company. And you shouldn't join one either. Great companies are polarising. They can attract the right people with a strong magnet-like culture that pulls the right people in (with aligned values and ambitions) and repels the rest away. We discuss this in today's ep, and what Zipline's magnet looks like. — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen⁠⁠⁠ ) Kai Lovel ( ⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/kailovel⁠⁠⁠ ) Feedback, ideas or career questions? Send us an email...

Jun 08, 20231 hr 5 minEp. 31

#30: Managing your Day 🗓️ (level up your personal productivity)

There isn't a one-size-fits-all method for productivity. We discus several techniques such as using a daily highlights and "might do" lists. We also talk about the importance of finding the right balance between experimentation and execution and evaluating our success based on accomplishing important goals. — We mention: Make Time by Jake Knapp: https://maketime.blog/book/ — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( ⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen⁠⁠ ) Kai Lovel ( ⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/kailovel⁠⁠ ) Feedback,...

Jun 03, 202323 minEp. 30

#29: Working closely with a founder/CEO

Found yourself as the CEOs right-hand person? Or working in close proximity to a founder? We discuss the uniqueness of this working partnership, and how to make the most of it. — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( ⁠linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen⁠ ) Kai Lovel ( ⁠linkedin.com/in/kailovel⁠ ) Feedback, ideas or career questions? Send us an email - ⁠kai@zipline.io ⁠ ⁠Zipline.io⁠ is a fast-growing B2B SaaS startup solving frontline compliance challenges in healthcare. More at ⁠https://zipline.io...

May 03, 202326 minEp. 29

#28: Follow the canvas strategy

We discover a new latin word, and explore Ancient Greek philosophy, as we discuss the unspoken ‘second job’ every early startup employee has - to make their bosses life easier. — We mention: • Podcast: Seeking Wisdom #19 - Carrying the Water - https://open.spotify.com/episode/08jrORqBuy9v2IAJ7w0q30 • Book: Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday • Book: The Go Giver by Bob Burg — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( ⁠linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen⁠ ) Kai Lovel ( ⁠linkedin.com/in/kailovel⁠ ) Feedback, ideas...

Apr 26, 202330 minEp. 28

#27: How to think about risk in startups

In the world of startups, risk takes on a new depth. VC-backed unicorns, moonshot growth, and painful failure. How do you wrap your head around the risk of startups, and what’s the upside?

Apr 19, 202326 minEp. 27

#26: Smash your Imposter Syndrome

It’s a natural feeling when you’re pushing yourself into unchartered territory. Almost a certainty in the hurtlocker! But Imposter Syndrome can be crippling. We unpack where it comes from, why it exists, and how to wrangle it.

Apr 12, 202335 minEp. 26

#25: "What am I good at?" (5 tips to find your strengths)

The age-old question, with an ever-changing answer. How do you uncover your strengths, play in your zone of genius, and spiral up your self-awareness? Mike shares 5 tips for honing in on your unique abilities, we talk about the Japanese concept of Ikigai, and explore what it means to back yourself. — We discuss: Follow the clues Look for where there’s flow Ask others Ask surveys Reflect in writing — We mention: Link: Adam Grant on Tim Ferris Pod - Ep #399 ( https://tim.blog/2019/12/05/adam-grant...

Apr 05, 202347 minEp. 25

#24: Do you need passion for the industry the Startup serves? (NextChapter’s interview with MM)

THIS is Michael's in-depth chat with Josh Neil from Next Chapter. Interviewing Michael for their founder newsletter, Josh digs into: 🔥 Warm intros, ❄️ Cold emails + tips for expanding network Developing a personal brand - is it worth it? Picking the startup (and industry) to join What's the best job strategy for future founders? and MUCH more — Connect with Next Chapter: Website - nextchapter.to LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/nextchapter-careers — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com...

Mar 27, 202341 minEp. 24

#23: [CEO Memo] Micro-failures

Michael shares a recent story of a micro-failure he experienced when presenting a segment at our all-hands. He explains his feelings, thinking, and process to get the 'gem' / learning from this failure, and grow.

Mar 19, 202319 minEp. 23

#22: Relocate to a new country with your startup job? What to consider & how to be successful in the move

Making travel moves with your current or new job - why this opportunity is unique to startups, how to weigh up your options when making a move, and how to immerse yourself in your new world. — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen ) Kai Lovel ( linkedin.com/in/kailovel ) Feedback, ideas or career questions? Send us an email - kai@zipline.io Zipline.io is a fast-growing B2B SaaS startup solving frontline compliance challenges in healthcare. More at https://zipline.io...

Mar 17, 202332 minEp. 22

#21: People buy from people (tips for B2B selling)

Humans are at the heart of businesses. Today we explore how organisations have different personas, how to treat your customers like humans, and how we can learn a lot from a family's Xbox purchase. — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen ) Kai Lovel ( linkedin.com/in/kailovel ) Feedback, ideas or career questions? Send us an email - kai@zipline.io Zipline.io is a fast-growing B2B SaaS startup solving frontline compliance challenges in healthcare. More at https://zipline...

