The Founders are advocating for a more nurturing approach within enterprise-level ventures, claiming that the best people are being_ADV [‘/forced into difficult positions in challenging roles]. They have observed that in companies with fewer employees, the management roles present inherently higher levels of pressure. Moreover, the presence of internal promotions often excludes those who may not yet have demonstrated sufficient leadership ability, leading to imbalance and potential toxicity within the structure.
However, the Founders acknowledge a critical issue: the lack of investment in][‘ talent development in companies with fewer employees. They argue that the focus should be on ‘upstart talent’ within their portfolio companies. Their goal is to help these individuals gain the skills and marketable attributes necessary to lead effectively, while providing them with personalized development strategies that cater to their individual strengths and needs.
The program developed by Notion Capital, which they call the ‘Upstart Program,’ is designed to address this ‘ talent development gap.’ The ‘Upstart Program’ combines internal and external resources to offer structured coaching, mentorship, and practical training for managers. Their objective is to equip these staff members with the tools and understanding they need to thrive in rapidly growing enterprises.
Cheng emphasizes that nurturing and retaining top talent is crucial for keeping fast-growing companies competitive and sustainable. This process is ‘situational,’ requiring tailored training and support that aligns with each team member’s unique attributes. The ‘Upstart Program’ serves as a practical example of how such innovative approaches can be implemented, offering a robust framework for scaling successful businesses.
