top of page
You Don’t Need a CxO — Until You Do
Startups are built on extremes.  You’re either scrappy or bloated.  You’re doing it all yourself or over-hiring too soon.  You’re...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Aug 34 min read
How to Be More Decisive Without Being a Jerk
Most people think there are only two types of decision-makers: → The bulldozers  who steamroll everyone in their path → And the  wishy...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Jun 304 min read
How to Build a Business While Raising Small Kids as an Expat: Juggling ambition, identity, and nap time
When I launched my coaching business, I had two things on my mind: Â How to make it successful. Â How to not miss the moments that...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Jun 95 min read
Should You Bootstrap or Fundraise? It Depends — But One Thing Always Matters
As a startup coach and  Loyal VC  advisor I spend a lot of time with founders. Some are knee-deep in pitch decks. Some are wondering if...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
May 84 min read
Scaling Your Business Without Losing Soul
What if success didn’t have to look loud? There’s a particular brand of business success we’ve all been conditioned to admire: 📈...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Apr 214 min read
Building a Portfolio Career: Design a Work Life on Your Terms
Recently, I’ve noticed a significant increase in people reaching out to work with me, eager to make a major shift in how they structure...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Nov 12, 20245 min read
On Grit: How Leaders can Cultivate High-Performing Teams
One of my coachees, who comes from a stringent corporate environment and is now leading their own startup, recently reflected during our...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Apr 8, 20245 min read
The Career Kaleidoscope & the Art of Portfolio Diversification (a.k.a. Musings on Portfolio Careers)
My upbringing was in a household that lived and breathed the virtues of a stable job, consistency, and diligent work - principles deeply...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Dec 14, 20238 min read
End of Year Strategic Planning and OKRs
As the year winds down, I've noticed that many of my coachees, each a highly successful, accomplished, and driven leader, are feeling the...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Dec 6, 20236 min read
Turmoil and Triumph at OpenAI: Leadership Lessons on How to Use Influence
In my role as a coach for executives and business owners, I frequently address the dilemma of earning respect and loyalty from one's...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Nov 27, 20235 min read
Inside the Mind of Venture Capitalists: What VCs Look for When Evaluating Startup Opportunities
In the ever-changing world shaped by the Covid-19 pandemic, entrepreneurship has emerged as a powerful force, igniting the dreams of...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Jul 17, 20236 min read
Navigating the B2B vs. B2C Conundrum: Insights for Start-up Founders
Are you a startup founder asking yourself this question: Should my business target businesses or direct consumers? If your answer is...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Jun 4, 202311 min read
Getting Your First 100 Customers Part II: Understand your Potential Customers
Last week in the first article of the five part series , "Getting your First 100 Customers," I explored the critical first step:...
Merve Kagitci Hokamp
Apr 23, 20237 min read
bottom of page