Investor's Lens [09] - Raja Skogland - "I am still on a journey as a founder. A business is never built."

This series will look at leadership from the point of view of an investor or VC.

In each episode of this series, we will explore what traits, behaviors, or red flags investors see in the leaders that they work with - and how founders evolve over time as they become better leaders.

Raja Skogland is the founder at the Visionary Company & VC and an Advisor at Antler. She is an exited founder, an investor in 70+ startups, and one of the TOP 100 most influential women in the European VC & Startup space. 

In this captivating interview, join us as we dive into the remarkable journey of Raja, a tenacious founder who overcame numerous obstacles to build a thriving entrepreneurial career. 

From a background in private banking to becoming a respected investor and startup advisor, Raja shares her invaluable insights and hard-earned wisdom. 

Discover how her resilience, determination, and continuous learning paved the path to success. With candid anecdotes, Raja reveals the transformative moments that shaped him as a leader, emphasizing the importance of never giving up while also recognizing when to pivot. 

Uncover practical advice for new founders, learn how to navigate difficult conversations, and explore the power of respecting others and fostering emotional intelligence. 

Join us as we explore the delicate art of balancing ambition with self-care and find out how slowing down can actually accelerate personal and professional growth. 

You can find Raja at the below links

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajaskogland/

In the interview, Raja shares

• "I persevered and I feel like I'm still on a journey as a founder. It's never built. A business is never built."
• "It's a combination of never giving up, but also knowing when to give up. When to pivot, when to stop."
• "Help founders figure out the high impact activities and work smarter, not harder."
• "Respecting others, treating them as human beings and valuing their input are essential traits of successful leaders."
• "Good founders have emotional intelligence and empathy, while bad founders are selfish, egocentric, and lack respect."
• "Assess the pros and cons, prioritize your mental health, and choose whether it's worth your time working with a difficult founder."
• "Navigate difficult conversations by adapting your communication style to the founder's needs and establishing a professional board."
• "My drive today is to find a balance between helping founders and moving away from the hustle culture."
• "Simplifying processes and focusing on the right companies has increased our revenue and impact."
• "Enjoy the simple things in life, be present, and prioritize time for yourself. It's the ultimate luxury."