Having raised 7 figures in funding - and seeing hundreds of founders go through the process - I’ve seen firsthand what makes the difference between a “maybe” and a “yes.” In this article, I share what most founders miss when trying to raise capital, and what investors are really looking for when they say yes (or don’t).

How often do you look at your revenue… and then move straight onto profit?That one number - “how much did we generate?” - feels like it should be enough. But this week, we guided our business scale academy clients through a deeper lens.

You’re the founder. The visionary. The one everyone turns to when it’s time to make the call.But here’s the truth no one talks about: Decision fatigue is real. And if you’re scaling, it’s probably costing you more than you realise.

The founders who scale successfully aren’t just visionary... they lead with financial clarity. No matter how strong your product, your team, or your ambition, if you can’t see your numbers clearly, you can’t scale sustainably.

By now, you’ve seen the headlines.Trump’s sweeping new tariffs have already sent markets tumbling and reignited global trade tensions. And while the initial shock is settling, following the temporary reprieve, the ripple effects are only just beginning.

As Q1 closes, one thing is clear: 2025 is not business as usual.We’ve seen bold moves, fast shifts, and early signals that the businesses thriving now are those willing to adapt, think long-term, and scale from a place of real alignment.

Every ambitious founder wants bigger revenue, more impact, and faster growth - but most overlook the critical piece that makes it possible: capacity.Scaling isn’t just about more sales - it’s about balancing demand and delivery.

When leadership is diverse, companies make better decisions, cultures become stronger, and industries evolve faster. Representation isn’t just a ‘women’s issue’ - it’s a business and leadership issue for all of us.

Most founders think their company can’t run without them. The best leaders make sure it does. At a certain point in scaling, your biggest challenge isn’t demand, growth, or revenue - it’s your TIME.

New tariffs. Rising costs. Shifting markets. Whilst this is dominating headlines, we’re not here to buy into the noise. We’re here to talk principles, and how to future-proof your business to thrive regardless of external factors.

The global talent shortage is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today. At the same time, AI is reshaping the job market at an unprecedented pace. The companies that win aren’t just adapting to AI, they’re already developing the workforce that will lead the future.

As we step into 2025, the business landscape is ripe with opportunities for leaders ready to embrace change and innovation. Here are the top five focus areas for visionary leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve and create lasting impact.