The key to maintaining morale during tough times is ensuring that team members feel they are making a difference and that their work is impactful.

I believe in the power of small teams; they can execute projects more effectively without the dilution of culture that comes with rapid team growth.

When hiring, prioritize finding the best people and be proud of how much you can accomplish with a small team, as having too many employees can lead to complexity and inefficiency.

Historically, many game-changing companies are founded during downturns because they have the time to aggregate talent and develop their ideas without excessive noise.

Maintaining a focus on the most critical problems rather than getting distracted by less important issues can lead to more effective problem-solving and better outcomes for the team.

In the early days, small teams are naturally productive, but as the company grows, productivity can decline due to increased communication overhead. It's crucial to implement systems to maintain productivity as the team expands.

In a crisis, focus on ensuring your team feels secure and valued, rather than just on the company's immediate financial situation.

I believe in being honest with my team during tough times; involving them in decisions helps get the best ideas and buy-in, even when half the team doubts the project.

Sharing bad news, like having only two months of runway, can actually motivate great startup employees to engage and find solutions together.