The Hardest Choice in Business

Theresia Gouw

12.22.20

It's no secret that layoffs are one of the hardest decisions to make in business. As an entrepreneur and VC, Theresia has been no stranger to this unsavory aspect over her career. But, as she reflects, the long term result is usually for the best.

The Hardest Choice in Business

Summary:

It’s no secret that layoffs are one of the hardest decisions to make in business. As an entrepreneur and VC, Theresia has been no stranger to this unsavory aspect over her career. But, as she reflects, the long term result is usually for the best.

Thuy

What would you say is the toughest moment you've had as a leader? How did you deal with that situation and what did you learn from it?
Theresia_Gouw

Theresia Gouw

When I was an entrepreneur. The hardest moment was when we needed to make some layoffs in our startup because we had missed our plan. And so letting people go, whether that's as a leader in an operating company or as a board member, having that hard discussion with a founder or CEO, for me personally, those are by far the hardest moments. You know, but hopefully, if done as well as those things can be eventually, not right at the moment, but eventually you're able to still maintain a positive working relationship. And I'm happy to say that, you know, nine times out of ten, that's true.
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