The Ugly Phase | Startup Growth Podcast

Olya Grovel
The Ugly Phase | Startup Growth Podcast

Growth isn’t always pretty. Every founder hits The Ugly Phase—the plateau, the burnout, the moment when nothing works. But the real challenge? Knowing when to grow, when to pivot, and how to break through. We dive deep into real founder struggles and use battle-tested frameworks like the Sigmoid Curve to give you actionable strategies to push through. 🎯 Learn how to scale smarter, pivot wisely, and avoid burnout. Every entrepreneur faces an ugly phase—but not everyone makes it through. Let’s make sure you do. 🚀

  1. #31 Why Psychological Safety Is Your Secret to Surviving Startup Chaos — with Cynthia de Jager

    3일 전

    #31 Why Psychological Safety Is Your Secret to Surviving Startup Chaos — with Cynthia de Jager

    If your startup feels stuck, chaotic, or like it's silently crumbling from within, the solution might not be another strategy session—it might be psychological safety. In this episode of The Ugly Phase, I’m joined by Cynthia de Jager, expert in psychological safety and intercultural collaboration, to unpack the invisible forces quietly shaping (or breaking) your team’s culture, productivity, and resilience. Cynthia shares powerful stories and actionable insights from her work with global teams, startups, and even elite sports teams on how psychological safety isn’t about being overly nice or blindly positive—it’s about creating an environment where your team can genuinely speak up, fail openly, and thrive under pressure. 🚨 What we dive into in this episode: Why "culture fit" is often code for conformity—and how to fix it The #1 leadership skill most founders overlook (hint: it’s about admitting what you don’t know) Real-world examples of intercultural missteps that cost trust—and how to avoid them Why oversharing or undersharing in tough times damages team trust The subtle art of giving and receiving feedback across different cultures How Cynthia transformed team culture at a professional sports club (and why their performance soared as a result) 💡 Key Quotes from Cynthia: "Psychological safety isn’t about niceness; it’s permission to be candid when it matters most." "Your people know something’s off before your metrics do—listen before it’s too late." "The strongest leaders admit they don’t have all the answers." 📝 Your Homework: Grab a "talking stick"—when you hold it, speak freely. When you're done, the other person must first summarize your points before responding. It’ll revolutionize your team's communication. If your startup is hitting a wall, if founder fatigue is real, or if your growth feels more draining than exciting—this episode offers the practical, human-centered shifts you need to break through the plateau. 🎧 Listen now and learn how psychological safety could be your secret growth hack. —------------------------------------------- Where to Find Cynthia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-de-jager-08683110/ Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUglyPhase Website: https://olyagrovel.com/

    54분
  2. #30 You Don’t Need Another Hack—You Need to Think for Yourself with Louis Grenier

    4월 11일

    #30 You Don’t Need Another Hack—You Need to Think for Yourself with Louis Grenier

    If you’re feeling burned out by performative marketing, endless “hacks,” and business advice that sounds more like gaslighting than guidance — you’re not alone. And you’re not broken. You’re just tired of b******t. In this episode of The Ugly Phase, Olya Grovel sits down with Louis Grenier — contrarian marketer, founder of Stand the F*ck Out, and author of the same brutally honest book — to talk about what actually works when you want your brand to stand out. This is not another 3-step funnel or bro-marketing blueprint. Louis breaks down why most marketing advice is trash, how triggers (not just pain points) drive action, and why insight-foraging is the new unfair advantage. What we cover in this episode: Why most “problem-unaware” strategies are a waste of time What founders get wrong about product-market fit (and what to do instead) Why demand always comes before product — not the other way around How to find insights that actually change your messaging (and your results) The marketing lies we’ve normalized — and how they’re hurting us The burnout that comes from trying to stand out in a sea of sameness Why it’s not about chasing your passion — but doing what feels natural Bonus: Louis shares his alter ego trick to stop self-sabotage and unlock real creativity (without pretending to be someone you’re not). 💡 Power Quotes: “There are no secret sauces. If someone says there is, they’re gaslighting you.” “Don’t market to people who’ve never shown a willingness to act. Follow the evidence.” “Triggers drive action. Pain points alone don’t.” “Marketing isn’t changing. Humans aren’t changing. Tools are.” 📝 Homework: Create your alter ego. Name them. Pick a symbol or item that represents them. Step into that energy before your next scary decision. (And no, you don’t have to be Lady Gaga to do this.) 🎧 Tune into this no-BS conversation if you’re done chasing tactics and ready to build something real. —------------------------------------------- Where to Find Louis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisgrenier/ Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUglyPhase Website: https://olyagrovel.com/

