Founder Files
Founder Files
Podcast Description
Founder Files brings you conversations with the minds behind some of today’s most ambitious startups. Hosted by Salma Hatim, Founder & CEO of Cypher, this podcast explores the real decisions, strategies, and challenges that shape high-growth businesses (Seed to Series C). Through candid discussions with founders, investors, and industry leaders, we break down what it takes to scale, secure funding, and build something that lasts.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into the nuances of building high-growth businesses from Seed to Series C, with current topics including financial strategies, operational metrics, and the importance of scalable systems. Episodes offer insights on growth metrics that matter, the difference between bookings and revenue, and approaches to raising the right capital, featuring practical examples from guests like Daren Lauda of Outset and Zach Barney of Mobly.

Founder Files is a podcast about the real decisions behind scaling a business. Hosted by Salma Hatim, Founder and CEO of Cypher, the show features candid conversations with founders, operators, and industry leaders building and supporting high-growth companies. We unpack what actually happens behind the scenes as companies scale, from financial systems and forecasting to revenue, funding decisions, and the tradeoffs leaders make along the way.
Payroll is typically 50% or more of expenses, the single biggest spend on the P&L.
David Hori, Principal at Topline Operators, joins Founder Files to clarify how payroll, HR, and operations work together in scaling companies, and where they fall apart.
(00:00) Introduction
(00:38) How can you tell if a payroll setup isn't really a system?
(01:36) What is the go-to systems solution you would recommend to other founders?
(02:58) What would happen to the payroll, HR, and operations departments if workflows are not properly implemented?
(04:36) What are some good incentive ideas for your employees?
(05:52) What type of creative incentive would you suggest?
(07:34) Key considerations before hiring a new employee
(08:57) What advice would you give to a founder or CEO for managing a remote team?
(10:11) Expert tips
David also hosts a weekly webinar for business owners. You can find the link on his Instagram: @TheDavidHori

Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.