Building Teams That Last: Reflections from Impact Launchpad

At the final event of the Impact Launchpad program by Impact Hub Slovenia, we had the opportunity to join a panel discussion on one of the most defining aspects of any venture: building a team and finding the right co-founders.

The discussion brought together Mateja Koren, Luka Radičević, Boris Popov, and our founder Meta Pezdir, and was moderated by Jan Peloza. Together, we explored not only what works - but also where teams most often struggle, especially in early-stage and impact-driven projects.

There is no “perfect” team structure

One of the key insights is that teams can take many forms. From full-time employees to part-time contributors, volunteers, freelancers, or project-based experts - early-stage teams are often hybrid by nature.

Rather than trying to replicate a “standard” model, founders benefit from designing a structure that truly fits their mission, resources, and phase of development.

Mindset first, skills second - but both matter

When building a team, mindset often outweighs skillset. Shared values, ownership, and the ability to navigate uncertainty are what sustain teams over time.

At the same time, complementary skills remain essential - particularly when scaling a venture or applying for public funding, where formal expertise is often required.

Mission creates alignment - impact needs sustainability

Many teams do not fall apart because of a lack of talent, but because of misalignment. A clearly defined mission helps ensure that everyone is moving in the same direction. It provides a shared reference point for decisions, priorities, and ways of working.

In the impact space, there is often a strong focus on purpose - but purpose alone is not enough. If we want to build initiatives that last, we also need to build financially sustainable models. This includes the ability to fairly compensate team members and create long-term stability.

Learning through experience

The conversation also touched on common mistakes: moving too fast when choosing collaborators, avoiding difficult conversations, or not clarifying expectations early enough.

These challenges are a natural part of the journey - and an important reminder of the value of openness, resilience, and continuous learning.

Co-creating the changemaker ecosystem

At Lilalab, we believe that building strong teams is not just an internal process — it is part of a larger ecosystem. We are grateful to contribute to spaces like Impact Launchpad, where entrepreneurs come together to share knowledge, support each other, and grow.

Because in the end, creating impact is not a solo journey - it is something we co-create.