Matt Hunckler

Helping tech founders & leaders scale beyond Silicon Valley. Join 10,000+ CEOs, execs, and investors in our private community:

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

It's not a secret anymore...

You can build or join a great startup from anywhere.

Hope you'll join me and 1,000+ others at our Unvalley virtual conference on May 11-12 with a crazy lineup of speakers, 3 content tracks, and lots of ways to connect

RSVP: https://t.co/Xxo9CVELj5

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

No amount of money or status will buy back missed time with your family.

Hope you had some quality time over the holidays.

Ready for a big 2025?

I will share the best stuff from our fast-growing community of founders and leaders.

Give me a follow here, and let me know how I can help!

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

Who might need your kindness today?

A lesson I’ve taken to heart:

Kindness costs you nothing but can mean everything to someone else.

It costs nothing to take an extra moment to check in — in meetings, emails, or even casual conversations.

A simple “How are you really doing?” can open a door for connection and support.

It's often small gestures that remind me how powerful compassion can be.

Who might need your kindness today?

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

Nothing is more meaningful to me than helping people win.

[🔋 Kristian @kristianindy]

Partnering with an Executive Assistant is the single, highest leverage investment I’ve made in my professional life. A (very long) thread 🧵

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

@galeforceVC I’ve found that the only way to truly clear out the negative is to fully feel and process it. Not always easy, but powerful.

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

@GhostWriteLife That’s 90% of the battle

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

Burnout doesn’t just happen—it builds.

And a few years ago, I hit a wall...

I was grinding hard but getting nowhere.

That's when I realized: high performance isn’t just about the hustle—it’s about recovery.

3 research-backed ways to recharge and recover:

———

1. Optimize Sleep:
↳ Drink tart cherry juice
↳ Avoid screens before bed
↳ Maintain a consistent sleep schedule

———

2. Nature and Mindfulness:
↳ Walk in nature
↳ Meditate regularly
↳ Practice yoga and breathwork

———

3. Advanced Recovery Techniques:
↳ Use float tanks
↳ Get regular exercise
↳ Keep a gratitude practice

———

I think Paul Simon said it best:

"Slow down, you move too fast. You got to make the morning last.”

Performance isn’t just about working hard.

It’s about recovering smart.

Save this post.

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

@TimStodz If only I knew this tips earlier in life...

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

Great leaders don’t go it alone.

Here’s their secret:

They know the power of community.
They build teams that amplify their vision.
They find people who complement their strengths.

The recipe?

It’s about creating a support system for growth.
It’s about leaning on others to fill the gaps.
Success isn’t about doing it all yourself.

It's a team effort.

Ready to connect with the right people?

I just wrapped up the finale of the Get IN podcast with @tophday, @NateSpangle, and @AfterTheDecimal (more to come soon).

Hope you'll join us Aug. 27-28 at the RALLY conference:
https://t.co/rWmBGimd7R

Comment below to get 40% off your ticket.

I'll shoot you a DM with info.

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

Following the crowd is killing your creativity.

Want to stand out? Do this instead:

Take more creative risks.

We've all had those projects where everyone we follows the same old playbooks. And the results are always the same—predictable and uninspiring.

But there was a project recently where our team questioned the "best practices" and approached things from a different angle.

We got curious.

And we took some calculated risks.

The outcome? A fresh solution that energized the team and wowed our customers.

So next time you're working on a project, ask yourself:

"What can I do differently?"

Let curiosity lead the way.

—

♻️ Repost to spread curiosity to your network

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

Want to stand out in a crowded market?

Surprise & delight your customers. Like this:

Sweetwater is the world’s largest online music retailer. And their world-class customer service is illustrated with just one small gift —a small bag of candy in every box.

It’s an unexpected delight that keeps customers coming back for more.

7 Customer Lessons from the CEO of Sweetwater:

———

1. Know Your Audience:
↳ Sweetwater’s staff is made up of musicians.
↳ Hire people who understand your customers.

———

2. Invest in Training:
↳ Their Sales Engineers go through intensive training.
↳ Equip your team to exceed customer expectations.

———

3. Host Events:
↳ Sweetwater hosts GearFest, a huge pro audio event.
↳ Create opportunities for customers to connect.

———

4. Offer Unique Experiences:
↳ They have top-tier recording studios.
↳ Give exclusive access or experiences that add value.

———

5. Educate and Empower:
↳ Sweetwater runs a music academy.
↳ Offer resources to empower your customers.

———

6. Add Personal Touches:
↳ Handwritten notes or small gifts make a big impact.
↳ It shows you care.

———

7. Listen and Adapt:
↳ Engage with your customers.
↳ Get to know their needs and adapt accordingly.

———

In a crowded market, being memorable matters.

Small, thoughtful gestures can turn first-time buyers into lifelong fans.

Watch my full convo with Sweetwater CEO, Mike Clem:

https://t.co/aa80qpqh0a

—

♻️ Repost to spread the surprise and delight

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

Make it easy, not hard.

The difference between success and stress:

In every startup I've worked with, the most valuable players weren’t always the ones with the most skills, but those who could simplify the complex.

Be approachable.
Communicate clearly.
Solve problems proactively.
Delegate effectively.
Adapt quickly.

Being the person who makes things easier rather than harder improves your team.

And it makes you indispensable.

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

@KodyNordquist Thanks!

Leaders who understand their own emotions can connect better with their teams.

It's all about empathy and understanding.

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

It's time to rethink how we use soft skills.

They shouldn't be "soft"���they're smart:

As Tom Petty sang, "I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings." That sums up my journey as a leader—growing wings in mid-air.

In tough situations, we need real skills. Here are 5 smart skills to develop your leadership wings:

1. Be adaptable:
↳ Embrace the unknown.
↳ New opportunities await when you say yes.

2. Stay ready:
↳ Push your limits and be flexible.
↳ Handle anything with a quick response.

3. Understand your feelings:
↳ It's okay to show your emotions.
↳ Communicate them.

4. Be a good team player:
↳ Work together toward a common goal.

5. Be humble:
↳ Admit when you need help.
↳ We’re stronger together.

Leadership isn't for the faint-hearted.

Like The Beatles said, "I get by with a little help from my friends." And in Powderkeg's executive peer groups, I see this every day.

These skills aren't just soft—they're smart.

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

@markdmei Consistency and staying updated with tech are key in email marketing.

It's all about doing the basics really well. Great advice, Mark!

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

@mintzer Getting emails into the inbox is key for any business.

Clean lists and good content make a big difference.

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

@ConnorGillivan Internal linking helps Google understand your site better and keeps readers engaged longer.

It's a win-win for SEO and user experience. Thanks for sharing your process!

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

@KodyNordquist Focusing on internal culture and growth is the key to keeping great talent.

Investing in your team usually pays off in the long run.

[Matt Hunckler @Hunckler]

@CoryBlumenfeld Starting small while working full-time is the smart way to test ideas and learn.

Balancing work and a side hustle is an important art and science.