Startup Consulting for Founders and Teams
Strong relationships build strong companies.
In the early days of any startup, success hinges not just on the product—but on the people. Behind every pitch deck and prototype are relationships that either empower or erode progress. Dr. Terri Finney partners with founders and startup teams to build trust, strengthen communication, and create the human foundation your business needs to thrive.
Why Startup Relationships Matter
Startups move fast. Expectations are high. Emotions run deep. In this high-stakes environment, minor misunderstandings can quickly become major roadblocks. Founders get burned out. Co-founders clash. Early hires lose clarity.
Our work focuses on helping you develop:
- Strong, resilient co-founder relationships
- Clear interpersonal boundaries and expectations
- Psychological safety and honest communication
- Conflict resolution skills that don't destroy momentum
- Team cultures grounded in trust and shared purpose
Who Am I?
As a licensed psychologist (Psy.D.) and certified executive coach, I bring a unique blend of clinical expertise and business acumen to leadership development.
Credentials & Expertise:
- Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Clinical Psychology
- Certified Executive and Life Coach
- Specialist in Leadership Development and Organizational Dynamics
- Expert in Family Business Consulting and Generational Wealth
With over two decades of experience, I've helped countless leaders navigate complex transitions, enhance their leadership presence, and achieve sustainable success while maintaining personal well-being.
The Startup Consulting Process
Our process is designed to adapt to the fast-paced, evolving nature of startups—while ensuring deep, lasting impact.
Team & Relationship Assessment
Understand communication patterns, roles, values, and pain points across the leadership team.
Strategic Alignment
Co-develop strategies to clarify responsibilities, improve feedback loops, and support authentic leadership.
Implementation Support
Work with Dr. Finney in facilitated sessions, 1:1 coaching, and guided feedback practices to strengthen relationships over time.
Who It's For
Startup consulting isn't just about fixing problems—it's about building the kind of team you want to grow with.
- Founders navigating new roles, responsibilities, and team dynamics
- Startup teams experiencing friction, misalignment, or internal tension
- Investors and accelerators looking to strengthen leadership teams before scaling
- High-growth startups building team infrastructure to support scale
Client Voices
"As a first time entrepreneur, there are a myriad of emotions that take a toll on your physical and mental health, as well as your relationships. Through our sessions, Terri has provided tools that I have incorporated into my journey of continued improvement. The shift in mindset along with the tools provided through our sessions have allowed me to remove my mental blockers, so that I can focus on my mental and physical well being. I am currently in the best mental and physical condition I have ever been, and Terri has been an invaluable part of my journey."
Jaime Martinez•Founder SCHOLA
"The mental and personal challenges that come with being a founder are not talked about nearly enough, but working with Dr Finney has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. Dr. Finney's deep understanding of the professional world coupled with her active listening skills and vast experience make communication a breeze. The result is a deeper sense of acceptance and presence and confidence in my ability to navigate situations that would have left me overwhelmed previously."
William Alverson•Founder Cultivo Media
"I came to Terri during a very difficult time. I am the CEO of a tech startup and after a difficult fundraising period I needed some real help getting out of burnout and getting back to being empowered and productive. Within the first month, it was as if things had turned around completely. She has been more than a coach to me, she has been a guide to being my best self, not only to survive, but to thrive."
Elliott Lyons•Founder and CEO of EnVision
"To put it simply, Terri Finney is an amazing coach. You can tell from your first meeting how much she cares about supporting those around her, especially entrepreneurs. She understands the challenge and stress of being an entrepreneur and balances that with a unique and special ability to support as well as challenge our teams to dig deep and work at the most fundamental level."
Erin Stadler•Managing Director, Boomtown
