Dear hustlers, founders, operators and visionaries,

Starting a business abroad is hard. Doing it as a solo founder? Even harder. Today’s guest has done both. Entrepreneurship is a constant battle with uncertainty and reinvention. We often talk about embracing a “Day One” mindset, but how many of us truly understand what that looks like?

We sat down with Leoni Runge this week, founder and CEO of Zaya Care. Zaya Care is on a mission to redefine affordable prevention and recovery care in the U.S. With a career as a product leader across Europe and the U.S., she relocated to New York to launch her startup solo. Her journey is packed with insights for anyone navigating the challenges of building something from scratch. Exclusively for our newsletter subscribers, Leoni has shared additional insights below.

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify or Apple and share your thoughts! Who should be our next guest?

In the meantime: Follow the Gradient and stay tuned!

🫶🏼 Melanie & Christian

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How to turn an MVP spirit into business success

What you will get out of this episode

In our conversation, Leoni shares:

• How to navigate uncertainty with a step-by-step MVP approach

• Why building a strong network in a new market is important

• How to pivot a business while maintaining team alignment

• How to build confidence and resilience as a solo entrepreneur

• And much more!

Our main take away’s

1. Embrace an MVP mindset to navigate uncertainty: Leoni turned significant challenges into an opportunity by starting small with a text-based support service for expecting parents.

2. Use networking as a strategic tool: Persistent outreach on platforms like LinkedIn and warm introductions helped Leoni connect with stakeholders in a new market. Asking specific questions like, "Who are two people I should speak with?" significantly boosted the quality of her network.

3. Iterate based on early experiments: Initial offerings, like a chat-based service, provided insights that helped Zaya shift focus from discovery to solving B2B challenges, such as collective bargaining for providers with insurers.

4. Prioritize empathy during pivots: Clear communication and transparency ensured team alignment during mission shifts. While some team members passionate about the original vision moved on, Leoni kept the broader purpose front and center.

5. Find balance as a solo founder: The loneliness of leading alone was offset by building a strong support network of peers who could empathize without vested interests. Clarifying roles within her team also helped streamline decision-making and avoided confusion.

Additional material on the topic

Books mentioned in the podcast:

• Zero to One - Peter Thiel

• Shoe Dog - Phil Knight

How to reach out to Leoni

• LinkedIn

• Zaya Care

Exclusive from Leoni

Are there any books, podcasts, or frameworks that have helped and inspired you?

The cycle of commitment (goes under different names). I found it very helpful in team leadership and creating a culture of accountability.

Are there any habits or routines that have significantly contributed to your success?

There are two:

• Working with an executive coach

• Regularly speaking with other founder friends - helps you gain perspective