Startup Therapy

Latest Episodes:

Why Founders Don't Ask For Help Jun 12, 2023

Show notes

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss why founders don’t like to ask for help. Founders sometimes hold back from asking for help because they worry about losing control, looking weak, burdening others, or feeling like they have to do everything themselves. However, it's actually really important for founders to push past these concerns and ask for help. Getting guidance and support from experienced folks can give them awesome insights, expertise, and connections that can speed up their growth and success. It lets founders tap into different perspectives, learn from other people's experiences, and access resources that can help them tackle challenges and make smarter choices.

Sign up for the Startups Newsletter

https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources:

Startup Therapy Podcast
https://www.startups.com/begin
Join our Network of Top Founders
Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan

What to Listen For

00:00 Intro
03:58 You could learn something if you just ask for help
06:32 Why founders find it hard to ask for help
08:57 When there’s literally no one else but you
10:32 Unique problem vs. a problem other founders experienced already
15:15 How do you know it’s good advice?
20:31 Asking for help is not a weakness
22:40 Difference between getting advice and experience feedback
24:43 When you’re “too busy” to ask for help
29:10 The advice should be timely
30:23 Ask someone who knows the topic for a long time

Can I Design My Startup Around My Life? Jun 05, 2023

Show notes

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss if founders can design their startups around their life. Should your life adjust to your startup or could you design your startup to fit your lifestyle? It's all about making intentional choices and taking small steps to align your business with your desired lifestyle. By carefully planning, testing things out, and being open to adjustments, you can create a startup that fits seamlessly into your personal life instead of consuming it. It's all about finding that sweet spot where work and life complement each other.

Sign up for the Startups Newsletter

https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources:

Startup Therapy Podcast
https://www.startups.com/begin
Join our Network of Top Founders
Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan

What to Listen For

00:00 Intro
01:26 Beyond binary thinking
02:08 What was your lifestyle 10 years ago?
05:46 Baby steps to improve your life
07:09 Starting a work-from-home setup
09:30 Remote work and personal health
11:22 The challenges and rewards of incremental changes in work and life
15:20 Stop seeking certainty
17:09 Make this your corporate goal and externalize it
22:20 Share your personal goals with your team
26:38 Take one step toward your goals
30:26 As founders, you can do anything

Founders, Time is Your Greatest Asset May 29, 2023

Show notes

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how founders can stay in the game longer. Most founders want the result faster without thinking about longevity and sustainability. In the fast-paced world of startups, thinking long-term is a total game-changer. It's like stepping back and getting the big picture, setting up a rock-solid foundation, and planning for sustainable growth. When founders shift their focus from quick wins to the long haul, they become masters at spotting obstacles, riding market waves, and making smart choices that match their ultimate vision. Thinking long-term not only toughens you up, but it also attracts investors and partners who are in it for the long run, boosting your chances of scoring lasting success in the crazy world of startups.

Sign up for the Startups Newsletter

https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources:

Startup Therapy Podcast
https://www.startups.com/begin
Join our Network of Top Founders
Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan

What to Listen For

00:00 Intro
01:09 Creating a startup that will last in the long run
04:06 Focusing on longevity
06:11 Make a bet
10:40 Hiring as a bad bet
14:32 Put survivability first
16:17 It’s like the same playbook
19:13 Try to make it past year 3
20:51 Think about longterm

The Toll on Everyone Around a Founder May 22, 2023

Show notes

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the toll on everyone around a founder. This topic is close to every founder's heart: the ripple effect their journey has on everyone around them. Let’s deep dive into the nitty-gritty of how being a founder impacts family, friends, and relationships. Being a founder can take a toll on everyone around you in different ways. Your family might feel the strain of your demanding schedule and the ups and downs of the startup rollercoaster. Friends might sense a disconnect as your focus shifts. It's all about finding that delicate balance and keeping the lines of communication open, so you can navigate the challenges together and maintain those important relationships along the way.

Sign up for the Startups Newsletter

https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources:

Startup Therapy Podcast
https://www.startups.com/begin
Join our Network of Top Founders
Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan

What to Listen For

00:00 Intro
01:00 The toll on everyone around you
04:47 Why founders can’t empathize with the people around them?
06:42 Marriage
09:21 “This is not our spouse’s dream…”
14:26 Asking about the best thing that’s happened to each other’s day
17:46 What happens to the kids?
26:20 There’s no interest earned on happiness deferred
27:45 Friendships
30:05 The bank of friendship
33:24 Balancing success and relationships
37:19 It has a compounding effect

Big Starts Breed False Victories May 15, 2023

Show notes

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the problem with early praise and big hypes at the beginning of a startup, with no assurance of success. We've all seen the flashy headlines and big promises of new startups, but does the hype actually translate to success? Join us as we dive into why early praise can be a double-edged sword for any budding entrepreneur.

