Taking early stage startups to high growth scaleups with Justin Hennessy

The Spotlight Series - Don’t just survive, thrive!

Justin Hennessy has over 20 years experience in the software industry growing several startups to successful acquisition including RedEye, Outfit.io and Neto eCommerce. He has extensive technical expertise coupled with a passion for leadership and empowering people to reach their potential.
Beginning his adventure in software development back in 1997 in Adelaide, Justin quickly expanded his expertise into networking, routing, switching and data centres. Not just a technical wizard, he also excels in project management, coaching and leadership, skills honed over decades in the industry.

From a young age, he was drawn to technology. At just 8 or 9 years old, Justin was already programming, painstakingly handwriting code from magazines into his first computer. By high school, he was running his own IT support business, showcasing an entrepreneurial spirit that would serve him well in his career.

Discover how he landed his first leadership role, stepping up during a critical moment when the founder of his company had to leave. This pivotal experience taught him the importance of courage and seizing opportunities, a key piece of advice for aspiring leaders.

Learn about his approach to enabling team members to reach their highest potential by granting them autonomy and pushing decision-making power to the execution level. Justin shares what he looks for in team members, emphasising the need for leaders who understand the business context before implementing changes.

Justin also dives into the chaotic yet exhilarating world of startups, explaining the balance between chaos and scaling, and the rewarding challenge of getting the business formula right.

For those looking to grow startups, Justin shares the importance of transparency, clear communication, and having a people-centric leader with a clear vision. His recommended reads, including Stephen Covey’s "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" and Andrew Chen’s "The Cold Start Problem," have significantly influenced his personal and professional development.