The Founder to Leader Podcast

The Founder to Leader Podcast unpacks what it takes to grow from founder to leader. Each episode turns real dilemmas into practical insights from three perspectives: a founder who’s been through it, a leadership coach who guides others through it, and a researcher who studies it. We zoom in on the challenges rarely discussed in the startup world, such as co-founder tensions, hiring missteps, and the growing weight of responsibility. Founder to Leader is Denmark’s most established leadership development programme for founders, delivered by Copenhagen Business School and the Danish Industry Foundation. New episodes on the last Wednesday of every month.Want an outside perspective on your own dilemma? Send it to yg.cse@cbs.dk! 

The first episode of The Founder to Leader Podcast dives into a dynamic that can make or break a startup: your co-founder relationship. We unpack three real dilemmas: What to do when your co-founder starts acting more like an employee How to time the conversation when your own motivation shifts How to navigate rivalry between founders In this episode, you’ll hear from:Peter Bæch (Co-Founder & CEO, Kanpla)Christina Lubinski (Professor, Copenhagen Business School)Magnus Stawicki Blak (Leadership Coach, Founder to Leader)Yohanna Gustafsson (Podcast Host & Programme Manager, Founder to Leader)Want an outside perspective on your own dilemma? Send it to yg.cse@cbs.dk! 

The second episode of The Founder to Leader Podcast takes on the part of leadership no one warns you about: the emotional discomfort of learning how to use your authority.We unpack three real dilemmas:Feeling overwhelmed by external advice pulling you in every directionNavigating the disappointment of a first senior hire who isn’t deliveringHow to lead decisively without feeling like you’re bulldozing everyoneIn this episode, you’ll hear from:Ella Smoraczewska Harris (Founder & CEO, Uvisa Health)Rasmus Johnsen (Associate Professor, Copenhagen Business School)Mia Jung (Head of Leadership Development, Copenhagen Business School & Leadership Coach, Founder to Leader)Yohanna Gustafsson (Podcast Host & Programme Manager, Founder to Leader)Want an outside perspective on your own dilemma? Send it to yg.cse@cbs.dk!

The third episode of The Founder to Leader Podcast digs into one of the toughest parts of scaling your company: hiring new talent while developing the team that got you this far.We unpack three real dilemmas:Hiring beyond your inner circle without losing the “family” feelingRealizing a loyal first hire may no longer fit the company’s needsChoosing between senior experience or junior potential for a first sales hireIn this episode, you’ll hear from:Rasmus Ditlev (Co-Founder, ØNSK)Vera Rocha (Professor, Copenhagen Business School)Nina Uller (Leadership Coach, Founder to Leader)Yohanna Gustafsson (Podcast Host & Programme Manager, Founder to Leader)Want an outside perspective on your own dilemma? Send it to yg.cse@cbs.dk!

The fourth episode of The Founder to Leader Podcast takes on a reality many founders quietly struggle with: leading others while doubting yourself.We unpack three real dilemmas:The constant worry of being disliked by your employeesDoubting whether you’re still the right CEO for your scaling companyDeciding how (or if) to share personal challenges related to ADHD with your teamIn this episode, you’ll hear from:Patrick Bates (Founder & CEO, CoHo)Pernille Steen Pedersen (Assistant Professor, Copenhagen Business School)Magnus Stawicki Blak (Leadership Coach, Founder to Leader)Yohanna Gustafsson (Podcast Host & Programme Manager, Founder to Leader)Want an outside perspective on your own dilemma? Send it to yg.cse@cbs.dk!

We're back*!In the fifth episode, we explore why founders resist structure, when they need it, and what happens when they postpone it. Because as companies grow, structure becomes unavoidable. It isn’t the opposite of freedom, but it often feels that way. We unpack three real dilemmas:Hating structure, but being asked to add it by your teamFeeling out of control under a very idea-driven co-founderRemoving leadership to empower people, but seeing progress stall insteadJoining the conversation:Line Kloster Pedersen (Founder & CEO, Visibuilt)Michael Pedersen (Associate Professor, Copenhagen Business School)Mia Jung (Head of Leadership Development, Copenhagen Business School & Leadership Coach, Founder to Leader)Yohanna Gustafsson (Podcast Host & Programme Manager, Founder to Leader)Want an outside perspective on your own dilemma? Submit it anonymously here!*Important note: From 2026, The Founder to Leader Podcast will be released once a month - on the last Wednesday of every month.