When I built my first team, I thought, “This is it—we’re going to conquer the world together.” Spoiler alert: we didn’t. In fact, we barely made it through our first challenge. But that experience taught me one crucial lesson: the team you build can make or break your startup.

Building a startup is hard. Building one without the right people? Nearly impossible.

Why Your Team Matters More Than Anything Else

Every startup story that ends in success has one thing in common: a great team. Your team is the engine that drives your mission forward. You may have the most brilliant idea, but without the right people, you won’t get far.

Here’s the truth: early-stage startups are less about the product and more about the people behind it. Investors don’t just look at your pitch—they look at you and the people you’ve chosen to build alongside you. The team’s passion, resilience, and chemistry are often the deciding factors.

Lessons Learned the Hard Way

In the early days, I made some mistakes that taught me invaluable lessons about team building:

  1. Hiring for Skills, Not Values: I once brought on someone who had the perfect technical skills but didn’t share the team’s mission. They delivered great work but created tension that eventually slowed us down. Skills can be taught, but shared values are non-negotiable.
  2. Avoiding Tough Conversations: Early on, I hesitated to address underperformance because I didn’t want to create conflict. That mistake cost us months of progress. I learned that addressing issues early—while uncomfortable—is always better in the long run.

How to Build Your Dream Team

Here are steps to assemble a team that will thrive in your startup’s high-stakes:

Start with Shared Values

Your startup’s culture begins with you. Define the values that matter most to you and hire people who align with them. Whether it’s resilience, or a passion for impact, make sure your team shares your ethos.

Look for Complementary Skills

Don’t hire clones of yourself. The best teams are diverse in skills and perspectives. If you’re a visionary thinker, find someone detail-oriented. If you’re great with product, find someone who excels at sales or operations.

Prioritize Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Startups are chaotic, and tensions will run high at times. People with high EQ can navigate challenges with empathy and collaboration, making them invaluable team members.

Don’t Rush the Process

It’s tempting to hire quickly when you’re strapped for time, but a bad hire can cost you more than waiting for the right person. Be patient, and trust your gut.

Test Chemistry Early

Before committing to a co-founder or key hire, work on a small project together. See how you handle disagreements, decision-making, and collaboration under pressure.

When Things Get Tough: Building Trust and Managing Conflict

No team is perfect, and disagreements are inevitable. Here’s how to manage challenges and keep your team strong:

  • Open Communication: Create an environment where people feel safe to share ideas and concerns. Regular check-ins and one-on-one meetings can help.
  • Focus on the Mission: When conflicts arise, bring the conversation back to your shared goals. Remind everyone why you’re in this together.
  • Know When to Part Ways: Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your team—and your company—is to let go of someone who isn’t a good fit. It’s tough, but it’s necessary.

Your Role as a Leader

As the founder, you set the tone for your team. Here’s how to be the kind of leader people want to follow:

  • Lead by Example: Show the work ethic, love, and resilience you expect from others.
  • Be Transparent: Share wins, challenges, and the reasoning behind key decisions. Trust is built on honesty.
  • Celebrate Successes: Startups are a grind, but don’t forget to celebrate milestones, big or small. Acknowledging your team’s efforts boosts morale and keeps everyone motivated.

Your Next Step

Take a moment to evaluate your current (or future) team. Ask yourself:

  • Do we share the same values?
  • Do we have complementary skills?
  • Is everyone aligned with the mission?

If you’re in the early stages, make a list of the roles you need to fill and the qualities you’re looking for in candidates. Focus on people who will challenge you, support you, and grow with you.

Your startup’s journey will be full of ups and downs, but with the right team, you’ll never face them alone. Building a great company starts with building a great team. Choose wisely, invest in their growth, and lead with purpose.

Because at the end of the day, startups aren’t just about solving problems—they’re about solving problems together.