Startup Therapy

Startups.com

The "No BS" version of how startups are really built, taught by actual startup Founders who have lived through all of it. Hosts Wil Schroter and Ryan Rutan talk candidly about the intense struggles Founders face both personally and professionally as they try to turn their idea into something that will change the world.

  1. 7 नव॰

    Prioritize Productivity Over Popularity

    Ever find yourself caught in the trap of confusing visibility with progress? In this episode, we'll delve into why seeking attention can often feel like momentum but doesn't necessarily translate to business traction. Will Schroter shares a cautionary tale from his own experience, revealing how his focus on brand-building and networking kept him from truly building his company. We explore the fine line between personal branding and productivity, and why many founders need to prioritize the latter to achieve real success. It's a reminder that until your product and business are fully developed, every external interaction could be costing you more than it's worth. 00:30 The Trap of Visibility: A Personal Story02:24 The Illusion of Popularity vs. Productivity06:21 The Modern-Day Equivalent: Social Media09:24 Balancing Publicity and Productivity11:23 Cautionary Tales and Lessons Learned12:55 The Importance of Focus and Balance14:48 Earning the Right to Brand Build15:29 The Pitfalls of Prioritizing Popularity Over Business16:07 The Honeymoon Period of Venture Funding17:40 The Dangers of Personal Branding for Founders18:47 When Personal Views Hurt Business21:39 Balancing Personal and Company Brand23:48 Focus on Building the Business First30:22 The Cost of External Interactions Resources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ What to listen for:

    32 मिनट
  2. 27 अक्टू॰

    Better is Better than Bigger

    Is getting bigger always better for startups? This episode dives into the hidden costs of scaling up and how growth can sometimes make a company worse, not better. Ryan and Will discuss the trade-offs between size and quality, using examples like Google and PayPal. They explore how rapid growth can diminish company culture, slow down decision-making, and introduce inefficiencies. The conversation also covers personal experiences in startup growth, emphasizing the importance of optimizing for better rather than just bigger. Whether it's adding more staff or raising capital, they advocate for making decisions that enhance company quality and founder life satisfaction. Resources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ What to listen for:00:14 The Myth of Bigger is Better00:43 Examples of Companies That Grew and Suffered02:00 The Hidden Costs of Scaling05:08 Personal Experiences with Growth Challenges13:01 The Importance of Freedom and Quality17:18 The Hidden Costs of Growth17:58 Balancing Growth and Quality of Life20:39 Defining Non-Negotiables for Better Business22:33 Scaling with Soul: Maintaining Company Culture24:41 Quality Over Quantity: Making Strategic Decisions28:07 The Power of Saying No31:15 Sticking to Your Values for Sustainable Growth

    36 मिनट
  3. 22 अक्टू॰

    Founder Authenticity: Use with Caution

    Ever wonder if being your authentic self at work might sometimes do more harm than good? The delicate balance of authenticity and diplomacy in leadership. From discussing the rare contexts where pure honesty works, to sharing personal anecdotes about navigating the consequences of unfiltered truth, this episode unpacks how transparency can impact your team, brand, and personal relationships. Find out why being your true self might only be great advice 6% of the time and how effective communication can save you from unintended fallout. Resources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ What to listen for:01:01 The Consequences of Unfiltered Honesty01:26 Generational Differences in Professionalism02:44 The Power Dynamics of Founders04:45 Balancing Honesty and Diplomacy06:01 The Luxury of Honesty and Risk08:04 The Importance of Filtering Communication12:56 The Duality of Professional Personas15:21 The Consequences of Honesty in Leadership16:19 Balancing Honesty and Diplomacy17:10 The Importance of Empathy in Communication18:26 The Cost of Unfiltered Honesty19:51 Frameworks for Effective Communication20:55 Lessons from the Terminator: Choosing Responses Wisely22:07 The Role of Diplomacy in Leadership28:17 The Medium Matters: Hot, Warm, and Cold Communication29:56 Prioritizing Outcomes Over Authenticity

    31 मिनट
  4. 14 अक्टू॰

    Founders, Embrace Your Flaws

    Are you convinced that you need to fix all your flaws as a founder? In this episode, we explore why that's not necessarily true. Ryan and Will dive deep into the idea that both startups and their founders are loaded with problems, some of which aren't really 'problems' at all but hidden superpowers. From obsessive tendencies to ADHD, they discuss how to harness these traits for success rather than trying to fix them. Drawing from personal experiences and industry insights, they touch on the influence of pharmaceutical marketing, the role of social media in shaping perceptions, and the importance of finding context for your strengths. This episode challenges you to rethink how you view your weaknesses and offers a fresh perspective on founder self-acceptance and leveraging inherent traits for entrepreneurial success. Resources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ What to listen for:00:33 Founders and Their Problems01:15 Pharmaceutical Industry Insights02:36 Social Media and Problem Creation03:46 Personal Struggles of Founders05:07 Overthinking and Control Issues11:15 ADHD and Academic Challenges17:11 Harnessing Obsessiveness for Success20:40 Evaluating Self-Help Advice21:09 Struggles with Attention Span21:31 Learning Outside Traditional Education22:15 Emphasizing Strengths Over Weaknesses23:29 Founders and Their Strengths28:08 Anxiety as a Superpower34:46 The Importance of Context in Learning38:36 Self-Acceptance and Utilizing Strengths

    41 मिनट
  5. 6 अक्टू॰

    Is Remote Culture, Actually Culture?

