Leading with Self-Awareness: Tanaz Mody on People, Culture, and the Power of Communication

In this episode of Becoming Better with StartupExperts – 25 Leaders to Follow in 2025, Jesse Freese sits down with Tanaz Mody Operating Partner at Lerer Hippeau, to explore what it means to build people-first organizations from the ground up. Tanaz shares lessons from her journey across early-stage startups and venture, offering candid insights on how culture and leadership must evolve as companies grow. She reflects on the importance of self-awareness, clear communication, and setting expectations early — not as corporate formality, but as the foundation of trust and alignment within every team. From navigating tough leadership decisions to experimenting with AI tools that empower founders, this conversation is a reminder that great organizations are built not on frameworks alone, but on empathy, curiosity, and the courage to learn from every chapter. 🎧 Listen now and discover how Tanaz continues to lead with heart, awareness, and intention.