What Makes MadSmarts Different? Our No-BS Approach to Founder Support
At MadSmarts, we’re not like other support programs. We believe founders deserve real advice, not just feel-good words. Our no-BS approach means we’re committed to helping you succeed in practical, meaningful ways.
Here’s What Sets Us Apart:
Genuine Care: We’re in this to see you succeed, not just to provide empty advice.
Real-World Experience: With over 15 years in the startup ecosystem, we know what works—and what doesn’t.
Action-Oriented Support: Our services focus on getting you results. Whether it’s our Founder Boards or Fractional CRO Services, we’re here to make a difference.
Ready to experience the MadSmarts difference? Explore our services today and see how we can support your journey.
Building a Strong Team Culture in Startups
A strong team culture is the backbone of a successful startup. Culture isn’t just about perks; it’s about values, alignment, and purpose. Here’s how to build a culture that keeps your team engaged:
Lead with Values: Your team should know what your startup stands for. Define your core values and make sure they guide every decision.
Encourage Open Communication: Create an environment where feedback flows freely. Regular check-ins and open dialogue can prevent misunderstandings and build trust.
Celebrate Wins Together: Recognize team achievements, no matter how small. Acknowledging contributions helps everyone feel valued.
Looking for ways to enhance your leadership skills? Check out our Founder Boards for peer support and insights on building a strong team culture.
Scaling for Growth: Lessons from MadSmarts’ CRO Services
Scaling a startup isn’t just about doing more; it’s about doing what works, better. As startups grow, founders face the challenge of scaling in a way that’s sustainable. Here are some strategies to keep in mind:
Focus on Your Core Offering: Don’t try to expand too fast. The most successful companies grow by perfecting their core product or service first.
Build Scalable Systems: Whether it’s sales, marketing, or customer support, every process should be designed to grow with you. A strong foundation in these areas can make or break your growth.
Invest in Leadership: Growth isn’t just external—it’s internal. Having experienced leadership, even on a fractional basis, can provide guidance for sustainable scaling.
Interested in scaling your startup? Our Fractional CRO Services offer the sales and marketing leadership you need without the full-time cost. Book a consultation to learn more.
Scaling for Growth: Lessons from MadSmarts’ CRO Services
Scaling a startup isn’t just about doing more; it’s about doing what works, better. As startups grow, founders face the challenge of scaling in a way that’s sustainable. Here are some strategies to keep in mind:
Focus on Your Core Offering: Don’t try to expand too fast. The most successful companies grow by perfecting their core product or service first.
Build Scalable Systems: Whether it’s sales, marketing, or customer support, every process should be designed to grow with you. A strong foundation in these areas can make or break your growth.
Invest in Leadership: Growth isn’t just external—it’s internal. Having experienced leadership, even on a fractional basis, can provide guidance for sustainable scaling.
Interested in scaling your startup? Our Fractional CRO Services offer the sales and marketing leadership you need without the full-time cost. Book a consultation to learn more.
Why Founders Need Real, No-BS Support
he founder journey can feel lonely, especially when most “support” comes in the form of motivational quotes or generic advice that doesn’t address the unique challenges you’re facing. That’s why MadSmarts was created: to offer real, no-BS support for founders who want more.
Why No-BS Support Matters:
Cuts Through Fluff: We’re here to tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear. Our approach is straightforward because we believe in solutions, not “feel-good” advice.
Provides Actionable Steps: Real support means real results. We work with you to create steps you can take today, not someday.
Builds Trust and Connection: We’re not just advisors; we’re partners in your journey. Our Founder Boards are built on trust, where founders can be honest without fear of judgment.
Ready for real support? Explore our coaching and Founder Boards to see how we can help you succeed.
The Power of Accountability for Founders: Staying on Track with Your Goals
One of the most powerful tools for a founder’s success isn’t just a strong product or a dedicated team—it’s accountability. Without accountability, even the best intentions can fall short. Here’s how you can create accountability in your journey:
Set Clear Goals: Accountability starts with clarity. Define your goals, write them down, and be specific. Knowing what you’re working toward is essential to stay focused.
