Sam Safer Valentine: Finding the Right Co-Founder and Discovering Product Market Fit

So many people featured on this podcast have been co-founders. But how do you know if you and your potential co-founder are the right fit? How can you test your working dynamic before making a MAJOR commitment?

Sam Safer Valentine suggests working on a project first. This way, you can see if you have complimentary communication skills. See how it feels to be vulnerable with them – and how you might handle potential conflict later on.

This is exactly what Sam did before she and her co-founders launched Norby, an AI-powered marketing intelligence platform. Knowing she could trust her business partners made ALL the difference while building the company.

From her early days curating fashion history at top museums to running a sales and marketing agency, then pivoting into tech, this conversation with Sam is filled with invaluable insights on co-founder dynamics, navigating pivots, and trusting your ability to figure things out, along with the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

You’ll also hear great advice about collaboration, being a generalist, and trusting your ability to find the answers.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Sam’s remarkable journey from being an assistant curator at London's Fashion and Textile Museum to co-founding Norby
• Why you should tackle a project with your potential co-founder first to test your compatibility, communication styles, and ability to handle conflict
• Norby's evolution from an all-in-one marketing platform to an AI-powered marketing intelligence platform
• The parallels between starting a company and being a parent, requiring adaptability, resilience, and the ability to handle unexpected challenges while maintaining composure

LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED

Check out Sam’s company, Norby.

Sarina is a consultant who works with startup leaders and entrepreneurs. Connect with her on her website, on Instagram, and on LinkedIn, and check out more episodes of the Career Memos podcast.