How Leadership Principles Help Startup Founders Build Successful Companies - Angelo Valletta

Episode notes

Leadership and innovation are closely tied - especially when building companies that create jobs, scale new ideas, and strengthen local economies. In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave speaks with Angelo Valletta, President and CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania and author of The Seven R’s of Leadership and Life . Angelo shares lessons from decades of leadership in technology, finance, and economic development, and explains how those experiences shaped the leadership framework in his book. Angelo also explains how Ben Franklin Technology Partners supports entrepreneurs and early-stage companies through investment, mentorship, and a broad network of experts. The organization has helped launch and grow hundreds of companies across the region by combining capital with practical guidance for founders navigating growth, hiring, and strategy. The conversation explores the importance of coachability, hiring the right people for the right roles, and maintaining strong culture while scaling innovation.