Use Peer Support: Founder Boards, where peers keep each other accountable, are a great way to make sure you’re not just setting goals but actually achieving them. Knowing others are watching helps you stay on track.
Track Progress Regularly: Whether it’s weekly check-ins or monthly reviews, set a time to evaluate your progress. Celebrate wins, reflect on setbacks, and stay motivated.
Want to stay accountable on your journey? Learn more about our Founder Boards and coaching services, designed to help you reach your full potential.
Avoiding Burnout as a Founder: Practical Wellness Tips
Founders wear many hats, and the relentless pace can lead to burnout if you’re not careful. At MadSmarts, we believe in a balanced approach to success. Here are some practical tips to avoid burnout:
Set Boundaries: It’s easy to let work take over, but setting work hours and sticking to them can help maintain balance.
Delegate Tasks: You don’t have to do it all. Focus on what only you can do, and delegate the rest to trusted team members or partners.
Schedule Downtime: Taking breaks isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. Even a quick 10-minute walk can clear your mind and boost productivity.
For more advice on maintaining balance, see how our Founder Boards can help you set and achieve realistic goals.
Building a Resilient Founder Mindset: Real Tips for Success
Founders know that the road to success isn’t a straight line. The challenges can feel endless, from managing a team to staying financially afloat. At MadSmarts, we believe resilience is the trait that separates thriving founders from those who burn out. Here are three key strategies to build resilience as a founder:
Embrace Setbacks as Learning Opportunities: Every setback teaches a lesson. Instead of seeing failure as the end, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” Resilient founders see challenges as opportunities to grow.
Build a Support Network: Isolation is a major risk for founders. Having people you can rely on for honest advice and support, like our Founder Boards, is invaluable.
Practice Self-Care: Resilience requires balance. Burnout is real, and without taking care of yourself, you won’t have the energy to lead effectively.
For more insights on staying resilient, check out our Founder Boards and learn how to surround yourself with a network that keeps you moving forward.
Welcome to MadSmarts: Real Support for Founders with No-BS Guidance
Welcome to MadSmarts! We’re not your typical support network. MadSmarts was created for founders who want real advice, not fluff. We’re here to provide actionable guidance, help you navigate challenges, and empower you to build something meaningful. Our founder, Chris Franks, has been in the startup trenches for over 15 years and knows firsthand the hurdles that founders face—from loneliness to burnout to growth challenges.
Why MadSmarts? MadSmarts stands out because we don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” advice. We understand that each founder’s journey is unique. That’s why our approach is rooted in authenticity, actionable support, and a genuine commitment to your success.
What We Offer:
Founder Coaching: Personalized guidance that gets to the core of your challenges.
Founder Boards: Join a peer group to gain accountability, learn from fellow founders, and stay on track.
Fractional CRO Services: Strategic sales and marketing leadership without the full-time cost.
Ready to see the difference? Explore our services today and join a community that truly cares about your success.
Founder Board Recap
It all begins with an idea.
On Wednesday, November 6, a dedicated group of founders braved the snowy weather to gather at CU Denver for the latest Founder Board meeting. The session, filled with insights, support, and a few memorable moments, offered founders a collaborative space to connect, reflect, and tackle their biggest challenges. Here’s a recap of the day’s highlights:
Exploring Leadership Through the Vertical Leadership Model
We kicked off the meeting with a group exercise focused on the Vertical Leadership Model, a framework designed to help founders reflect on their leadership styles and uncover both strengths and potential blind spots. This exercise encouraged each participant to take an honest look at their approach to leadership, from handling stress to making strategic decisions. By sharing perspectives, founders gained valuable insights into how their leadership styles impact both their teams and their own growth trajectories.
The discussions were candid and eye-opening, with founders sharing challenges and realizations about areas where they could develop greater resilience or adaptability. As part of this exercise, we emphasized the importance of self-awareness and openness, especially for those in high-stakes, high-pressure environments.
