Startup Therapy

Startups.com
Startup Therapy

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. 2 DIC

    The Burden of Unrealistic Expectations

    In this episode Ryan and Will delve into the intense pressures faced by founders from investors, peers, and the startup community. They discuss how these external expectations often drive founders to pursue goals misaligned with their personal beliefs and values. The conversation explores how unchecked expectations can lead to burnout and misguided efforts. They share insights on the importance of auditing and resetting personal and business expectations to ensure they align with one's true goals and values. The hosts also highlight the dangers of comparing oneself to other founders or industry giants, and emphasize the significance of building a business that meets personal fulfillment rather than external benchmarks. Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/st...Websitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn   / startups-co   Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter  / wilschroter  Ryan Rutan  / ryan-rutan   What to listen for:00:32 The Source of Pressure and Expectations03:32 Investor Expectations and Their Impact04:05 Personal Story: Missing Investor Expectations05:44 The Reality of Investor Expectations10:15 Comparing Yourself to Other Founders17:45 The Peer Comparison Trap18:06 Personal Journey: From Poverty to Success20:01 The Futility of Social Media Comparisons23:07 Tying Success to Self-Worth28:20 The Illusion of Goals and Success31:53 Reevaluating Startup Expectations36:43 Conclusion: Building What Matters to You

    38 min
  2. 25 NOV

    How do I Stay Positive In Tough Times?

    Ryan and Will discuss the omnipresent challenges that come with running a startup. They delve into the perpetual 'shit storm' that founders face and share practical advice on how to keep moving forward even when everything feels like it's falling apart. Key points include regaining perspective, converting anxiety into actionable tasks, breaking down large goals into manageable micro-goals, and finding healthy obsessions to channel stress. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, not just for personal sanity but for the wellbeing of the entire team, and share personal anecdotes and strategies that have helped them through their toughest times. Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/st...Websitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn   / startups-co   Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter  / wilschroter  Ryan Rutan  / ryan-rutan   What to listen for:00:07 The Perpetual Shit Storm of Startups01:01 Practical Advice for Founders in Crisis02:10 Regaining Perspective During Tough Times05:08 Personal Stories of Overcoming Challenges15:29 The Importance of Taking Action20:41 Managing Anxiety with Side Tasks21:58 The Power of Micro Goals23:37 Breaking Down Big Tasks26:29 The Importance of Focus32:07 Finding Healthy Obsessions41:08 Building Momentum with Small Wins43:14 Join the Startups.com Community

    44 min
  3. 11 NOV

    What Previously Funded Founders Do Differently

    In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan and Will discuss the daunting realities of raising capital for startups. By sharing insights and experiences from both first-time and repeat founders, they delve into the recurring theme of regret found amongst entrepreneurs who've gone through the funding process. Topics include the hidden costs of raising money, the pitfalls of losing focus, and the challenges of working with investors. The hosts offer practical advice on when to raise funds, how to mitigate the risks of distraction, and the importance of being selective and strategic about bringing investors on board. Whether you're gearing up for your first round of fundraising or re-evaluating your approach, this episode provides valuable lessons to help navigate the complex landscape of startup financing. Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/st...Websitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn   / startups-co   Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter  / wilschroter  Ryan Rutan  / ryan-rutan   What to listen for:00:14 The Reality of Raising Funds00:38 Founders' Regrets and Reflections02:15 The Perils of Not Getting Paid04:22 Understanding Founder Compensation11:04 Strategies for Better Compensation13:24 Challenges with Profitable Companies15:02 The Pressure to Grow or Bust15:16 The Dilemma of Raising Too Early15:47 The Vulnerability of Early Stages16:22 The Importance of Timing in Fundraising16:56 The Pitfalls of Early Funding17:28 The Distraction of Fundraising20:34 The Impact of Investor Expectations28:23 The Challenge of Having a New Boss31:50 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

    33 min
  4. 4 NOV

    Are Startups Easier for Experienced Founders?