Mar 09, 202312 minEp. 21

#20: WFH v Office - what's best for early career?

WFH is a great tool for some. But if you're early in your career, what's the best mix of WFH v Office time? We speak about roles where WFH makes sense, some of our personal experiences being 'in the office', and ways you can make WFH work for you. — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen ) Kai Lovel ( linkedin.com/in/kailovel ) Feedback, ideas or career questions? Send us an email - kai@zipline.io Zipline.io is a fast-growing B2B SaaS startup solving frontline compliance...

Mar 01, 202314 minEp. 20

#19: Managing up is not sucking up

We explore managing up, down, sideways — why it's actually work worth doing, and not just sucking up. Understanding your manager's job, sending great pre-reads, taking ownership of your goals, and much more. — Jump to: (00:00) Intro (2:47) On stakeholder management (6:37) Why is managing up so hard? (8:19) Working with your boss (13:51) What does your boss want? (15:49) Pre-chewing your meat (25:40) Tip 1: Weekly email 📌 (31:42) Tip 2: Pre-reads (35:39) Tip 3: Understand your manager (40:37) Tr...

Feb 22, 202353 minEp. 19

#18: [CEO Memo] Journaling

We're experimenting with a new format we will sometimes throw into the mix. This is our first CEO Memo; Michael sharing what's top-of-mind, raw, unedited, and punchy. Today he's exploring the power of journaling and how to do it. Resources: - Tim Ferris on Journalling (https://youtu.be/UFdR8w_R1HA)

Feb 16, 20237 minEp. 18

#17: How to handle overwhelm in your startup job

In the hurtlocker, it's not unusual to feel overwhelmed by what's on your plate. Michael and Kai discuss some simple, actionable strategies to work to completion on important work. — Jump to: (01:38) What causes overwhelm (10:38) Flushing cortisol (12:33) The 4 questions to will always kill anxiety (19:17) Breaking down the thing in front of you — Resources mentioned : Book - Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman Link - Procrastination Cycle ( https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-...

Feb 15, 202328 minEp. 17

#16: The 1 question nearly ALL candidates screw up in interviews

Startup hiring 101. What to expect in the hiring process, how to write a CV to get a company's attention, prepare for your interviews, and more. — Jump to: (01:51) Own the process (04:29) The role of a CV (more in ep #15) (06:55) First call & nailing "Tell me about yourself?" (09:22) Summary of remaining steps (11:00) The infamous CEO interview (12:28) Should you send a follow up email? — Connect with Us: Michael Momsen ( linkedin.com/in/michaelmomsen ) Kai Lovel ( linkedin.com/in/kailovel )...

Feb 08, 202313 minEp. 16

#15: Job change in 2023? Here’s 5 ways to stand out.

Looking for a startup job in 2023? Here's how to stand out from the crowd, and land that role. And it turns out, one of the best approaches is to think like a founder . This week on Startup Jobs. — Jump to: (3:55) “I’ve done it before” is less important in startups (5:50) On job supply & demand (7:50) 1\ Be willing to take a hit (9:22) 2\ Laser-focussed outreach (10:32) 3\ Have some outbound hustle (13:08) 4\ You should already be doing the thing (16:17) 5\ Learn how to network well (19:36) ...

Feb 01, 202323 minEp. 15

#14: The ideal first role at a startup… which can also earn you over $100k+ 🔥

We chat about why customer-facing roles like Sales and Customer Success are incredible entry points into startups. We touch on customer-centric sales, financial upside of these roles, and what to expect in these roles day-to-day. — Jump to: (1:10) The lifeblood roles of any startup (7:15) Realities of the job (14:27) Financial upside of revenue-generating roles (20:16) Sales/CS content to snack on (21:32) Final thoughts — We mentioned: Ep #3: Career strategy - 7 practical tips you should know (h...

Jan 18, 202323 minEp. 14

#13: Set goals that you’ll smash in 2023 🎯

We chat about the power of goals, how to set them, and tips on seeing them through to completion. — Jump to: (02:13) Why even set goals (08:01) Setting the compass bearing (10:59) Michael's goal-setting process (11:37) Intrinsic v extrinsic goals (12:36) “What do I want my life to look like in 10 years?” (16:58) Some of Michael's recent goals (26:26) Summary of goal structure (26:47) Getting goals done (5-Step Process) (28:13) Accountability (32:20) Decide to decide (34:11) Stare down the price ...

Jan 05, 202344 minEp. 13

#12: The 1 game-changer hack to read more books & be a learning machine

Got a book under the tree this Christmas? Ready to boot up on new skills heading into a new year of work? Here are our tips on becoming a learning machine, by focussing on just-in-time learning, optimising for the ‘aha’ moments, and getting rid of unfinished book guilt! — Jump to: (03:08) Focus on getting the "aha's", not reading books back-to-front (06:32) Connect learning to pain (just-in-time learning) (08:34) Start by 'snacking' content (12:24) Ask trusted people (13:28) Thoughts on Blinkist...

Dec 22, 202216 minEp. 12
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