    54분

  3. 4월 3일

    #29 Startups Aren’t for Everyone—And That’s OK: Building Culture Without Compromise with Nader Safinya

    If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying to build a team or culture that’s constantly letting you down—or if you’re a founder stuck hiring people who "look good on paper" but crumble under pressure—this episode is for you. In this episode of The Ugly Phase, I sit down with Nader Safinya, founder of Blackribbit and expert in employer and customer brand alignment, to unpack one of the hardest truths about building a startup: not everyone is built for this. And when you bring in the wrong people—or build the wrong culture—you’ll feel it everywhere. We go deep into the invisible breakdown between marketing and culture, and why so many founders are fighting burnout not from doing too much—but from being surrounded by the wrong energy. What we cover in this episode: How to hire for reliability, not just skill—especially when you're scaling fast Why values alignment is more powerful than a polished resume The myth of hustle compatibility: who actually thrives in startups, and who never will Why burnout culture is often disguised as “culture fit” How to lead high-autonomy teams without micromanaging or burning out The difference between true experimentation and scattered chaos The one interview question that reveals more than any CV ever could Why you can’t think outside the box unless you create the box 💡 Power Quotes from Nader: “You can’t scale a company when your people aren’t built for the ride.” “If you want true innovation, you have to create space for failure—and be clear on the box you’re breaking.” “The best employer brands answer two questions: why would someone buy from you—and why would someone want to work for you?” 📝 Listener Homework: Forget your resume. Ask yourself this instead: What values are non-negotiable for you in any relationship—professional or personal? Then ask your team the same. The answers might reveal why things feel stuck. This episode is for founders, leaders, and startup operators who are scaling something they believe in—but struggling to get the right people, structure, and culture to catch up. 🎧 Listen now and rethink how you hire, lead, and build your company’s soul from the inside out. —------------------------------------------- Where to Find Nader:Instagram: @blackribbit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadersafinya/ Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUglyPhase Website: https://olyagrovel.com/

    1시간 10분
  4. #28 Tired of Forcing It? This Is What Happens When You Finally Lead Like Yourself with Elisa Canali

    3월 28일

    #28 Tired of Forcing It? This Is What Happens When You Finally Lead Like Yourself with Elisa Canali

    If you’re burned out from trying to force your business to work—even when you're doing all the “right” things—this episode is your permission slip to stop pushing and start aligning. In this episode of The Ugly Phase, I sit down with Elisa Canali, a 7-figure entrepreneur, spiritual business coach, and human design expert, to talk about what really shifts when you stop building from pressure and start leading from who you actually are. Elisa shares her journey from chasing success the “traditional” way to completely reimagining her business based on her own energetic blueprint. She dives into how human design helped her stop outsourcing her worth, rediscover her leadership style, and rebuild a business that finally felt like her. What we cover in this episode: Why most people are scaling strategies that don’t align with who they are How human design reveals your true leadership style—and how to work with it The hidden cost of forcing your business to “work” Why knowing yourself is the most underrated growth strategy How to shift from proving energy into magnetic energy The role of nervous system capacity in how much success you can actually hold Why alignment doesn’t mean doing less—it means doing what’s right for you Key takeaways: "You’re not flaky—you’re just trying to force yourself into someone else’s strategy." "Success doesn’t require more effort. It requires more alignment." "You can’t lead others authentically if you don’t know how to lead yourself first." ✨ Playwork: Reflect on this: Are you building from desire or proving? What would it look like to run your business in a way that feels like you—even if it goes against everything you've been taught? This episode is for founders, creatives, and entrepreneurs who are done with hustle and ready to lead in a way that feels real, resonant, and rooted in self-trust. Listen now and learn what happens when you finally stop forcing it—and start leading like yourself. —--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Where to Find Elisa: Instagram: @theelicanali LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisacanalicoaching/ Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUglyPhase Website: https://olyagrovel.com/

