The Alchemy of Entrepreneurship

The Power of Teams and Relationships

I’ve always wanted to be part of teams that build products and services capable of changing the world. Having played volleyball in college, the collaborative effort of supporting founders and working toward a shared goal felt like a natural fit. I was fortunate to have a partner who recognized how energized I became when working with founders—especially those creating products I couldn’t live without and couldn’t wait to share. As my kids got older and started school, they felt that energy too.

Building my business was never just about transactions; it was about relationships. What started as a single connection grew into a network of builders and creators, each contributing to something bigger. At G9, we’re still a small team, and I’m lucky to have an incredible business partner in Anna Doherty. She often feels like a tennis doubles partner—always in sync, constantly communicating, and making decisions that will help the businesses and founders we invest in. I tell my team they are the younger, smarter version of me, and I learn from them every day. More than that, we genuinely enjoy and trust each other, which is one of the greatest highlights.

Lessons from Success and Failure

I’ve been in meetings where I knew a business wasn’t going to make it. No matter how much we wanted it to succeed, sometimes the traction just wasn’t there. There’s an element of alchemy in all of this—you need a product people obsess over, an incredible founder, and a world-class team. Even then, success isn’t guaranteed. But some of the best lessons come from realizing when to pivot or when it’s time to move on after giving everything.

I don’t dwell on the past; I always look forward. That said, I do wish I had recognized my value earlier and trusted my instincts more—because good things have happened every time I’ve followed them. But that’s a lesson I had to live to learn.

Why I Love This Work

Humility is what separates the good from the great CEOs. I love what I do because I get to meet people who are deeply passionate about what they’re building and help them find the right path to success. There’s nothing better than introducing a founder to the right expert and hearing them come back and say, “That changed everything—we’re reaching our customers in a whole new way.”

I try to show up every day with the same wonder and gratitude I had when I first started meeting founders a decade ago. Relationships remain at the heart of everything we do. And if I could go back? Maybe I’d double down on that one company that got away. But since I don’t look back, I’ll focus on finding the next great founder—the one building a generation-defining company that will change the way we all live.

• Amy Griffin, Founder of G9 Ventures

One thing is clear: success in business isn’t just about having a great idea - it’s about the people behind it. Whether it’s founders building something new that will change lives for the better, investors who believe in their vision, or teams working toward a shared goal, the strongest businesses are built on relationships.?

Amy’s emphasis on teamwork rings true with me as well. It’s easy to think of entrepreneurship as a solo endeavor, but the reality is that no one building something great does it alone. The best leaders surround themselves with people who challenge and support them, and they recognize that learning is a two-way street.

Failure and setbacks are inevitable on the road to success. Even with the perfect product, the right leader and the best team, challenges will come. Some of the best lessons come from knowing when to pivot or when to walk away. The focus is always forward rather than dwelling on what didn’t work. Trusting your instincts and learning from experience are essential in the ever-changing world of startups.?

What inspires me most in Amy’s story beyond the strategy and decision-making, is her passion for the work itself. Helping founders connect with the right people and seeing them succeed - that’s the real reward. And if there’s one lesson to walk away with, it’s this: keep looking ahead. The next great company, founder and breakthrough idea are always on the horizon. The challenge and excitement is finding them.?

Amy’s story continues in her new book, The Tell. Just as founders must recognize when to pivot or push forward, we all face moments where we must stop running, turn inward, and acknowledge what’s been driving us. Amy’s book is such a powerful and necessary read. She explores the secrets we bury, the facades we maintain and the healing that comes from it all. Her journey mirrors the same principles that guide great leaders: trust yourself, embrace discomfort and keep pushing toward what’s real and don’t look back.?

Order your copy today and take the first step toward a deeper understanding of yourself and the freedom that comes with it.?

If you would like to know more about how I do it, my routines and products that make my life a little less wild, subscribe at rebeccaminkoff.substack.com.?

And if you want to learn more about how to elevate women on a mission to break barriers, join our ecosystem where we provide content, capital, and learning to propel these women to the next level at https://femalefoundercollective.com/