Perspective — Strategic Advisory
I help people and teams figure sh*t out and grow.
Building a business can get messy fast; too many ideas, not enough clarity. That's where I come in.
I'm your Strategic Thinking Partner and problem solver; not the kind who makes decks or reports, but the kind who helps you find clarity and move faster on what matters.
I work with side-hustlers, operators, and founders of distributed teams (usually under twenty people) to bring outside perspective across brand, strategy, community, and operations.
If you're feeling stuck or unsure what to tackle next, let's talk! The first call's on me. If I can't help, I'll point you to someone who can.
Request a Session →
Francesco Rocca
Managing Director, Impact Hub Lisbon
"Richard's Project Management support, using tools like Trello, Slack, and Google Calendar, transformed our operations at Impact Hub by unifying activities on a single platform and customizing solutions to our needs. His hands-on approach and adaptability were invaluable, fostering a transparent, constructive culture that strengthened team unity. Richard's commitment to understanding both professional and emotional challenges made a significant impact. His guidance and innovative strategies are crucial assets for any organization seeking growth."
Businesses with Advisors Outperform
Firms that receive structured advisory support consistently grow faster, innovate more, and survive longer than peers without advisors.
Global review of peer-reviewed entrepreneurship and SME studies (2000–2025).
Advisory Support Improves Survival
U.S. firms that received ongoing counseling from the Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) showed higher survival and sales growth than comparable non-counseled firms.
Long-Term Profit & Employment Gains
An RCT with 432 Mexican SMEs showed that one year of professional consulting increased returns on assets and total factor productivity, and boosted employment ~50% five years later.
Mentorship Multiplies Startup Success
Startups in accelerator programs with structured mentorship raised three times more funding and hired twice as many employees compared with those that only received cash or workspace.
The Takeaway
Across industries and continents, advisors aren't a cost — they're a multiplier. The right guidance drives measurable gains in productivity, profitability, growth, and resilience.
Tailored Solutions
Personalized Support for Solopreneurs, Early-Stage Startups, and Hybrid or Fully-remote Teams.
Business Development
Strategic insights to refine and enhance your business growth plans.
Learn More ⇾Project Management
External perspective on team dynamics, workflows, and project execution.
Learn More ⇾Community Development
Strategies to build and nurture a vibrant community around your business.
Learn More ⇾Brand Positioning
Fresh ideas to strengthen and evolve your brand in the marketplace.
Learn More ⇾Personal Mentorship
Deeply personal guidance to unlock creative solutions and propel you forward.
Learn More ⇾What People Say
Lauren Miller
makesense Lisbon
"Richard brought structure, clarity, and energy to the makesense Lisbon community. He co-created a clear strategy, implemented project management systems, and led in-person sessions that united volunteers around a shared vision. His methods made it easy for everyone to understand their role, stay accountable, and develop real skills in leadership and collaboration. Thanks to his approach, the community became more organized, empowered, and connected — even serving as a model for other cities. Richard's ability to combine strategy with human connection is rare. He builds cultures of trust where people feel confident to lead and take action."
Pedro Coelho
Founder & CEO, Dumagi
"At the beginning of Dumagi's journey, we had the privilege of working with Richard to help us with our brand, and he ended up helping us out with so much more than that. Richard helped us define the direction of our company, structure our digital presence, and build the content that truly reflects who we are today. But his contribution went far beyond strategy, it was deeply human. For me, as founder and CEO, Richard was a true right hand: someone who supported me, believed in the vision, and made me feel that I wasn't walking this path alone. His dedication, insight, and ability to turn ideas into actionable plans made an enormous difference in Dumagi's story."
Camille Bouchard
Business Owner
"I was initially seeking someone to help me organize and structure my business, but working with Richard exceeded all my expectations. He introduced me to the Notion platform, which he custom-designed to fit my specific needs. With Richard's guidance, I was able to effortlessly organize over 10 years of data—covering collaborators, vendors, clients, projects, and more, allowing me to clear my mind and focus on growth. His expertise has been instrumental in helping me take my business to the next level, including supporting my plans for expansion and hiring new team members. Richard's energy and motivation have given me the confidence and strength to push through the evolution I envisioned for my company."
About
RichKapp
I'm Richard Kappel. At 26, I exited my first company in Chicago. Since then, I've built across industries and continents; launching a hostel, founding a nonprofit that grew into a social enterprise spanning 11 countries with a 40+ person team, and supporting startups from around the world.
Through all of it, one thing has been constant: I thrive on solving hard problems and bringing order to chaos.
Twenty years in the game taught me one thing: clarity isn't found in books or frameworks. It's built through decisions, mistakes, and the willingness to keep moving when the path isn't clear.
Now, I put that experience to work for individuals and teams who want to cut through noise, see what they can't see alone, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
What I Believe
The principles that guide how I work and what I bring to every engagement.
Clarity Over Complexity
The best strategies are simple. I help you strip away the noise and focus on what actually matters.
Action Over Analysis Paralysis
Good decisions made quickly beat perfect decisions made too late. I help you move with confidence.
Human Connection as the Foundation
Behind every business challenge is a person. I lead with empathy and build relationships grounded in trust.
Outside Perspective as a Multiplier
You can't read the label from inside the jar. A fresh set of eyes sees what you've been too close to notice.
How I Work
Intro Call
45 minutes — on me
We'll talk through what's on your plate and what "better" looks like. If I'm not the right fit, I'll point you to someone who is.
Clarity Sprint
2 sessions in ~14 days
We go deep on the real blockers and priorities. Top 3 priorities (stack-ranked), 90-day focus with next moves, decision rules & metrics to keep you honest. This is where the fog lifts.
Momentum Rhythm
Ongoing advisory
Weekly or bi-weekly strategy sessions to keep you moving. Unblock decisions, adjust the plan, and hold the line on focus. No long contracts. I advise; you and your team execute.
Community
Build to Own Club
You're not alone in this shift. Join a growing community of founders and operators who are taking back control of their software stack — building tools they own, sharing what works, and helping each other move faster.
Check it Out →