Kosha Shah Eisenberg’s Post

I’m finally updating my LinkedIn profile… After attending a recent #nova networking event I was encouraged by many women around me that talking about my roles & achievements on LinkedIn was important and that I should be proud of these. More importantly however I’m proud of the companies I work with and the founders that lead them. In the last 3 years since quitting the corporate world, I’ve been working with a number of startups across different industries however they all have something in common–they're mission driven, pioneering and striving to make a difference in today’s world in their own unique way and that’s what makes me excited about working in this space. There’s been some roles which have been shorter stints than others however these 5 are the ones I want to shout about as I’m truly excited about everything they are achieving. - Breathe Battery Technologies–it’s been over 2 years supporting Breathe on its mission to ‘make batteries better’, with two investment rounds during that time including the recent Series A the business is scaling quickly. The team has expanded across all departments including Finance where we’ve hired a brilliant Senior Finance Manager and the client base is growing across both consumer electronics and automotive. - GO THRIFT–the UK’s leading second hand fashion retailer on a mission to accelerate the transition to a more circular fashion economy providing a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. Aided by the cost of living crisis and a younger generation that's embracing second hand fashion, Go Thrift is seeing incredible YoY growth. We’ve run an interesting pilot (lips are sealed unfortunately!) in recent months that will create new opportunities and I can’t wait to see this project come to fruition early next year. - this+that –is a startup building science-based tools to strengthen human communication and social health, in the workplace and in life. Joining a company pre-revenue is an eye opening, learning experience. We’re currently in testing phase looking to find product market fit with a tool which is aiming to be a game changer for anyone who has meetings (everyone!). Feel free to reach out if you hate meetings and think they waste more time than they are helpful! - Mondra -an AI driven environmental insights platform enabling a prosperous Net Zero food system is the most recent startup I’ve joined. Grocers and suppliers are blind on scope 3 emissions and the platform is providing visibility that hasn’t been seen before. They’re a government partner and are already working with some of the biggest supermarket brands with a huge global market opportunity. - Kounteq –a fintech startup having successfully built an agency business is creating an AI-enabled KPI dashboard focussed on multi-entity SMEs providing insights to founders as they scale their business. I’m looking forward to trialling this in the near term to see how it can act as an insight tools and provide a consolidated view.

Is it ever too early to start thinking about branding? Or, let’s put it another way. Is it ever too early to spark opportunities for your business? Even if your business is just getting started, branding should absolutely be top of mind. Especially if you’re introducing something new and exciting to the world, on the hunt for five-star talent, or chasing down game-changing funding. I’ve been doing some preliminary research for a new biz opportunity, and I came across a great article written by Daria Gonzalez for Forbes. She did an excellent job emphasizing the power of branding for early-stage companies, but here are three highlights that really jumped out to me: ⭐ "...A well-crafted brand helps its founder across three main categories: hiring a great team, raising money and building partnerships..." ❤️ "...These audiences, [recruits, investors, potential partners] as much as any, are composed of people who want to feel connected to your mission and your brand when making a life-changing decision to work with you..." ⚡ "...An early-stage company grows on the strength of the product and the founders’ ability to sell...[and] building a brand is like scaling the best of you, the founder, so you can actually be in many places at once..." So, yes! Branding should be part of your vision from the start. It's a great way to build confidence with consumers, potential employees, and investors. It can also differentiate your company, convey value, and help you frame complex stories in ways that people can appreciate and connect with. And if you invest in your brand early, it can fuel your growth and make an enormous difference for your company in the long run.  To read Daria's full article on Forbes, visit https://lnkd.in/evnd-M6h #branding #startup #brandstrategy #newtechnologies #sustainability EightySeven

Lessons from My Journey in the Baby Industry My journey as a founder in the baby industry has been a rollercoaster of experiences, with moments of triumph and challenges that shaped my approach to business and leadership. One of the most significant takeaways has been the importance of never giving up. Whether it was dealing with setbacks during product launches or managing a diverse team, I've learned that setbacks are not roadblocks; they are opportunities to learn and grow. Another critical lesson has been the power of embracing diversity and fostering open communication. Our success often stemmed from the diverse perspectives and talents of our global team members. Through open dialogue, cultural sensitivity, and inclusive leadership, I've seen how diversity drives innovation and success. Lastly, my journey reaffirmed the significance of purpose-driven business practices. Our commitment to sustainability not only aligned with consumer values but also led to innovative, eco-friendly products that set us apart in the industry. It showed me that doing well by doing good isn't just a catchphrase; it's a powerful strategy for long-term success. What I Would Do Differently: Market Research: Looking back, I'd conduct more comprehensive market research to better understand consumer needs and preferences before jumping into product development. Cultural Training: Implementing cultural training for team members from diverse backgrounds would have fostered a more harmonious work environment. Early Adoption of Sustainability: I'd advocate for the early adoption of sustainable practices, recognizing their importance as a proactive business choice. Seek Cost-Efficient Sustainability: I would invest more time in finding cost-efficient sustainable solutions from the outset to minimize initial challenges. In conclusion, my journey in the baby industry has been an incredible learning experience. These personal stories have given me insights into resilience, the value of diversity, and the importance of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Looking back, there are certainly areas where I could have made different choices, but these experiences have shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today. As I continue my journey, I carry these lessons with me, striving for continuous improvement and a positive impact on the industry and the world. If you're ready to embark on your entrepreneurial journey or seek guidance on navigating challenges and opportunities in your industry, feel free to connect with me. Let's chat about how we can work together to achieve your goals and make a meaningful impact.

