Ep 9: Founders Need Firepower: Why Smart Startups Build Smart Boards (w/ Marieke Flament) 🚀
Episode summary
Boards aren’t a brake—they’re a launchpad. In this episode, Marieke Flament https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariekeflament/ (two-time CEO, builder, investor, and board member) joins host Thomas Michel https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-michel-ksg/ to demystify startup governance. We explore why smart founders build boards early, how to select the right people, and what a “smart board” looks like as a company scales. We also dive into crisis readiness, founder–board trust, and the practical role of risk, compliance, and internal audit on the growth journey. 💡🛡️
What you’ll learn
• Why early boards matter: Build the governance “muscle” before investors require it. 🏋️‍♀️
• Debunking myths: Boards don’t slow you down—the wrong boards do. ❌🐢
• Designing a smart board: Complement founder skills, think in phases, evolve as you scale. 🧩📈
• Crisis firepower: How strong boards show up when things get tough. 🔥🧭
• Pragmatic assurance: Risk mapping, compliance, and (later) internal audit as strategic enablers. 🗺️🧰
• Founder–board trust: Rituals, communication, and the value of “coffee-machine” moments. 🤝☕
Who this episode is for
Founders, co-founders, startup leaders, operators moving into governance roles, early investors, and anyone designing boards for growth. 🎯
Key takeaways (fast facts)
• Treat your board like a product. Define requirements, iterate, and measure fit. 🛠️
• Pick for fit and value, not for logos. Big names ≠ right chemistry. 🏷️
• Build before you “need” it. Governance works best when it’s proactive. ✅
• Map your risks early. Decide what to mitigate vs. accept. ⚖️
• In a crisis, boards add altitude. Perspective, networks, and calm execution matter. 🧠
• “Know your place.” Great board members challenge, support, and don’t try to be the CEO. 🪑
Memorable quotes
• “Build your board like it’s your product.” 🧪
• “Smart startups don’t build boards because they have to—they build them because they’re ready to go the distance.” 🏁
• “Governance isn’t a brake; it’s a launchpad.” 🚀
Guest
Marieke Flament — operator, two-time CEO, investor, and board member at the intersection of innovation, governance, and impact.
Connect with Marieke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariekeflament/ 🔗
Host
Thomas Michel — Founder of Governance Unplugged – Internal Audit, Risk & Controls. Senior audit & risk leader focused on making governance practical, impactful, and future-ready. ⚙️
Links & resources
• Follow the podcast on your favorite platform and on LinkedIn for new episodes and extras. ⭐
• Interested in governance, risk & internal audit topics for your team? Get in touch. 📩
Disclaimer
The views expressed by guests are their own and do not represent the views of any affiliated organization.