You can find the excercise here—> Founders Challenge Exercise
Checking In: What’s Calling Our Attention?
Following the leadership exercise, we spent time discussing what was currently capturing our attention. Founders shared updates on their businesses, discussed the unique challenges they were facing, and provided mutual support and feedback. The conversation was diverse, covering topics like business scaling, personal development, and time management.
It’s time to GSD!
This check-in highlighted both the personal and professional aspects of founder life, underscoring the need for balance and resilience. It became clear that many founders are juggling multiple priorities, not only within their businesses but also in their personal lives.
A Lesson in Patience – Waiting for Sandwiches!
No founder board meeting is complete without a few hiccups. This time, it came in the form of a delayed lunch order. While we waited (and waited!) for the sandwiches… Freaking Snarfs!
The Future of the Founders Board
One key topic on the agenda was the future of the Founders Board. Chris announced that, going forward, he would offer half-priced coaching for any board members interested in additional support. While the board will transition to a paid format to cover room and food costs, the focus remains on accessibility and value. This small contribution ensures that founders can continue to benefit from high-quality sessions in a supportive environment.
Reflecting on the Day
Despite the snowy weather, the energy in the room was warm and collaborative. Founders left with actionable insights, new connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. As we continue building the Founders Board, it’s clear that this community is more than just a monthly meeting—it’s a lifeline for entrepreneurs navigating the highs and lows of building impactful businesses.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Founders Board evolves. We’re looking forward to welcoming even more founders into this unique, BS-free space where real conversations and real growth happen.
Thank you to everyone who attended, and here’s to building a strong community of resilient, growth-focused founders!
More info on the vertical development model…
Making the Case for a Developmental Perspective
Author: Dr. Susanne R. Cook-Greuter, Cook-Greuter & Associates
Abstract:
The paper introduces a developmental framework called the Leadership Maturity Framework (LMF), which provides a way to understand individuals’ evolving “action logics,” or systems of meaning-making, as they develop from conventional to postconventional thinking. It argues that leadership and organizational effectiveness are enhanced by recognizing and fostering these developmental stages in individuals.
Key Concepts:
1. Horizontal vs. Vertical Development:
• Horizontal Development: Expanding within the same stage through skills, knowledge, and behaviors.
• Vertical Development: Transformation of perspective, enabling individuals to interpret the world in more complex, integrative ways.
2. Developmental Theories in Organizations:
• Traditional personality assessments (e.g., MBTI, Enneagram) categorize differences but do not fully capture growth in complexity over time.
• Developmental theories explain how worldviews evolve from self-centered to world-centered, enabling leaders to respond to complex, changing environments with flexibility.
3. Leadership Maturity Framework (LMF):
• Based on research by Torbert and Cook-Greuter, the LMF categorizes nine stages of adult meaning-making, from preconventional to transpersonal.
• It outlines seven action logics common in organizational contexts: Opportunist, Diplomat, Expert, Achiever, Individualist, Strategist, and Magician.
• Each stage incorporates and transcends the previous, with postconventional stages supporting higher adaptability and better decision-making.
4. Benefits of a Developmental Perspective:
• Leaders at later stages (postconventional) demonstrate a more nuanced understanding of self, others, and systemic interactions, leading to enhanced organizational outcomes.
• Tailoring feedback and coaching to an individual’s action logic enables more effective personal growth and conflict resolution.
• Developmental frameworks help align individuals with roles that match their current capacity and facilitate transitions to higher stages.
5. Application in Training and Development:
• Developmentally tailored interventions address both horizontal skill-building and vertical transformation, fostering leaders capable of handling the demands of a rapidly evolving global society.
Conclusion:
Cook-Greuter’s paper highlights the importance of developmental thinking in organizations, suggesting that understanding and nurturing vertical development can significantly impact leadership and organizational success. The LMF offers a valuable tool for evaluating and fostering leadership growth that adapts to complex challenges.