Get Real About Building a Business: What I Learned from Lisa Teh’s Candid Founder Stories
by Kristina Karlsson
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “ready” to start or scale a business, this recent conversation with author and entrepreneur Lisa Teh will be a breath of fresh air.
Lisa’s new book, Get Real: 30 Stories of Female Founders & Other Lessons in Business, gathers honest, un-glossy accounts that show the messy, human side of creating something from nothing - and how much learning happens in the middle.
From tax law to marketing to tech: permission to pivot
Lisa began her career in tax law at KPMG, where she learned brand discipline, presentation, and stakeholder skills - tools she still uses daily.
But the role never fit her creative, fashion-loving personality. She transitioned to marketing at fashion brand Witchery, then followed her curiosity into the early days of social media, eventually launching two agencies focused on digital and emerging tech.
Her story is a reminder that the “right” next step often comes from action, appetite and initiative.
Sell with vision (not pressure)
One of my favourite themes from our chat is simple: lead with your vision and purpose. Whether you’re speaking to a supplier, a banker, a new team mate - or a potential customer - start with the “why” and paint the future you’re building.
It’s how we opened every meeting at kikki.K, and it’s how small brands grow into trusted partners long before they have big volumes.
Failure isn’t a dirty word
We also talk candidly about public setbacks and private doubts. Lisa sees these chapters as proof of courage and growth - not evidence you “failed.”
That reframing matters. Without it, we stay in a safe bubble and never discover what we can do.
Real stories like those in Get Real normalise the stumbles and encourage us to keep moving.
Decision energy is precious - simplify
As a founder and mum, Lisa limits low-stakes choices (like outfits or lunch) so she has bandwidth for the work that moves the needle.
It’s a small habit with a big payoff: fewer daily decisions, less friction, more progress.
Five insights you can apply today
1) Your first career is a toolkit, not a life sentence
Everything you’ve learned - communication, brand standards, analysis - comes with you. Don’t wait for a perfect match; follow your curiosity and let your skills compound.
2) Create proof, not just a pitch
Lisa won her marketing role by submitting a creative, made-for-them application and a mock Witchery magazine. Show what you’d do - don’t just say it.
3) Vision sells (everywhere)
Pitch your purpose to investors, team mates and partners. People follow clarity and conviction. Practice telling the story of the future you’re building.
4) Redefine failure as data
Public or private, tough chapters grow you. Take the lesson, adjust, and move.
5) Guard your energy
Reduce decision fatigue: simplify your mornings, batch meals, pre-plan outfits. Save your best brain for creation and leadership.
A book to keep on your desk (not your shelf)
Beyond insight, Lisa’s book is beautifully designed - bold, confident and proudly at home on your desk or coffee table.
It doesn’t look like a dry business text (because it isn’t). It’s a visual invitation to keep learning by osmosis.
If this sparks something in you, listen to the full episode, then join me inside the Dream Business Book Club where we read, discuss and, importantly, implement one business book a month (...and you get access to our amazing 💛DREAM BIZ BOOK CLUB Ai💛 Bot.)
Implementation is where the magic happens.
And if you’re ready for deeper accountability and support, explore DL Coaching here: https://www.yourdreamlifestartshere.com/course - let’s build the future you can’t stop thinking about.
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