Firstly, congratulations on this new stage in your business, I’m not sure how you were matched with your Co-Founder, but whatever the context, it’s a big step that deserves to be recognised 🎉

I understand your caution, going through a a partnership break up is hard. But let’s think about the rich learnings you gained from that experience that will benefit your new partnership. Think through these questions:

• What did it teach you about being a Co-Founder?

• What were the strengths and weaknesses of the partnership?

• What are you proud of when you reflect on that partnership?

• What did you learn about yourself from that experience?

• What do you want to do differently this time?

However the partnership ended, remember that you did the best you could at the time. Is there anything you’re holding on to from that experience that you need to process and release? Without that partnership, you wouldn’t be where you are today, so how can you feel gratitude for that?

It’s great to think proactively as you kick off with a new Co-Founder. Use these tools to understand each other, connect, and map out how you want to shape your partnership.  

• Personal values 

• Communication style 

• Saboteurs test (what triggers negative emotions and responses)

• Stress languages

• Love Language

• Top Human Needs (plus more info here). 

Then work through the questions on page 9 & 10 of this doc to ensure you’ve covered all the practical points like roles, mission, finances etc.

With all those tools, you’ll cover the key insights and questions to start building the foundations you need.

However this is an ongoing responsibility. You can’t set up a partnership then expect it to thrive without any maintenance. You have no control over the ultimate outcome of this partnership and business, but you do have control over the intention and energy YOU put into it.

YOU have the choice to build ongoing awareness of the strength of this partnership and take action to nurture and protect it. That’s what matters.

I wish you every success, you’ve got this, enjoy it 🙌