Empowering Tech CEOs: Key Insights from Excelerator Partners’ Workshops
At a recent gathering of 100 Tech CEOs, Excelerator Partners had the privilege of hosting a series of impactful workshops focused on navigating the unique challenges of scaling while maintaining an empowering, effective culture. Led by Suzy Rowley, CEO & Founder of Excelerator Partners, EP’s Cate Poulson, and other distinguished HR and culture experts, these workshops provided deep dives into critical strategies for scaling successfully, especially around culture, leadership, and team dynamics.
Here are some of the key takeaways from our sessions:
1. Retaining and Transforming Culture During Rapid Growth
The sessions opened by addressing one of the most vital and often complex aspects of scaling—how to keep or transform culture as your business grows. They shared actionable insights into how companies can preserve their core values while evolving their culture to meet the demands of a larger, more dynamic team. With Suzy, Cate and the panel’s help, attendees explored practical techniques to stay authentic to their original mission while fostering an adaptive, growth-oriented workplace that attracts top talent.
2. Maximising Capital with a Fractional C-Suite
A common hurdle for scaling tech companies is managing limited capital while striving for senior-level expertise. The workshops highlighted the advantages of engaging a fractional C-Suite, with examples showing how this model can provide high-caliber, seasoned leadership without the full-time financial commitment. By strategically leveraging fractional executives, CEOs learned how they can access the skills of a CMO, CFO, or CTO as needed, optimising budget allocation while strengthening their executive team.
3. Strategic Advisors & Consultants: Unlocking Leadership & Board Success
Another key area of focus was understanding where strategic advisors and consultants add the most value. Suzy shared guidance on selecting advisors who complement the strengths of the existing leadership team and Board, enhancing decision-making and providing vital external perspectives. She emphasised that, when chosen thoughtfully, advisors can become trusted partners who drive both accountability and innovation within the company’s growth journey.
4. Handling Bad Hires: Timing & Approach to Minimise Team Disruption
Finally, the workshop advisory team addressed a challenge every leader faces: dealing with underperforming or culturally mismatched hires. The discussion centered around the best practices for timing and approach, with a focus on mitigating the potential impact of a poor fit on the broader team. They explored practical tactics to minimise disruptions and ensure that every team member contributes positively to the company’s goals. Attendees walked away with strategies for making tough decisions that protect and even strengthen team morale and productivity.
These workshops highlighted the importance of aligning growth strategies with cultural integrity, financial prudence, and leadership resilience. At Excelerator Partners, we are committed to supporting tech CEOs in their journeys, empowering them with the insights and resources to scale confidently, sustainably, and with their teams’ best interests at heart.
Many thanks to Grow London for the opportunity to work with members at this year's Grow London Summit.