Peeling back the layers of the CPG startup world, I've found my joy. Working with brands that have seen stellar exits and others that steadily bloom, reaching out to new customers every day. The startup journey is a tightrope walk, and initial employees are the brave acrobats. They earn less, have fewer benefits, and no guarantees of survival. But they share the founder's vision with an unwavering faith. These are the people I urge you to value and invest in. Over a decade, I have been part of the stories of young CPG brands, often under 10 years old and with less than 50 employees. The trends I've noticed are: 1. Employees who place the brand's mission above personal financial gain in the initial stages. 2. A culture built from this core team that feels more like family. 3. A higher chance of growth and expansion when done right. Interestingly, these brands attract seasoned professionals willing to take a financial cut just to be part of the unfolding story. I've been there, done that. Still doing it. The surprising part? The rewards when the brand turns the corner. The paydays and financial wins from these brands have been my biggest. So, take a leap of faith. Invest in these brands, but more importantly, invest in their people. They are the ones building the brand, one day at a time. Next time you find such an opportunity, remember, your biggest win might be just around the corner!

Companies do silly things in the pursuit of growth, what if they shifted the narrative? As tech companies seem overly obsessed with hyping growth and larger companies seem to value consumption over impact—where is the middle ground that satisfies all of the pillars of overall productivity? Are businesses too fixated on short-term gains replicating existing successful models rather than aiming for long-term impact by fostering a genuine social purpose? #BusinessGrowth #BusinessTransformation #Resilience

From Challenge to Opportunity: How Intrapreneurship Can Capitalize on Gen Z's Stance on Middle Management. Exciting shifts are underway in the workplace. This piece sheds light on how younger generations are redefining their career paths, and it's clear that the concept of intrapreneurship aligns perfectly with these emerging trends. Here's how: 1. Evolving Attitudes Towards Roles: As young workers gravitate away from traditional management roles, intrapreneurship offers a pathway to leadership that values innovation and autonomy, addressing their desire for meaningful and impactful work. 2. Work-Life Balance and Job Fulfillment: Intrapreneurship inherently promotes a balance between professional growth and personal fulfillment. It empowers individuals to pursue passion projects within their organizations, leading to a more satisfying work experience. 3. Breaking Away from Conventional Management: The distrust in traditional management seen among Millennials and Gen Z can be mitigated through intrapreneurial initiatives. These programs encourage a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and shared vision, which is more appealing to these generations. 4. Redefining Success Beyond the Corporate Ladder: Intrapreneurship aligns with Gen Z's holistic view of success. It allows employees to contribute creatively and meaningfully, thus redefining success within the corporate framework. 5. Encouraging Entrepreneurial Mindsets: By fostering intrapreneurship, companies can retain talented individuals who might otherwise leave for entrepreneurial ventures. It provides a platform for innovation and personal growth within the safety net of an organization. 6. Adapting to Technological Advancements: The integration of AI in the workplace is inevitable. Intrapreneurial initiatives can guide this integration, ensuring that technology enhances, rather than replaces, human creativity and problem-solving. 7. Addressing the Misconception of Laziness: Intrapreneurship proves that younger generations are not lazy but are instead seeking meaningful work. It offers them the opportunity to channel their energy into projects that are both fulfilling and beneficial to the company. 8. Modernizing Management Styles: Intrapreneurship necessitates a shift from traditional management styles to those that prioritize mentorship, collaboration, and innovation. This aligns with the desires of younger workers for a more dynamic and engaging work environment. 9. Bridging Generational Work Attitudes: Intrapreneurship can be the common ground between different generational attitudes at work. It combines the stability desired by older generations with the innovation and flexibility sought by younger ones. Intrapreneurship could be the key to harmonizing these emerging workplace dynamics, creating environments where every generation feels valued, engaged, and motivated. Let's embrace this shift! #Intrapreneurship #WorkplaceInnovation #GenZ #CareerDevelopment #FutureOfWork

