[kodz4]

Don't apply for leadership positions.

The entry point into startups is part time advisory roles.

Mail the CEO/CTO directly and talk about your experience and that you are looking for a part time advisrory gig.

Whether it's 4 hours a week or 20 hours a week (to work on a specific problem). Focus purely on the problem and make a serious contribution to solution. Don't blame anyone or expect anyone other than yourself to own it. Avoid giving people lectures on how things worked in thousand man orgs (the time for that will come later). Just get the problem fixed. Once you do this you are in. They will automatically pull you in and expand your roles and responsibilities over time.

Key is to get your foot in the door and make things happen for them.