Before You Say Yes: Vet a Startup Role Like a Pro

​Your next startup move could fast-track your career. Or derail it.

​When evaluating startup roles, the signs of success—or burnout—are rarely obvious. This session breaks down what questions to ask, what to avoid, and how to read between the lines on funding, leadership, and growth potential so you can make your next move with confidence.

​Between them, Maranda Dziekonski and Jan Young have scaled, advised, or coached across 20+ startups—and made their fair share of mistakes along the way. Now in her 11th leadership role, Maranda brings lessons from five successful exits and one unicorn. Jan has two exits under her belt and, through the StepUpXchange Career Crafting Community, helps CS professionals design careers that grow with them, not against them.

​About the Speakers

​Maranda Dziekonski is Chief Customer Officer at Fexa. With over 20 years leading teams across Customer Success, HR, and Operations, she’s helped scale 10 startups—five with successful exits and one unicorn. Recognized as a Top 50 CCO to Watch and Top 25 CS Influencer, she also serves on several boards.

​Jan Young transforms CS leaders into business leaders in the age of AI. Founder of JanYoungCX and StepUpXchange, she also leads CxXchange, a global peer community. An award-winning leader and former VP for two exited startups, Jan has coached CS leaders and founders since 2016 to grow customer revenue and align go-to-market execution. With experience across Product, Marketing, Sales, and CS, her cross-disciplinary approach drives profitable, customer-led growth.