Growing up, I admired people who could easily command a room and make the most noise. I remember sitting in classrooms, and later, conference rooms, watching others speak up effortlessly while I processed quietly, waiting until I was certain my contribution truly mattered.

When founders say they plan to delay developing their people strategy until the business is further along, it raises concerns for me as a 20+ year HR professional. Effective HR for startups begins long before most founders think it’s necessary.