Early stage founders: hire a smart generalist

This individual becomes the pivotal force for various critical, yet diverse projects—from sourcing talent and crafting customer presentations to sending investor updates.

They can develop superpowers

Their ability to juggle multiple roles not only accelerates business processes but also injects dynamism into the startup’s operations. With the support of AI tools, they can develop superpowers and become a massive leverage for the founder.

Local business schools are a goldmine

For startups looking to find these versatile talents, local business schools are a goldmine. MBA students are often eager to dive into real-world challenges and bring fresh perspectives. Engaging them as interns offers a dual benefit: it provides the students with invaluable hands-on experience while giving the startup an opportunity to assess their fit and potential.

Transition into full-time roles

After a trial period of around six months, these interns can transition into full-time roles, seamlessly integrating into your company. This approach does not just fill an immediate need but also sets the stage for future growth. Typically, after one or two years, these generalists are ready to specialize, moving into roles like product management, marketing, or customer success.

This progression allows for a natural evolution within the company, ensuring that new talents can be onboarded into the generalist role, thus sustaining a cycle of growth and innovation.

Have you considered the impact a smart generalist could have on your startup? What roles do you find most challenging to fill in the early stages of your company?