Scaling a business globally can be both rewarding and challenging for founders. The journey requires careful planning and focus, from building resilient operations to navigating diverse regulations.
David Hanna, CEO of Finmo, shares key lessons he learned through his experience scaling in international markets. Here are five essential insights to guide founders aiming to expand their reach.
Five Key Approaches Every Founder Should Know
1. Build Resilience and Perseverance
As a founder, it’s vital to build resilience. The journey of scaling will inevitably bring both successes and setbacks. “Nothing’s achieved from giving up, and so the reality is that you’ve just got to persevere through it,” says David. Embrace each day as a learning experience and keep moving forward. Perseverance will be the foundation that enables you to overcome obstacles and reach new heights.
“Nothing’s achieved from giving up, and so the reality is that you’ve just got to persevere through it.”
2. Surround Yourself with Trusted Experts
International expansion often involves complex regulatory and operational challenges. To navigate these effectively, David stresses the importance of bringing in experienced advisors and experts early. “If you don’t have the skill sets, bring in advisors early—they can help you avoid issues that could prevent you from taking off,” he advises. These experts provide guidance on local market conditions and regulatory requirements, reducing risks and enabling smoother growth.
3. Structure and Plan for the Long Term
Planning for global growth requires a clear structure and a long-term vision. According to David, setting annual goals and aligning the team around them is critical for consistent progress. “The annual planning process ensures everyone understands our objectives and aligns with them,” he highlights. A structured plan allows founders to track progress, adapt strategies, and ensure the entire team is moving towards the same goal.
4. Stay Open to Modular Solutions
As you scale, flexibility becomes essential in meeting the varying needs of international markets. David explains the importance of adopting modular solutions, which allow companies to address specific challenges without overhauling their entire approach. “With our modular approach, clients can tackle specific problems without being forced into an all-in-one solution,” he shares. This adaptable strategy enables founders to address unique market demands while maintaining efficiency.
5. Prioritise Transparency and Engagement
Keeping your team and stakeholders informed is vital, especially as the company grows and operates internationally. Transparency fosters a sense of ownership and purpose among employees. “People want purpose, transparency, and connection,” David notes. Regular updates and open communication keep the team motivated and aligned while ensuring investors and partners stay informed on company progress.
Scale Your Startup with Resilience and Strategic Focus
Discover more insights on building a resilient and scalable business from an experienced founder’s journey in global markets.
Scaling a startup internationally demands resilience, a solid support network, and structured planning. David Hanna shares that founders can streamline operations, maintain team alignment, and leverage modular solutions to overcome growth challenges. To dive deeper into these strategies and learn from David’s experiences in scaling across borders, tune into the full podcast episode to see how these lessons can fuel your journey.
Looking for more insights from industry experts? Explore other podcast episodes for valuable strategies from seasoned founders and investors.
