The Inside Game

“I believe leadership is more about who you are than what you do.”

I’m

I’ve helped thousands of founders and execs scale businesses—and do the inner work required along the way: confronting ego, redefining identity, having hard conversations, and staying grounded through change and uncertainty. The kind of quiet, yet transformational work that rarely shows up on a resume—but ultimately defines how we lead, and how we build lives that thrive alongside the businesses we grow.

I started The Inside Game because I believe this work isn’t just important—it’s urgent. In a world that’s moving fast and fraying at the edges, we need leaders who are grounded, self-aware, and brave enough to do the inner work. I see these leaders as pioneers, bridge-builders, and healers—shaping not just companies, but cultures and communities.

Each week, I share practical tools and insights to support your growth, along with monthly essays that go deeper into self-awareness, leadership psychology, and building teams where people can truly thrive.

Got a question or a topic you'd like me to explore? I’d love to hear from you.

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And if you’re looking for the more "official" stuff...

Robyn Ward is a 20+-year veteran of the tech and venture world. She began her career as a founding team member and senior executive at multiple startups and high-growth businesses before transitioning into strategic investing. In 2017, she started FounderForward, a boutique leadership development firm that helps founders, executives, and their teams and cultures THRIVE.

As a coach and facilitator, Robyn combines her business expertise with extensive studies in psychology, neuro and performance science, Eastern wisdom traditions, and presence-based and conscious leadership frameworks.

Robyn regularly speaks at companies, venture capital firms, and entrepreneurial events on topics ranging from entrepreneurial mindset and resilience to self-leadership and building thriving teams. She served as an adjunct professor at USC for eight years, teaching courses in entrepreneurship and “Performance Mindset for Business,” and co-founding USC's Athena Women’s Entrepreneurship Summit.

Robyn is a passionate advocate for women entrepreneurs and investors, and is dedicated to creating a more equitable and inclusive business ecosystem overall. She contributed to the book Changing Tides: Powerful Strategies for Female Founders and serves as an advisor for Steve Case's Rise of the Rest Fund and The Female Quotient. Robyn is also an LP in FundLA and Graham & Walker, and a founding investor in Angel City Football Club.

Robyn lives in Venice, CA where she enjoys “wonder walks” along the canals and beach with her 5-year old son Ryder. She is also a certified Spin, Yoga, and intenSati instructor (because leadership is embodied work, too!).