    58분
  5. #27 Building a Business without Sacrificing Mental Health with Nicole Gueorguieva

    3월 21일

    #27 Building a Business without Sacrificing Mental Health with Nicole Gueorguieva

    What if everything you’ve been told about success is actually holding you back? In this episode of The Ugly Phase, I sit down with Nicole Gueorguieva, a holistic well-being and productivity coach, to talk about breaking free from hustle culture, redefining success, and building a career that doesn’t come at the cost of your mental health. Nicole’s journey—from corporate climbing to startup burnout to rebuilding her life and business on her own terms—is something so many of us can relate to. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of overwork, guilt, and burnout, this conversation will make you rethink everything. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why hustle culture is so addictive—and how to break free from it How Nicole went from corporate HR to startup burnout to coaching women on sustainable success The signs of a dysregulated nervous system and how to heal from chronic stress Why productivity doesn’t mean pushing harder—it means working smarter and honoring your energy How to let go of the “all-or-nothing” mindset and actually stick to good habits Memorable Moments: “Burnout isn’t just about how much you work—it’s about the misalignment between what you do and who you are.” “We glorify overworking, but at what cost? Joy, rest, and balance are just as important as achievement.” “If success costs you your well-being, is it really success?” Homework for Listeners: Joy Challenge: Do one thing this week just for fun—no productivity, no end goal, just pure enjoyment. Narrative Awareness: Next time something stressful happens, pause and notice what story you’re telling yourself about it. Is it helping you or holding you back? This episode is for high achievers, recovering hustlers, and anyone looking to redefine what success truly means. What’s one thing hustle culture has made you believe that you now question? Let’s talk. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Where to Find Nicole: Instagram: @soulfullynicole_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-gueorguieva/ Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUglyPhase Website: https://olyagrovel.com/

    53분
  6. #26 How to Reinvent Yourself, Overcome Rejection & Build a Freedom-Based Life with Jarrod Evanyshyn

    3월 7일

    #26 How to Reinvent Yourself, Overcome Rejection & Build a Freedom-Based Life with Jarrod Evanyshyn

    What if the career, routine, and comfort zone you thought defined you were actually holding you back? In this episode of The Ugly Phase (Business Savages), I sit down with Jarrod Evanyshyn, aka The Next Day Nomad, to discuss reinvention, resilience, and creating a freedom-based life. Jarrod walked away from the film industry, faced constant rejection, and realized he needed more control over his future. That led him to pivot into recruitment, remote work, and entrepreneurship, ultimately designing a career that fuels his love for travel and flexibility. But this episode isn’t just about career changes—it’s about taking control of your life, work, and mindset to create something truly fulfilling. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🎯 Why leaving a “dream career” isn’t failure—it’s often the smartest move. 🎯 How rejection in acting prepared him for success in recruitment & business. 🎯 Are you built for a 9-to-5 or something different? How to know for sure. 🎯 The real future of work: Will traditional jobs even exist in 10 years? 🎯 How to know when it’s time to pivot—and why waiting for the ‘right time’ is a mistake. 🎯 Why getting comfortable with discomfort is the key to personal growth. Memorable Moments: ✨ “Rejection is the best training you’ll ever get. You either let it break you or build you.” ✨ “There’s no perfect time. The perfect time was yesterday.” ✨ “If the thought of your obituary scares you, that’s your sign to start living differently.” Action Step for Listeners: Write your own obituary as if you died today. What would people say about you? Are you living the life you actually want? If not, what needs to change? This episode is for entrepreneurs, career changers, and anyone feeling stuck or uninspired, wondering if there’s a better way to live and work. If you’ve ever thought about breaking free from the traditional career path, this conversation will give you the mindset shifts and strategies to make it happen. Where to Find Jarrod Instagram: @thenextdaynomad LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrodevanyshyn/ Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheUglyPhase Website: https://olyagrovel.com/

    56분
  7. #25 Confidence Isn’t About Fitting In—It’s About Owning Who You Are with J2

