I’m a founder building a team

Each module is a pillar of the role. Finish one before opening the next — you’ll always know exactly what to read next.

1. 1
   Pillar · Founder mindset 1h0/2 done

   Module 1 — Founder-led HR

   Outcome: You know what to own personally and what to delegate later.

   Week 1 overview · objectives & prerequisites

   1. 1.1
      The First 50 Hires: A Founder’s Playbook

      12 min read
   2. 1.2
      When to Make Your First People Hire

      12 min read

   Next up → Module 2 — Hire structurally, not by gut
2. 2
   Pillar · Structured hiring 2h0/3 done

   Module 2 — Hire structurally, not by gut

   Outcome: You can run a process with scorecards, references and a clear bar.

   Week 2 overview · objectives & prerequisites

   1. 2.1
      Structured Hiring: A Framework That Works

      11 min read
   2. 2.2
      Interview Scorecards: Writing Them Well

      14 min read
   3. 2.3
      Cognitive Bias in Hiring, Reviews, and Promotions — a Manager's Field Guide

      10 min read

   Next up → Module 3 — Onboard so they stay
3. 3
   Pillar · Onboarding 1.5h0/2 done

   Module 3 — Onboard so they stay

   Outcome: New hires hit real value in 90 days, not 9 months.

   Week 3 overview · objectives & prerequisites

   1. 3.1
      Onboarding: The First 90 Days That Retain People

      10 min read
   2. 3.2
      Feedback Frameworks That Land

      8 min read

   Next up → Module 4 — Pay, equity and trust
4. 4
   Pillar · Compensation 2h0/2 done

   Module 4 — Pay, equity and trust

   Outcome: You have a defensible pay philosophy and equity policy before pressure hits.

   Week 4 overview · objectives & prerequisites

   1. 4.1
      Writing a Compensation Philosophy You Can Defend

      12 min read
   2. 4.2
      Equity for Founders and Employees: A Working Primer

      14 min read