CBS helps en­tre­pren­eurs be­come bet­ter lead­ers

Studies show that poor leadership and a workplace culture marked by long hours and unclear processes are among the main reasons many startups fail. Often, it is because the founder struggles to embrace their new role as a leader. As a result, Denmark misses out on valuable growth and job creation in the startup environment. 

That is why CBS is now offering the leadership development programme ‘Founder to Leader’ for the third year in a row. The programme is designed for promising founders with employee responsibility – mainly from startups that have reached the scaling stage. 

So far, the programme has helped 140 startup founders build their leadership skills, and the goal is to take another 60 founders through the programme in 2025. 

“The conditions for leadership in the startup world are very different and evolve quickly over time. 
 In most startups, it is the founder who leads the company, although they often identify more strongly with the role of entrepreneur. They typically excel at business ideas, strategy, products and customers, but leadership is a new field they need to master,” explains Mia Jung, Head of Leadership Development at the Copenhagen School of Entrepreneurship at CBS and project lead for the ‘Founder to Leader’ programme. 

Research brought into a relevant context 

“We know the early growth phase is a critical time for startups when strong leadership skills are essential.  Through ‘Founder to Leader’, we bring research-based knowledge and real-world understanding into the startup environment in an engaging and relevant way,” says Mia Jung. 

Participants learn what can be at stake in human relationships and what happens when roles and mandates in the workplace are unclear.  

“We are very aware that this is part of a broader societal mission, and that we meet participants at a time when they are still investing all their energy in building their company. That is why we tailor the content to their needs. The learning must be digestible, and the theory must be translated into their reality. It needs to be sharp and applicable,” says Mia Jung, and adds: 

“We put the research into a context that makes it relevant and accessible to our target group. These founders are at a stage where they may not have the time or financial resources to pursue longer executive education, such as a Graduate Diploma (HD). That might come later – because during this first leadership experience, many realise that leadership is a lifelong development journey.” 

Needed more leadership knowledge 

Isabella Agdestein knows that feeling well. With a bachelor in business administration and project management under her belt, she was no stranger to thick textbooks and lectures. But since co-founding Focalx in 2021 and taking on the role of CEO, her company has had her full attention.  

“What made all the difference for me was that the content of ‘Founder to Leader’ is based on the daily realities you face as a founder. The format is well designed because now that I am scaling the company, I would never have the time for a larger theoretical leadership programme. But at the same time, I knew I needed more knowledge about leadership,” says Isabella Agdestein, who completed the programme two years ago. 

Her company, which offers a software solution that helps car rental companies to quickly and efficiently scan vehicles for damage, has just secured DKK 13.5 million in venture capital. The investment is led by the venture fund byFounders and will be used to further refine the technology, according to Isabella Agdestein. 

Today, Focalx is active in seven European markets and has just opened an office in Colombia, where Isabella Agdestein sees significant growth potential.   

Has become a more professional leader

“Through ‘Founder to Leader’, I have become a more professional leader. I have learned the value of reflection and creating space to make tough decisions – like when we had to focus on the car rental industry, even though it meant turning down other opportunities for a while. I have also learned that leadership is about setting direction and driving progress – not micromanaging or being the one who knows everything,” says Isabella Agdestein, and adds: 

“I used to be a bit of a multitasker, and I thought leadership was either about being very charismatic and extroverted or about giving more attention to detail. But I learned there are many more ways to lead. I also tended to make leadership a shared responsibility between myself and the other two founders. Now we have clear roles – although I still ask for input, of course,” says Isabella Agdestein.

Read more about her company