5 startup leadership lessons from a pair of Philly founders

This is a guest post by Ballard Spahr lawyer Kim Klayman. Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial supporters like this firm Technical.ly Brand Builder client.

I sat down for a chat with founders of one of Philly’s coolest rising climate tech startups, Carbon Reform, to find out a bit more about their leadership style and the challenges of building a company. 

If you aren’t yet familiar, Carbon Reform provides innovative hardware and software solutions to reduce carbon emissions and improve indoor air quality for commercial buildings. Traditional HVAC systems prioritize ventilation over purification, forcing building owners and managers to choose between indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Carbon Reform offers solutions to break this cycle by providing a healthier indoor environment while reducing building emissions and cutting utility costs.

Founders Jo Norris and Nick Martin were excited to share their experiences (both the highs and the lows) and helped distill those thoughts into five takeaways for their peers — check them out below.

Ed note: These answers have been edited for space and clarity.

1) Spend time building and leading the right team

“We didn’t fully grasp the complexities of building and nurturing a team until we were in the thick of it. 

“We learned that hiring the right people (and not being afraid to let go of others) and fostering a positive, inclusive company culture Is critical to success. This included learning to delegate effectively and empowering our team members to take ownership of their work.”

2) Advisory boards can help with financial management 

“Managing finances and raising capital were steep learning curves. We had to quickly understand the intricacies of budgeting, financial planning, and investor relations. 

“Building a strong advisory board and seeking advice from seasoned entrepreneurs helped us navigate these areas.”

3) Make sure to balance vision with execution

“We realized that while having a bold vision is important, executing that vision requires meticulous planning and focus. We’ve learned to balance dreaming big with setting realistic, achievable goals. This often meant breaking down our long-term vision into smaller, actionable steps and celebrating the small wins along the way.”

4) Set boundaries to handle pressure and stress

“The emotional and mental toll of running a startup is significant. We had to develop strategies to manage stress and maintain our well-being. This included setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and building a support system both inside and outside the company.

“Having each other as co-founders has been immense. Chances are when one of us is having a bad day, the other person can be there to lift spirits.”

5) Resilience and perseverance are key

“There are highs and lows in every entrepreneurial journey. We’ve faced setbacks and obstacles that tested our determination. Learning to view failures as opportunities to learn and grow has been vital. 

“Both of us coming from science and engineering backgrounds have taught us how to fail quickly and problem-solve our way out of any difficult situation. This resilience has helped us stay focused on our long-term goals despite the challenges. 

“We truly believe that grit is a key factor, often overlooked, in founders that determines a company’s ultimate success.”

Meet the founders in person

If you want to meet Jo and Nick, Carbon Reform is cohosting “Phounders, Phunders, and Phans” on Saturday, Sept. 21, alongside Climate Tech Cocktails. The event is sponsored by Ballard Spahr with media partner Technical.ly. 

RSVP for a night of vibrant conversations, networking opportunities, and a few surprises along the way. 

You’ll have the chance to connect with fellow climate tech enthusiasts, share your ideas, and explore potential collaborations in a relaxed atmosphere. Local vegan food will be served, enhancing the sustainable and community-focused vibe of the event.

Kim’s Korner is a series of articles by Ballard Spahr’s emerging company and venture capital attorneys. The column is not legal advice. The substance of the column is derived from our experience working with founders and details many of the current critical issues facing startups.