Henrik Hagemann, founder and former CEO of Puraffinity, joins Evgeny Shadchnev to explore Henrik's journey from founding the company to realising the need for a new CEO to take the business to the next level. Henrik discusses the challenges of making the decision together with the board, the rigorous executive search process, and how to handle the emotional and practical aspects of stepping down. They also delve into the importance of maintaining multiple personal identities outside the CEO role, the future vision for Puraffinity and Henrik’s new role.

00:00 Introduction

01:42 About Puraffinity

04:53 Henrik's Role as Founding CEO

08:57 The Decision to Step Down as CEO

23:30 The Search for a New CEO

35:57 Inclusive Hiring and Psychometrics Tools

39:36 Zeroing in on the Successful Candidate

42:16 Handover and Onboarding

46:29 Transitioning from CEO to New Role

51:29 Transition Lessons and Next Steps

56:56 Advice to Other Founders

01:01:30 Final Thoughts

Learn more about Evgeny's work as a CEO coach: https://www.evgeny.coach

Startup CEO Succession: a Founder's Guide to Leadership Transition is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CW1HLZTR 

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