    In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan and Will debunk the myth that each startup venture becomes progressively easier with experience. They explore the truths and fallacies surrounding repeat entrepreneurship, sharing personal anecdotes and insights from their extensive history of building and acquiring startups. Discussing expectation management, the double-edged sword of experience, and the harsh realities of repeating past mistakes, Ryan and Will emphasize that while experience offers certain advantages, it does not guarantee success in new ventures. They also highlight the emotional resilience required to endure the cyclical nature of startup challenges and the ever-present difficulties of achieving product-market fit and successful marketing, regardless of prior victories. Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/st...Websitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn   / startups-co   Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter  / wilschroter  Ryan Rutan  / ryan-rutan   What to listen for:00:15 Debunking the Myth of Easier Startups01:27 The Double-Edged Sword of Experience02:32 Drawing from Multiple Experience Buckets05:15 Expectation Management in Startups09:39 Avoiding Duplicate Mistakes13:01 Raising Capital: Lessons Learned15:16 The Value of Experience in Decision Making17:07 The Reality of Investor Promises17:17 Understanding People: A Founder's Key Skill18:38 Emotional Maturity in Leadership20:00 Challenges That Never Get Easier21:57 The Ever-Changing Landscape of Product Market Fit25:39 Marketing Struggles for Experienced Founders27:40 The Pain of Failure: It Never Gets Easier31:30 The Value of Experience and the Role of Luck32:38 Join the Startups.com Community

    33 min
  5. 28 OCT

    Who's Working for Who?

    Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter explore the intricate and often misunderstood relationship between founders and their startups. They tackle the question of whether the founder works for the startup or vice versa, challenging common perceptions shaped by societal views and political discourse. The hosts discuss the unspoken 'contract' entrepreneurs form with themselves, the inevitable trade-offs of startup leadership, and the sacrifices founders make for their companies. They emphasize the emotional and financial tolls on founders, the discrepancies in founder-employee dynamics, and the need for startups to stay aligned with the founder's original mission. This episode stresses the importance of maintaining control and balancing personal goals with the demands of the startup ecosystem. Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/st...Websitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn   / startups-co   Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter  / wilschroter  Ryan Rutan  / ryan-rutan   What to listen for00:35 The Founder vs. Startup Dilemma00:51 Political and Economic Perspectives01:40 The Reality of Founders' Lives03:00 The Initial Contract of Founders05:11 The Shift in Founders' Roles06:15 The Permanent Struggle of Founders07:43 Revisiting the Founders' Goals10:34 The Reality Check15:30 The Investor's Impact15:44 The New Boss: Investors and Liabilities16:49 The Pain of Payroll: Sacrificing Founder Salaries19:10 Credit Cards and Cash Flow: Desperate Measures21:20 The Founder’s Dilemma: Sacrifice and Equity23:42 The Reality of Startup Success: Rare and Elusive28:28 The Emotional Toll: Identity and Relationships31:49 Conclusion: Building a Startup That Works for You

    32 min
  6. 21 OCT

    Let's Get Back to Our WHY

    In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter explore the vital importance of maintaining a startup's foundational 'why' – the core reason for its existence. They discuss the excitement and clarity that founders experience in the early stages, the operational challenges that can cause them to lose sight of their mission over time, and practical strategies for rekindling that original passion. Through personal anecdotes and examples of companies like Apple and Google, the hosts underscore how minor compromises can erode a company's core mission. They emphasize the need for founders to continuously revisit and reinforce their original motivations to ensure sustained passion and purpose. Listeners will gain insights on recognizing when they've deviated from their vision, the benefits of realigning with the 'why', and actionable steps to recenter their focus, all while maintaining clarity and engagement within their teams. Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/st...Websitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn   / startups-co   Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter  / wilschroter  Ryan Rutan  / ryan-rutan   What to listen for00:29 The Importance of 'Why' in Startups03:17 Losing Sight of the 'Why'05:24 Diagnosing the Loss of 'Why'09:21 The Impact of Compromises15:56 Tiny Compromises Lead to Major Changes18:48 The Slippery Slope of Compromises19:50 Losing Sight of the 'Why'20:50 Rediscovering the Purpose22:12 The Importance of Remembering the 'Why'24:30 Practical Steps to Reconnect with the 'Why'30:55 Identifying and Correcting Misalignments35:36 The Constant Battle to Maintain the 'Why'

    37 min
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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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