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Scaling Smart: Strategies for Startup Growth & Leadership with Candice Elsmore-Ep 17

Imad Jack Karam (IJK) July 25, 2026 2 min read Uncategorized

Scaling a startup is no easy feat. From navigating operational challenges to making strategic financial decisions, founders and leaders often find themselves overwhelmed by the complexity of growth. That’s why I was excited to sit down with Candice Elsmore, a seasoned financial expert who has not only built and sold businesses but also advised scale-ups across multiple industries.

In this episode of the IJK Podcast, Candice shares her unique insights from a career that has spanned investment banking at Goldman Sachs, leading high-performing teams, and driving strategic growth for companies in fast-paced markets. She has lived and worked on three continents, giving her a truly global perspective on what it takes to scale successfully.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

  • How to scale a startup and why some businesses fail to make the leap.
  • How to build a strong operational foundation that supports rapid growth without chaos.
  • Hiring and leadership strategies Candice used to manage a team of 100 and drive business success.
  • Lessons from scaling and selling an advisory business – what founders should know before taking that step.
  • The role of strategic advisory in today’s startup ecosystem, especially in the UAE and the Middle East.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to scale or an operator navigating high-growth challenges, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss.

Speak soon,
IJK

Written by

Imad Jack Karam (IJK)

Imad Jack Karam, known by his initials and stage name IJK, is a Lebanese-Canadian singer-songwriter and podcaster. He is best known for his alternative rock style and crooner sound and has released songs in English and French. As host of the IJK Podcast, Karam has interviewed world-renowned subject matter experts and thinkers including Dr. Robert Cialdini, Dr. William Lane Craig, Prof. John Lennox, Prof. Kartik Hosanagar and many others.

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