MASTER Risk Model - Learning Resources - Abilities

Leadership

Ask your early team: “What’s one thing I could do this week to support your best work?”

Write a one-sentence founder mantra that reflects how you want to lead—repeat it before key moments.

Thank a collaborator publicly for their contribution—recognition builds early culture.

Schedule 15 minutes today to check in informally with a peer founder—no agenda, just listening.

Share one founder story or struggle to model openness and build trust.

Observe one meeting silently unless needed—practice presence and active listening.

Collaboration

Start your next stand-up by asking someone else to open—give early ownership to foster shared space.

Send a quick thank-you to an advisor or peer who supported you this week—show genuine appreciation.

Ask a teammate: “Is there anything I can take off your plate today?”—model shared ownership.

Offer to co-create a solution with your team instead of finalizing alone—invite collaboration early.

Suggest a working session instead of endless back-and-forth emails—create together in real time.

Add a “Collaboration Wins” slide to your next pitch deck—highlight one thing built better together.

Communication

Before your next pitch, write down your key message in one sentence—practice saying it clearly and concisely.

Ask a peer to review your last investor email—revise it today based on their honest feedback.

Use a pause after pitching—let others respond instead of filling silence.

In your next message, use bullet points instead of long paragraphs—make your ask easy to scan.

Record yourself explaining your start-up—replay and refine how clearly you deliver the pitch.

Replace filler words in your next pitch with one sharp phrase—practice direct delivery.

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