Success Leaves Clues: From the Vault - Building People-First Startups and Authentic Leadership with Jenny do Forno, Chief People Officer at TouchBistro

Episode notes

In this From the Vault episode of Success Leaves Clues , hosts Robin and Al sit down with Jenny do Forno , Chief People Officer at TouchBistro , to explore how curiosity, courage, and authenticity define modern leadership. Jenny shares her inspiring journey from executive search to startup builder to venture advisor, offering hard-won lessons from 25 years of helping founders scale with purpose. As someone who’s helped launch companies from napkin sketches to successful exits, she reveals what makes great leaders, why culture must be built early, and how authenticity and communication can transform a business from the inside out. Together, they unpack the emotional highs and lows of startup life, how to lead through uncertainty, and the importance of saying “yes” to growth even when you’re not fully ready. You’ll hear about: Curiosity as a compass: How following her questions, not a plan, shaped Jenny’s 25-year career in people and culture. The courage to say yes: Why leaning into challenge matters more than waiting until you’re “ready.” The founder’s formula: What separates successful startup teams from the rest and how self-awareness plays a vital role.