    2월 20일

    #25 Confidence Isn’t About Fitting In—It’s About Owning Who You Are with J2

    What happens when the career you thought defined you gets taken away? Do you shrink back—or do you reinvent yourself? In this episode of Business Savages, I sit down with J2—artist, speaker, coach, and videographer—who turned his biggest loss into his greatest opportunity. After getting fired from a job people would kill to have, J2 found himself at a crossroads. Instead of letting it break him, he used it as a chance to chase his real purpose. From rebuilding confidence to pushing past fear, J2 shares what it really takes to own who you are—instead of trying to fit into someone else’s version of success. What you’ll learn in this episode: 💡 Why losing his “dream job” was the best thing that ever happened to him 💡 The real reason you can’t stay stuck in one lane (even when people tell you to focus) 💡 How faith, purpose, and service fuel real confidence 💡 The power of just starting—before you feel “ready” 💡 Why helping others is the fastest way to find your own path And some mic-drop moments you don’t want to miss: ✨ “Confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about trusting that you’ll figure it out.” ✨ “You can’t lead others if you don’t first believe in yourself.” ✨ “Nobody else can give you self-worth—you’ve got to claim it.” This episode is for anyone who’s felt lost, doubted their path, or wondered if they have what it takes. J2 keeps it raw, real, and unfiltered—because sometimes, the only way forward is to stop overthinking and start doing. What’s something you thought was a loss, but turned out to be a blessing in disguise? Drop it below in the comments! 👇 --------------------------------------------------------------- Where to Find J2: Instagram:@yea.j2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5NhgY6AHxrWW1VaUSiKpPd?si=5C-dxVG3TaehddBWQuZApg Apple Music:https://music.apple.com/us/artist/j-2/1552534612  Follow me on IG@olyagrovelofficial LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/  Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessSavages Website:https://olyagrovel.com/

    1시간 9분
  8. #24 The Power of Being the Outsider with Niamh Donnelly

    2월 11일

    #24 The Power of Being the Outsider with Niamh Donnelly

    In this episode ofBusiness Savages, I sit down with Niamh Donnelly, co-founder of Akara Robotics, to talk about her journey as a woman in mechanical engineering and robotics—two of the most male-dominated industries out there. From being one of only two women in her college class to pioneering robotic disinfection technology for hospitals, Niamh shares the challenges, wins, and lessons she’s learned along the way. We dive into how growing up with an engineer father shaped her early curiosity, why embracing discomfort became one of her greatest assets, and how she’s navigating the startup world while advocating for more diversity in STEM. What you’ll learn in this episode: 🔑 Why being one of the only women in the room became Niamh’s superpower 🔑 The real challenges women face in engineering & how to push through them 🔑 How mentors (even unofficial ones) play a role in career growth 🔑 Why diversity in engineering & robotics is still a challenge—and how to change it 🔑 The surprising struggles of bringing robotics into healthcare  But this conversation isn’t just about STEM—it’s about resilience, growth, and redefining what’s possible: ✨ “Being uncomfortable became my advantage—it prepared me for entrepreneurship.” ✨ “Women in engineering are often subtly guided toward ‘easier’ fields. That needs to change.” ✨ “I spent six months in a nursing home testing our robot—turns out, older adults love technology.” From tackling imposter syndrome to breaking into industries where women are underrepresented, Niamh’s insights are both eye-opening and inspiring. Homework for Listeners:🔍 Research a woman in STEM from your local area or country. Learn about her contributions, and take a moment to appreciate the impact of women in science and engineering. Where to Find Niamh & Akara Robotics: 🌐 Website: akara.ai 📩 Connect with Niamh on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamh-donnelly-akara-robotics/  Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficialLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/  Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessSavages Website:https://olyagrovel.com/

    46분
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    Growth isn’t always pretty. Every founder hits The Ugly Phase—the plateau, the burnout, the moment when nothing works. But the real challenge? Knowing when to grow, when to pivot, and how to break through. We dive deep into real founder struggles and use battle-tested frameworks like the Sigmoid Curve to give you actionable strategies to push through. 🎯 Learn how to scale smarter, pivot wisely, and avoid burnout. Every entrepreneur faces an ugly phase—but not everyone makes it through. Let’s make sure you do. 🚀

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