Many assume their board should fill this gap, especially their non-execs. But let’s be honest: most startup founders dread board meetings. Instead of strategic support, these sessions can sometimes dissolve into nitpicking metrics or political posturing. A board should help navigate long-term success, but too few operate that way.

So, if you can’t rely on your board – and you can’t always confide in your team (or risk biasing their feedback) – who can you turn to?

The power of an external sounding board

Whether you call them a coach, mentor, advisor, or (as one colleague brilliantly puts it) a “founder’s friend,” an external confidant can be transformative. Here’s why:

1. They spot blind spots. Fast.

Startups move quickly, and tunnel vision is deadly. An echo chamber (like a leadership team overly aligned with your thinking) won’t challenge flawed logic or highlight gaps. A good sounding board will:

• Call you out when you’re veering off course
• Offer fresh perspectives – e.g., “Have you considered this competitor’s playbook?”
• Push back on assumptions before they become costly mistakes

2. They cut through decision fatigue

Founders face endless decisions: Hire or outsource? Pivot or persevere? Chase revenue or raise funding? A sounding board helps:

• Prioritise the decisions that matter
• Validate (or challenge) your instincts with unbiased input
• Speed up choices, critical when runway is tight

3. They hold you accountable – beyond the numbers

Your board cares about KPIs, but what about your goals? A sounding board keeps you accountable for:

• Your own personal growth (e.g., improving delegation or communication)
• Long-term strategy (not just quarterly targets)
• Clarity of thought – verbalising ideas to them often reveals solutions

4. They accelerate your learning curve

Many founders are generalists forced into expert roles overnight. A mentor with domain expertise (e.g., scaling sales, ops, or fundraising) can shortcut your learning, saving time, money, and sanity.

5. They’re a lifeline for mental resilience

Burnout is the silent killer of startups. Founders often suppress stress until it’s too late. A trusted advisor provides:

• Emotional support without judgment
• A safe space to vent frustrations or fears
• Reality checks, e.g. “This isn’t failure; it’s a normal hurdle.

How to choose the right person

Not all mentors are created equal. Look for someone with:

• Availability (no use if they’re MIA during crises)
• Business empathy (they grasp startups, even if not your exact industry)
• Confidentiality (absolute trust is non-negotiable)
• Relevant experience (e.g., a growth expert for scaling pain points)
• Personal rapport (you need to want their feedback, even when it stings)

Pro tip: Always do a trial session before committing. Chemistry matters.

The bottom line

A great sounding board isn’t a luxury. It’s a strategic asset. They’re the unbiased ally who helps you see clearly, decide confidently, and lead sustainably.

And unlike your board, they’re 100% in your corner.

For more startup news, check out the other articles on the website, and subscribe to the magazine for free. Listen to The Cereal Entrepreneur podcast for more interviews with entrepreneurs and big-hitters in the startup ecosystem.