Sign up for the Startups Newsletter

https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources:

Startup Therapy Podcast
https://www.startups.com/begin
Join our Network of Top Founders
Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan

What to Listen For

00:00 Intro
00:57 Can the startup live up to the hype?
02:10 Getting scared of competitors because of the hype they’re getting
05:38 The start is not the finish
07:19 The hype cycle in tech industry
10:43 False positives in the funding round
14:09 Marketing and hiring hype
14:48 Sometimes the companies with no big announcements become successful
19:30 The hype of crypto and blockchain
22:23 Transformative is not equal to success
25:12 It takes a long time to make big changes
27:24 The problem with early praise

Once a Founder, Always a Founder May 08, 2023

Show notes

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how being a founder is an integral part of your identity, and setbacks with one startup shouldn't make you doubt your ability to succeed in the role. So even if your current venture doesn't work out, you're likely to keep pursuing new startup opportunities because it's simply part of who you are. After all, being a founder isn't just a job – it's a deeply ingrained part of your DNA.

Sign up for the Startups Newsletter

https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources:

Startup Therapy Podcast
https://www.startups.com/begin
Join our Network of Top Founders
Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan

What to Listen For

00:00 Intro
02:24 You’re still a founder even if your startups end
03:11 Success is not a determining factor
05:59 Being a founder is not a job title
08:08 Founder DNA
12:06 What if and why not?
13:36 The founder mentality as employees
18:28 This feeling of failing won’t last forever
20:16 You will always be a founder

The Invention of the 20-Something-Year-Old Founder May 01, 2023

Show notes

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan explore the history behind the invention of the 20-something-year-old founder phenomenon. With the changing landscape of technology and business, more and more young people are starting successful companies. The episode discusses the opportunities available to young people today, and how starting a business has evolved over the years.

Sign up for the Startups Newsletter

https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources:

Startup Therapy Podcast
https://www.startups.com/begin
Join our Network of Top Founders
Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan

What to Listen For

00:00 Intro
01:09 Being a young founder
09:23 An opportunity for young people
10:55 How to start a business before vs. now
20:02 There was no other people to talk to
25:59 When the youth started to take over
31:42 You can stand on the shoulders of giants
35:12 What else can a 20-something-year-old do?

When is Founder Ego Too Much? Apr 24, 2023

Show notes

In today’s Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the founder's ego and when is it too much. We all know that confidence is key when you're starting a business, but sometimes it can be hard to tell when that confidence has turned into full-on arrogance. This can hold you back from trying new things and making the best decisions for your company. So how do you avoid this trap?

Sign up for the Startups Newsletter

https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources:

Startup Therapy Podcast
https://www.startups.com/begin
Join our Network of Top Founders
Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan

What to Listen For

00:00 Intro
02:39 Confidence vs. Arrogance
05:30 Question everything you think you know
06:31 Be comfortable with being wrong
10:32 It’s preventing you from trying new things
13:34 The “Everything is wrong except for me” mindset
15:35 When ego clouds your decision
17:06 Make every problem your fault
19:50 The blame game
23:34 Not accepting defeat
25:39 How to manage your ego
27:14 Ego is a massive liability
29:19 Permission to be wrong
30:23 Choose the people who will surround you
33:40 Psychological safety
36:27 Challenge your ego to grow

Founder Imposter Syndrome Never Goes Away Apr 17, 2023

Show notes

In today’s Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss founder imposter syndrome. As a startup founder, it's common to feel like you don't have all the answers, especially in the early days. But even after years of experience, do you still struggle with feeling like a fraud or pretending to know more than you do? Imposter syndrome can be tough, whether you're a seasoned startup pro or just starting out. But with the right mindset and tools, you can learn to recognize and overcome those nagging self-doubts.

Sign up for the Startups Newsletter

https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources:

Startup Therapy Podcast
https://www.startups.com/begin
Join our Network of Top Founders
Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan

What to Listen For

00:00 Intro
00:33 When does imposter syndrome go away?
03:03 Moments where you don’t know what you’re doing
09:31 Jumping into variables
15:09 ‘Fake it till you make it’ mindset
17:21 The more you know, the more you don’t know
20:50 Dangers of comparison
25:27 Know what you need to know
26:26 Be around long enough
30:46 Nobody really masters it all

How Long is a Founder Lifetime? Apr 12, 2023

Show notes

In today’s Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how long is a founder's lifetime. In a startup cycle as well as the founder’s lifetime, a lot of things could happen. You will get to try different things and experience different highlights in your career. Having more chances to try something different can be a great advantage for founders in their career journey. With each new venture and experience, founders gain valuable skills and knowledge that can help them succeed in their future endeavors. Additionally, trying new things can also lead to personal growth and self-discovery, which is important for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

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