    Have you ever wondered if remote work is better than being in the office? Ryan and Will dive into their experiences and how their work culture has evolved over 20 years. They discuss the pros and cons of remote work, the importance of autonomy, and how remote setups have stripped away some of the overhead, revealing who truly thrives in this environment. They also explore whether it's possible to create a strong company culture remotely and how the shift has amplified the best and worst in employees. Tune in as they break down their journey from being die-hard office goers to embracing the flexibility and autonomy of remote work. Resources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ What to listen for:00:36 The Shift from Office to Remote Work 01:01 Challenges of Remote Work 01:57 Socialization and Remote Work 04:42 Remote Work Rituals and Failures 07:26 Digital Culture and Transactional Work 12:06 Evolving Company Culture 19:14 The Evolution of Workplace Culture 19:34 Starting Fresh: Can We Be Transactional? 20:20 The New Culture: Autonomy and Responsibility 21:37 Balancing Work and Personal Life 23:49 The Value and Challenges of Remote Culture 25:34 Autonomy: The Ultimate Compensation 26:10 Remote Work: Amplifying Strengths and Weaknesses 32:13 The Social Aspect of Work 37:22 The Future of Work: Remote vs. In-Office

    39 मिनट
  6. 29 सित॰

    Can I Hand Off My Startup?

    Ever dreamt of handing off your startup to a killer operator and sipping margaritas while the money keeps rolling in? It sounds perfect, but reality often has other plans. In this episode, we break down why passing on the reins isn't as smooth as it seems—from the slow degradation of everyday tasks to the irreplaceable instinct and urgency a founder brings. Discover why certain roles and tasks can be handed off successfully while others, like maintaining culture and strategic vision, often falter without the founder's unique touch. Tune in for practical advice on what you can actually hand off and what you should keep a close eye on to keep your startup thriving. Resources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ What to listen for:00:06 The Dream of Handing Off a Startup00:54 Early Days and Initial Success02:14 The Startup Dream and Its Challenges03:47 The Reality of Handing Off a Startup05:09 The Slow Decline: Signs and Symptoms07:48 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned17:00 The Boiled Frog Syndrome19:45 The Timeless Nature of Startup Challenges20:25 The Disconnect Between Perception and Reality20:53 The Unique Metabolism of Founders22:06 The Importance of Ownership and Passion25:01 Handing Off Responsibilities: What Works and What Doesn't27:43 The Irreplaceable Elements of Leadership32:58 The Impact of Founder Presence on Company Culture39:06 The Inherent Urgency of Founders

    42 मिनट
  7. 22 सित॰

    Did I Just Get Promoted or Fired?

    Ever wonder what happens when a founder gets 'promoted' out of the CEO role? Ryan and Will dive into the tricky terrain of founder transitions, exploring how it feels to be nudged into roles like Chief Vision Officer or Chairman—positions that often come when a new CEO is brought in. They discuss the emotions involved, the motivations of investors, and the strategies for turning this awkward moment into an opportunity. Whether you're in the thick of this situation or just want to be prepared, this episode provides valuable insights on maintaining dignity, negotiating effectively, and leveraging a graceful exit for future success. Resources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ What to listen for:00:24 The Founder Promotion Dilemma01:07 Personal Experience with Founder Titles02:26 The Gary Coleman Effect03:21 The CEO Replacement Backfire05:29 The Emotional and Financial Impact of Founder Reassignment10:44 Board Mechanics and Founder Control13:06 Investor Strategies and Founder Leverage18:34 Facing the Reality of Founder Reassignment23:17 Famous Comebacks: Steve Jobs, Howard Schultz, and Jack Dorsey24:36 The Emotional Toll of Being Replaced25:10 Turning Emotions into Positive Actions25:46 Negotiating Your Exit Strategy30:54 Crafting Your New Role31:55 The Importance of Maintaining Relationships37:00 The Worst and Best Case Scenarios

    42 मिनट
  8. 15 सित॰

    Burnout is a Treatable Injury

    Ever felt like burnout is inevitable in your startup journey? You're not alone. Burnout can feel like a silent co-founder, but it doesn't have to signal the end of your entrepreneurial story. In this episode, we discuss why burnout happens, how to diagnose it, and most importantly, how to treat it. Discover the importance of pacing yourself, the hidden costs of burnout, and why taking a break is crucial—not just for you, but for your entire team. We'll share personal anecdotes, practical tips, and the value of stepping away to recharge, so you can return stronger and more passionate than ever. Tune in to learn how to recognize the signs of burnout and create a treatment plan that works for you and your startup. Resources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/ Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/ What to listen for:01:01 Personal Burnout Stories04:46 The Hidden Costs of Burnout08:41 Recognizing and Addressing Burnout19:17 Recognizing Emotional Burnout19:47 Impact of Economic Downturn on Founders21:19 Personal Struggles and Their Impact on Work22:13 Diagnosing and Addressing Burnout in Teams23:04 The Importance of Personal Life in Preventing Burnout27:32 Strategies for Treating Burnout29:27 Finding Passion Outside of Work32:59 Identifying and Mitigating Burnout Triggers38:25 The Role of Leadership in Managing Burnout

    40 मिनट

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परिचय

The "No BS" version of how startups are really built, taught by actual startup Founders who have lived through all of it. Hosts Wil Schroter and Ryan Rutan talk candidly about the intense struggles Founders face both personally and professionally as they try to turn their idea into something that will change the world.

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