Why founders get stuck (and how to move forward)
Posted: Mon 19th Jan 2026
Drawing on over a decade of experience from working with founders inside Dear Founder, Kyllie Knight unpacks the realities of the "icky beginning to middle" stages of business: when the vision is clear, the passion is undeniable, but getting there still feels overwhelming.
Learn how to move from the overwhelm of "what to do first" and "where to spend your limited time" to:
a strategy
foundations that actually support growth
a plan that feels realistic to implement
an idea of the costs involved
the knowledge to avoid the common mistakes that keep founders stuck for longer than necessary
This session is honest, practical and designed to leave founders feeling clearer, calmer and empowered about what comes next.
Topics covered in this session
The real reason founders get stuck in the early stages. Why it's rarely about motivation, effort or talent.
How to build structure without killing momentum. Learn what actually needs to be in place before scaling and what can wait.
How to make confident decisions without burning cash or energy. A practical framework for prioritising marketing, strategy and support in the self-funded phase.
About the speaker
Kyllie is a branding and marketing strategist with over 15 years of experience.
Having started her career in the digital department at ELLE magazine, she directed accounts in advertising agencies for global brands and launched her own six-figure digital agency.
She's now helping business founders and global brands grow with intention through programmes that are designed around real-world experience.
Through her consultancy and her signature program Dear Founder, Kyllie supports business owners through the early, often messy stages of building, helping them turn ambition into a business that actually works.
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