John Light talks with Sarah Brown, a marketing executive and author of 'Lead Upwards,' a book addressing the roles and challenges of joiners in startups and the VC space. Sarah shares her background and the motivation behind writing her book, emphasizing the importance of growth, learning opportunities, and building meaningful relationships in the startup ecosystem. The discussion covers a range of topics including the unique culture of startups, the gap in resources for non-founder employees, and strategies for personal and professional growth in fast-paced startup environments. Both John and Sarah explore the nuances of leadership, the value of understanding board member perspectives, employee recognition beyond titles and compensation, and the significance of aligning personal goals with company growth. The conversation also touches on the importance of graceful departures and the power of empathy and connection in driving productivity and success in the tech industry. 00:00 Intro 00:25 Introducing Sarah Brown: Author and Marketing Executive 00:58 The Genesis of the Podcast and Its Mission 02:21 Sarah's Journey in the Startup Ecosystem 02:52 The Unique Challenges and Opportunities for Startup Joiners 05:30 Navigating Career Growth in the Startup World 06:49 Cultural Fit and Adaptability in Startups 08:00 The Impact of Market Dynamics on Talent Acquisition 15:14 Strategies for Personal and Professional Growth 18:32 The Dynamics of Leaving and Joining New Ventures 21:11 Maintaining Professional Relationships and Graceful Exits 22:53 Navigating Career Transitions and Notice Periods 23:37 The Importance of Graceful Exits and Preparing for Sudden Departures 24:26 Empathy in Difficult Conversations and Personal Loss 27:38 Understanding and Valuing Empathy in Business and Personal Growth 34:55 Exploring the Impact of Recognition and Growth Opportunities at Work 38:55 The Journey of Writing and the Next Steps After 'Lead Upward' Follow us: LinkedIn Instagram Find Out More at SBR2TH Learn More About Sarah Brown