Why Every Founder Needs a Chief of Staff | Rebecca Kelly, CEO of VenueScanner (Series Seed)

Why Every Founder Needs a Chief of Staff | Rebecca Kelly, CEO of VenueScanner (Series Seed)

Author: Dave Bailey February 16, 2021 Duration: 36:16

What's it like to see revenues drop 95%? Meet Rebecca Kelly, CEO of VenueScanner—a marketplace that connects event organisers with their ideal venue.

In this episode, Rebecca shares her insights on marketplace business models, tells the story of how Covid dramatically impacted her business, and how she reinvented an events marketplace to stay relevant—even when there are no events happening.

She also explains how to think about the Chief of Staff role—a must-listen for every CEO interested in recruiting one.

Key links:

VenueScanner website: https://www.venuescanner.com/

Rebecca Kelly profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-kelly-5928054b/

Key timestamps:

[03:51] What were some assumptions about the events space that turned out to be false?

[07:18] How can you tell whether to push commissions or subscriptions?

[12:07] Why did you decide to hire a Chief of Staff?

[20:54] How did Covid affect your business?

[27:02] What does it take to build good relationships with investors?

[28:37] How have you reinvented your business model in light of the pandemic?

Thanks to Guy and Angus for their great input.

Got feedback? Email us on podcast@foundercoach.co. And don't forget to hit follow/subscribe so you don't miss out on new episodes.


Behind the polished success stories and press releases, there's a messier, more human reality to building a company. The Founder Coach Podcast pulls back the curtain on that process. Hosted by Dave Bailey, a top CEO coach whose writing reaches millions of founders annually, these conversations get into the granular, often unspoken challenges that tech leaders face after the initial excitement fades. You’ll hear scale-up CEOs speak candidly, not about their victories, but about the difficult decisions, the personal doubts, and the operational grit involved in steering a growing business. Each episode feels like a private coaching session, focusing on pivotal moments like navigating the complexities that follow a Series A round-figuring out how to scale a team effectively, managing the relentless pressure of the board, and maintaining a clear vision amidst daily fires. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a series of raw, practical dialogues that reveal what the title of CEO actually demands day-to-day. For any entrepreneur or business leader who wants to learn from the real experiences of their peers, this podcast offers a rare and invaluable perspective. Dave facilitates a space where his guests can share the unvarnished truth, making each discussion a resource for anyone on the demanding path of leadership.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 22

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