Building a High-Performing Team: Insights from Rewump’s Leadership – Sergii Malomuzh

Sergii Malomuzh is the founder of Rewump, a business incubator, and Rewmp, a private venture fund.  With a PhD in Law and an MSc in Entrepreneurship, he has been active in the tech industry since the age of 20. Over more than five years, he contributed to growing a holding company that included four successful subsidiaries, employing over 500 people. After their sale in 2023, Sergii founded Rewump to invest in and provide supportive back-office services to early-stage Web3 startups. In his free time, Sergii enjoys running half-marathons, swimming, and engaging in activities as a licensed helicopter pilot and parachutist.

Building a high-performing team is a cornerstone of business success. Below, Sergii and key team members at Rewump share perspectives on hiring, aligning values, and fostering growth.

How to Hire People Who Share Your Vision and Values

Sergii Malomuzh emphasizes that hiring is not about filling positions but about laying the foundation for the company’s future.

“Your team is the heart of your business,” he says. “You don’t just hire employees, – you find allies who believe in your vision and grow with you.”

We asked the leadership team at Rewump to share their approaches to building strong teams and effective processes, and each provided unique insights on scaling success.

Key Hiring Principles from the Founder of Rewump Sergii Malomuzh

1. Look for Long-Term Allies:
   The best hires are those who align with your purpose and share your vision. “Skills are teachable, but cultural fit isn’t,” Sergii explains. He recommends hiring candidates who show genuine interest in the company’s mission and a strong desire to grow.
2. Balance Skills and Values:
   When choosing between technical brilliance and alignment with the company’s vision, Sergii advises to “always choose alignment.” Skills can be taught, but shared values foster long-term partnerships.
3. Hands-On Approach:
   In the company’s early years as a founder, Sergii was actively involved in the hiring process. “Every hire shapes the culture,” he says. “In those formative years, I personally reviewed resumes and led interviews to ensure alignment with our mission.”

Leadership and Culture: Advice from CEO Sviatoslav Stogov

Sviatoslav Stogov, CEO of Rewump, believes that leadership defines a company’s culture.

1. Encourage Open Communication:
   “Leaders thrive when communication flows freely,” he says. Creating an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, feedback, and concerns not only fosters innovation but also strengthens the sense of community and shared responsibility within the organization.
2. Empower Decision-Making:
   Sviatoslav encourages fostering autonomy within the team. “When people are trusted to make decisions, they take ownership of their work, leading to better results,” he explains.
3. Connect the Dots:
   “Show your team how their roles contribute to the bigger picture,” Sviatoslav says. When employees understand how their work drives the company’s success, they feel more engaged and motivated.

How to Build a Financial Model  for Scalable Growth: Advice from CFO Hanna Lapytska

Most startups face financial challenges during scaling. Hanna Lapytska, CFO of Rewump, shares her insights on overcoming these hurdles:

1. Start with a Financial Model:
   “A financial model is your roadmap for growth,” Hanna says. “It shows investors that you understand your expenses, revenue, and path to scaling.”
   Key steps to building a financial model:
   • Break down revenue and cost structures.
   • Include key assumptions, such as customer acquisition rates and average sales per client.
   • Plan for unforeseen costs by adding a reserve (10–20% of your budget).
2. Know How Much Funding You Need:
   Hanna advises startups to raise only the funds necessary to reach specific milestones. “Every dollar raised over what is necessary dilutes equity,” she explains. “Focus on the next 12–18 months and allocate resources strategically.”
3. Control Financial Runway:
   “Burn rate and runway are your lifelines,” Hanna says. Keep a close eye on operational costs, track expenses monthly, and prioritize investments that directly impact growth.

Managing Team Growth During Scaling: Insights from Program Manager Dina Kondratiuk

As startups grow, managing team expansion becomes critical. Dina Kondratiuk, Program Manager at Rewump, highlights key challenges and solutions:

1. Make Onboarding and Integration a Priority:
   “Don’t hire too many people at once,” Dina advises. Establish an HR process that ensures smooth onboarding and integration for new hires. “Make sure every team member understands the company’s mission, vision, and values,” she says.
2. Automate and Organize Processes:
   Scaling requires transitioning from informal workflows to structured systems. Dina recommends automating repetitive tasks and using tools like CRMs to manage operations effectively.
3. Focus on Quality Over Quantity:
   “Scaling isn’t just about adding more people; it’s about hiring the right people,” Dina says. Invest in individuals who can adapt and bring value as the company evolves.

Building Strong Foundations: Advice from HR Generalist Tetiana Bushniak

Establishing a robust organizational structure during scaling is crucial, according to Rewump HR Generalist Tetiana Bushniak: “Startups often grow from small, flexible teams where everyone wears multiple hats. As the company scales, a lack of defined roles and responsibilities can lead to confusion and inefficiency,” she explains. Tetiana emphasizes the importance of having a clear organizational chart, well-defined roles, and structured onboarding processes to ensure every team member understands the company’s mission and their role in achieving it. Laying these foundations early helps startups stay focused and aligned as they grow.

Empowering Teams: Antonina Prylepa’s Insights on Building High Performance

“Proactivity is the hallmark of high-performing teams,” says Antonina Prylepa, Executive Assistant at Rewump. “Team members who anticipate challenges, seize growth opportunities, and refine their approaches drive collective success, keeping the organization competitive.” She also highlights that strong relationships and clear communication are vital for fostering collaboration, trust, and the seamless execution of objectives.

Conclusion: Hiring and Building a Winning Team

The most important thing a founder can do is build a team that shares their vision. Sergii Malomuzh and the leadership at Rewump underscore the necessity of hiring allies, balancing skills with values, and fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and growth.

As Sergii Malomuzhsays, “Your team is your most valuable asset. Every hire should move you closer to the vision you’re building.” By adhering to these principles, founders can create teams that deliver innovation, resilience, and long-term success.

Follow Sergii Malomuzh on LinkedIn.

Find Rewump on LinkedIn.

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