Startup Anthology

Olga Pogoda: Insights on Leadership, Mentorship, and Startup Culture

Aug 2, 2024

Olga Pogoda, COO of KEF Robotics, shares her remarkable journey from the corporate sector to the vibrant world of startups. She emphasizes the thrilling yet challenging nature of startup culture and the transformative power of mentorship. As a woman in the tech and defense industries, Olga discusses the biases faced and the critical need for support in these fields. She also tackles the complexities of work-life balance, weaving in personal anecdotes that highlight the emotional toll and rewards of working in such a dynamic environment.

38:45

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Olga Pogoda

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Quick takeaways

Olga Pogoda highlights the stark contrast between corporate and startup cultures, emphasizing the empowering nature of agile decision-making in startups.

She stresses the significance of mentorship in her career, portraying it as a crucial element for growth and confidence in the startup ecosystem.

Deep dives

Transition from Corporate to Startup Culture

Olga Pagoda's journey from the corporate world to the startup ecosystem showcases the stark contrasts between these environments. She explains how her experience in a large bank was marked by hierarchy and slow decision-making processes, which ultimately did not suit her dynamic work style. This drive for involvement in decision-making led her to a small business where she could actively participate in shaping the company's direction, finding fulfillment in seeing the significant impact of her efforts. This shift energized her and revealed the empowering nature of startup culture that values agility and innovation.

Intro

3min

From Corporate to Startup: A Journey of Empowerment

17min

Navigating Difficult Conversations in a Male-Dominated Industry

3min

The Role of Mentorship in Startup Culture

2min

Balancing Act: Work, Family, and Startups

11min

The Art of Listening in Leadership

3min

In this episode of Startup Anthology, I welcome Olga Pogoda, the Chief Operating Officer of KEF Robotics and a seasoned startup veteran with 15 years of experience.

Olga shares her inspiring journey from the corporate world to startups. We discussed her background working for a large bank, moving to a consultant in the startup ecosystem, becoming a co-founder of her own startup, and her current role as COO at KEF Robotics in Pittsburg, PA.

Olga emphasizes the cultural and operational differences between corporate and startup culture, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges and joys of the fast-paced startup life.

She also touches on her experiences as a woman in the tech and defense industries and the complexities of work-life balance. Throughout the episode, she provides valuable insights into the addictive nature of startup culture and the personal growth that comes from working in such dynamic settings.

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