ITD.

Writing / July 1, 2026 · 6 min read

Hire the system before you hire the reps

Most AI startups sequence it backwards. The reps arrive, the system does not exist, and everyone learns the expensive way.

Essay draft pending

Placeholder opening. This essay slot demonstrates the editorial layout; the real argument gets drafted separately and dropped in.

Placeholder paragraph. Each section below shows how headings, body text, and pull structure sit on the modular grid.

What actually breaks

Placeholder paragraph. Concrete failure modes when reps are hired into a system that does not exist yet.

Placeholder paragraph. Why founder intuition does not transfer without being written down.

The sequence that works

Placeholder paragraph. The order of operations: process on paper, CRM to match, comp to reinforce, then hires.

Placeholder paragraph. What this looks like on a real calendar for a seed or Series A team.