CEO: Behind the Scenes What founders get wrong about scaling, hiring and culture
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Nov 19, 2025 Marcus Zeltzer, Co-founder and Managing Director of Yellow Canary, shares his insights on hiring, culture, and the challenges of scaling startups. He discusses how the wrong hiring decisions can hinder growth and the pivotal role of compliance in building trust within teams. Zeltzer reveals the impact of AI on workforce dynamics and the importance of strategic, long-term planning. He also reflects on the evolution from founder to CEO and the critical decision-making that shapes a company’s future. A must-listen for aspiring leaders!
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Spreadsheet To Startup
- Marcus built the first version of Yellow Canary as a spreadsheet after researching awards and payroll rules.
- He sold the idea with PowerPoint pitches then hired a software engineer co-founder to build the platform.
Near Collapse Before Breakthrough
- Marcus and Brenton repeatedly remortgaged the family home and nearly gave up before COVID-era wins reversed their fortunes.
- Their revenue then grew tenfold and later fourfold, turning survival into rapid growth.
Decide Fast, Own The Outcome
- Make high-conviction decisions quickly and act on instinct even when some will be wrong.
- Accept that no one will rescue you and you must own hard calls as a founder.