A resilient Startup Leader's personal journey: The role of entrepreneurial mindfulness and ambidextrous leadership through scaling-up performance capacity

Abstract

Startups always face challenges during every scaling-up phase, so they need leaders who are resilient. Entrepreneurial resilience is the capacity of startup leaders to continue functioning in the face of various challenges. This research aims to explore how the dynamic interaction between entrepreneurial mindfulness and ambidextrous leadership influences the resilience of startup leaders during the scaling-up phase. The ability of startup leaders to execute entrepreneurial decisions and demonstrate ambidextrous leadership is crucial for increasing performance capacity. This study adopts a quantitative approach, utilizing a survey of startup leaders who have successfully undergone the scaling-up process, and analyzes the survey results using the SMART PLS program. Research findings suggest that entrepreneurial mindfulness influences decision-making, risk management, and strategic adaptability. This research examines how ambidextrous leadership, characterized by simultaneously exploring new opportunities and exploiting existing resources, enhances leaders' adaptive capacity in uncertain environments. These findings highlight the synergistic relationship between entrepreneurial awareness and ambidextrous leadership, collectively impacting startup leaders' ability to foster resilience during the scale-up journey. This research contributes to the existing literature by offering insights into practical strategies used by resilient leaders to enhance organizational performance and adaptability. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the importance of cultivating a mindful entrepreneurial mindset and adopting ambidextrous leadership practices for startup leaders aiming to thrive in a volatile scaling landscape. These findings not only contribute to individual leadership development but also inform organizational strategies and interventions aimed at fostering resilience and sustainable growth in the startup ecosystem.

Keywords

• Entrepreneurial resilience
• Entrepreneurial mindfulness
• Ambidextrous leadership
• Scaling-up performance
• Startup leader