CEO's searching for vision (1/3)
Matt Tarczynski
Ex-CEO and founder (Startup > IPO). 2x Exits. Fine Art Student (Painting). Startup mentor at Oxford.
My clear vision helped us to grow for five years.
Last year I lost clarity.
It was a warm and sunny day in 2015. I remember getting out of my car and thinking: 'This meeting will determine the next few years of my life.'
I had a clear vision of what I want to do. I just needed an acceptance of a friend.
- Piotrek - I said - I want to start Woodpecker, a SaaS company that will automate cold emails and follow-ups. It is very close to what you guys do here at Righthello, but I will not be a competitor. (Piotrek was CEO of a fast-growing lead generation agency.)
He was listening carefully. I helped him at the beginning of Righthello. Then he gave me the book ('Predictable Revenue') and inspired me. I wanted to go for my SaaS idea, but I also wanted to be loyal to him.
- we will focus on follow-ups - I continued - no selling data or doing any services as you Guys do. I want us to be the best cold email automation software.
I shut up and looked at him. I saw that he was analyzing the situation. Then he said:
- Sure, Man! We can help each other. Are you looking for beta testers?
This clear and stable vision helped us grow for a long time now.
We crossed $3 mln ARR last year and grew.
We've managed to build a brand in our space. We've developed a top-notch sending algorithm.
I knew that we were ready to go to the next level, but I couldn't define it.
I started to struggle. I began to change ideas and priorities too often.
My uncertainty started to be overwhelming to the team.
I knew that I have to make a decision.
End of part 1 of 3 (Part 2)
63/365