Becca Millstein’s Strategy for Identifying Top Talent

Millstein views the question as a litmus test for self-awareness, a trait she considers a primary predictor of success. In the high-pressure environment of a startup, where every employee manages significant autonomy and responsibility, there is little room for filler roles. Recognizing one's own capabilities is a mirror for how a leader identifies gaps within the organization itself. She notes that investors often look for this same level of internal clarity, as founders who remain blind to their own weaknesses struggle to scale.

When asked to apply this lens to herself, the Fishwife founder points to her ability to oscillate between high-level strategy and granular execution. After launching the brand in 2020, Millstein successfully steered the company to a $5 million valuation on Shark Tank in 2024. Her approach to leadership remains hands-on, emphasizing that even a CEO must be willing to handle the most menial tasks. Whether managing retail placement at Whole Foods or analyzing creative branding, Millstein maintains that the best entrepreneurs possess the humility to do the work, regardless of the title.