In large corporations, systems and departments can be activated to solve problems. In a startup, founders must possess the courage and skills to solve problems themselves, as there are no established support systems to fall back on. You become the entire mechanism.
The CEO of Evommune prioritizes three non-negotiable traits when hiring: strong interpersonal skills, proven expertise without title inflation, and a robust work ethic. These are crucial because there are no support systems or places to hide in a small, high-stakes environment.
The Evommune CEO reveals the most surprising aspect of his role is the extreme stress. He employs an executive coach not for business advice, but specifically to manage his mental health and maintain balance, viewing this as essential for effective leadership in a high-failure industry.
Since most biotech programs fail (as few as 1 in 10 succeed), a company's survival depends on running a portfolio of multiple programs simultaneously. This requires the discipline to quickly terminate unsuccessful projects and the foresight to have subsequent programs already underway.
Successful founders treat investors as more than just a source of capital. They actively listen to investor 'chatter' to gain insights on competitors, commercial viability, and market trends. This feedback loop acts as a form of human-powered AI, helping to continuously learn and make key business adjustments.