DavidExpert generalists are a rare undervalued breed of professionals who possess a broad range of knowledge and skills across various disciplines, allowing them to think critically, adapt quickly, and navigate the unique challenges of early-stage startups.
As an expert generalist in marketing and an entrepreneur myself, I've seen firsthand how valuable it is to have a diverse skill set in today's fast-paced B2B SaaS startup world. When I founded a company back in 2010, I looked for individuals who possessed a diverse array of competencies beyond the confines of their designated roles, be it customer support, engineering, or otherwise.
My guiding philosophy was that, while technical expertise for a specific position could be cultivated through training, the true value lay in discovering individuals who embodied the essence of an "expert generalist" — a versatile and multifaceted talent capable of mastering a wide range of disciplines.
Fast forward 13 years later, I believe this even more and want to share my beliefs as to why startups should prioritize hiring expert generalists and how they're currently undervalued in the market.
The Expert Generalist Advantage
Expert generalists bring several advantages to early-stage startups, including:
- Versatility - They can wear multiple 🎩, making them invaluable in a startup environment where resources are limited and roles can change rapidly. For example, when running a multi-channel marketing campaign, you’d typically need: a developer, copywriter, and a designer. You don’t have that luxury at a small startup so in my case I coded up the landing page, wrote the ad copy, and found some images to use.
- Creativity - By drawing upon their diverse knowledge base 🧠, expert generalists are more likely to generate innovative ideas and solutions. I absolutely want people with strong opinions willing to contribute in addition being operators.
- Problem-solving - They have a unique ability to analyze complex problems from different perspectives, helping them identify root causes and devise effective solutions. It’s almost like every employee should be a mini CEO or entrepreneur.
- Adaptability - With their wide range of skills and knowledge, expert generalists can quickly adapt to new situations and stay ahead of industry trends. Startups can change direction on a dime so if you’re not willing or capable of changes, you’ll be stuck. I’ve seen this happen numerous times as startups scale. Early employees who were brought in to help end up leaving the company not because they can’t do the work, but more so because they aren’t able to adapt to change. They’re better suited working at a larger company which is where they usually end up.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
The value of expert generalists is not lost on some of the most successful leaders in the SaaS B2B industry. You may recognize some of these companies. 😄
"The ability to adapt and learn is much more important than deep expertise in a single area." — Stewart Butterfield, CEO of Slack
"Startups need people who can 'figure it out' and are comfortable with ambiguity. Expert generalists fit that bill perfectly." — Brian Halligan, CEO of HubSpot
"In the early days of a startup, it's crucial to have a team of expert generalists that can tackle any problem and innovate quickly." — Aaron Levie, CEO of Box
How Expert Generalists are Undervalued
Despite their many advantages, expert generalists are often undervalued in the market due to:
- The misconception that specialization is superior: Many employers still prioritize hiring specialists with deep expertise in a specific field, undervaluing the flexibility and adaptability expert generalists bring to the table.
- Lack of recognition: Expert generalists' wide-ranging skills and knowledge can make it difficult for them to fit neatly into traditional job titles and descriptions, causing them to be overlooked by hiring managers. I have lost out to numerous other candidates during my job search because of this. My experience is 10x better than almost any candidate I’ve gone up against (I always look to see who ended up taking the job by checking LinkedIn several weeks later) but hiring managers would rather make a “safer bet” on someone who’s been in the same exact role for the last 10+ years.
How to Recognize an Expert Generalist
This can be a bit challenging, as they typically don’t have “expert generalist” listed on their LinkedIn profile or mention it anywhere online. Also, their diverse skill sets and experiences may not always be apparent at first glance but there are certain things to look for in their LinkedIn profile that can help you identify them:
- Diverse work experience - They often have a history of working in different industries or job roles. Look for a mix of experiences that showcases their adaptability and willingness to explore new areas. Their employment history may look a little jumpy (one year here, two years there, etc) but that can be a good sign. It’s always best to ask when speaking with them. I get this question a lot and each company “jump” has a different reason but the amount of experience I gained along my professional journey has been priceless.
- Broad skill set - Check their listed skills and endorsements to see if they possess a wide range of competencies across various domains. This could include technical skills, leadership abilities, and problem-solving aptitude.
- Continuous learning - They tend to be lifelong learners. Look for evidence of ongoing professional development, such as completed courses, certifications, or participation in workshops and conferences. This is the skills section on LinkedIn. I’m always learning by either doing research online and/or reading Kindle books. There’s no excuse!
- Thought leadership - They often share insights from their diverse knowledge base. Check for articles, blog posts, or LinkedIn posts where they discuss topics across multiple fields. I’ve recently decided to start being more public with my knowledge (this article for example). Not only do I enjoy sharing my knowledge, it’s also a great way to demonstrate my expertise and build a personal brand.
- Recommendations - Glowing recommendations from colleagues or managers in different industries or roles can be a sign of an expert generalist's adaptability and ability to contribute in various contexts. Whenever I need to provide references for a new job, I have a set list of people I’ve worked with in the past who understand and value my unique skillset. Being an introvert, I’m modest and not one to market myself.
Embracing Expert Generalists in Your Startup
Hiring expert generalists can be a game-changer and can either make or break your company. To leverage their potential, consider the following:
- Look for candidates who demonstrate adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
- Focus on team members who can contribute to multiple areas of your business, not just their primary domain.
- Encourage a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing, allowing your expert generalists to flourish and grow.
I’m a bit biased being an expert generalist myself, but I can attest to the value we bring to the table, and I'm confident that other startups will benefit from our diverse skill sets and innovative thinking. So next time you’re contemplating between hiring one, make sure to factor in everything I mentioned above.