Community Spotlight: Layla McGarry

Q. Name & Role
A. Layla McGarry - Chief Operations Officer of Founder Labs

Q. Do you have any hobbies or interests?

A. I’m a massive rugby fan. If you bring it up, just know you’ve committed to at least an hour of conversation.

Q. What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

A. I can break down and rebuild a car engine. I grew up helping my dad in his mechanic workshop, and that experience shaped how I approach everything, stay calm, diagnose properly, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.

Q. What do you love most about working in this community?

A. The ambition. Founders here aren’t just building companies, they’re building solutions to real problems. Being part of that early-stage momentum is incredibly rewarding.

Q. What’s your personal or professional “why”?

A. I like building things properly. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.

Q. Describe your ideal workday in three words.

A. No. Chaos. Please.

Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

A. “Don’t confuse movement with progress.” It’s easy to stay busy, the real magic happens when you focus on what truly moves the needle.

Q. What’s one thing you wish every founder or start-up knew?

A. Speed without direction is expensive.