CEOs, founders, entrepreneurs and leaders in general are under more pressure than ever to do more faster. As the pace of change accelerates, leaders must make quicker decisions to drive desired outcomes.

Gayle Lantz speaks with Shegun Otulana, Founder and CEO of Harmony Venture Labs (HVL). With an impressive track record of building successful businesses, Shegun now helps other startups make sure they are heading in the right direction. 

He shares lessons learned that apply to any leader who wants to build a successful business and make a positive impact in their community and beyond. 

About Shegun Otulana:

Shegun’s journey building a business full-time started when he left his job in 2011. That led to the founding of TheraNest in 2013. TheraNest was a SaaS business focused on the mental and behavioral health industry. In 2017, following a recapitalization event, he launched Therapy Brands as a holding company. 

He exited Therapy Brands in 2021 at a $1.25 billion valuation. 

In 2021, Shegun founded Harmony Venture Labs (HVL), a venture studio based in Birmingham, Alabama, focused on B2B SaaS software solutions. They help other founders build great companies. 

HVL companies include Copysmith AI, a generative AI company, as well as CoWello, TrustSpot, ListedKit, Extelli, AppThink, and Las Gidi. 

Shegun writes a newsletter called Let’s Build. He is an investor and advisor in dozens of companies. 

Shegun brings valuable leadership insights, and refreshing optimism, to inspire any leader on a big mission who wants to grow.

This episode covers:

• Distinctions in decision-making
• Finding the right pace that works for you and your business
• Applying “do more faster” to different aspects of your business
• The importance of leveraging talent
• What it really takes to create a great culture (including celebration and reward)
• Balancing personal and business priorities
• Key leadership lessons learned

LINKS:

Harmony Venture Labs

https://shegunotulana.com

Previous Episodes:

How to Get Your Team Members to Take Initiative Without Lighting a Fire

Exploring Psychological Safety with Maura Barclay

Asking Smart Questions to Expand Your Leadership Impact