💡 Thursday Inspiration Inspired by a recent conversation, I will dedicate my next few posts to writing about what I consider to be some of the most important elements of a healthy and people-oriented company culture, one that can definitely count as a competitive advantage. Today I'm starting 'by the book', with the basics: ☑️ Purpose - The founders' story, why and how the business started in the first place; it inspires employees and gives them a reason to care. ☑️ Mission - Outlines what the business does, how and for whom; it aligns employees around working for the same goals and direction. ☑️ Vision - Encapsulates the destination, where the business wants to go, and how it will impact the outside environment; it inspires the journey and motivates employees. ☑️ Values - Guide everyone's behavior and how work is being done; they usually come from the founders but might evolve over time. Consensus and alignment among the founders regarding these elements are crucial. The more founders, the more complicated this is to achieve 🙂. Some might ask - why are these elements important? Aren't they just fancy terms and a waste of time? Nobody cares! Not in my opinion. Because together, they tell the story of the business, define its "personality" and even position the company in the market. They inspire and motivate candidates. These elements are a waste of time only if founders see them as such and put them on the website just to sound cool, but without really taking them seriously. Otherwise, if founders value bringing onboard the right people, who resonate with their values and goals, these are powerful tools for filtering and attracting these individuals to the organization. Also, many candidates today aren't just looking for any job, even if well paid; they seek a business idea they believe in and want to help grow and succeed. Are these four elements enough? Not by far. They are just the foundation. For these elements to be effective, they need to be lived and alive in the business, not only declared and written on a piece of paper. How can founders achieve that? More about it coming up next week 😉! #startup #companyculture #employeeengagement #candidateengagement

"The Surprising Investment Choices of Famous Personalities!" 1. Celebrity Entrepreneurs: Many celebrities have invested in businesses beyond their entertainment careers. From Jay-Z's investment in technology startups to Jessica Alba's stake in a wellness company, these entrepreneurs showcase their savvy by diversifying their portfolios. 2. Sports Stars in Finance: Athletes have often made forays into finance. From Kobe Bryant's venture capital investments to LeBron James' involvement in media companies, they prove that strategic financial choices extend beyond the field or court. 3. Musicians' Sound Investments: Music legends have demonstrated a knack for smart investments. Bono's venture capital activities, Taylor Swift's real estate ventures, and Dr. Dre's technology acquisitions showcase the ability of musicians to capitalize on opportunities beyond their artistic talents. 4. Hollywood's Real Estate Players: Real estate is a favored investment among celebrities. Stars like Ellen DeGeneres, George Clooney, and Oprah Winfrey have shown an affinity for real estate projects, channeling their creative energies into properties. 5. Tech Tycoons with Vision: Tech moguls often make unconventional investments. Jeff Bezos' space exploration company, Elon Musk's foray into electric vehicles and neural technology, and Mark Zuckerberg's initiatives in virtual reality redefine what it means to invest with a futuristic vision. Conclusion: These stories inspire us to explore unique paths, seize opportunities, and make choices that align not only with our financial goals but also with our passions and values. #CelebrityInvestors #AthleteEntrepreneurs #MusicalMoneyMoves #RealEstateInvesting #TechVisionaries #StrategicInvestments #FinancialSavvy #InvestingBeyondProfession #PassionInvestments #InspiringChoices

Ever thought why good startups or established companies go bad? When consumers don't care🥱 Breaking through inertia will help your brand. In simple language, Inertia is a term used to describe a company that remains rigid in its thinking and actions rather than being open to changing industry and company dynamics. ➡️ Rigidity in thinking and actions ➡️ Close-minded approach to changing industry ➡️ Becoming complacent after good news ➡️ Loss of competitive edge ➡️ Not being open to taking risks ➡️ Lack of incentives to best marketers 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭, 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞. Brands that have been established for a long time often tend to stay comfortable and keep things running the same way. This means business leaders who don't think about opening up in new markets, restructuring, making things more efficient, or finding new ways to make sure employees are happy are inviting bad consequences in future. If inertia is your enemy, it’s important for brands to drive campaigns that might seem risky but can ultimately make things happen. Yes, new ideas can make us feel uneasy, awkward or embarrassed, but that’s ok – in fact that’s the ultimate goal. Trust your team, agency or marketing person if they have proven track record or if the idea seems different from your competitors. 𝑫𝒊𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍? 𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒆𝒔, 𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒊𝒄𝒐𝒏 🔔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕. Image source: Internet #business #work #growth #opportunities