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
Ever feel like you need more hours in the day? Turns out, you don't. In this episode, we dive deep into time management for founders, starting with a viral Reddit post that stirred some controversy. We'll explore how compressing your timelines can lead to greater efficiency and free up your schedule for the things that truly matter. Forget the chronic meeting bloat and endless email chains; it's all about optimizing every minute. Discover how focusing on small, incremental tasks can lead to significant progress, both in your professional and personal life. Whether you're a solo founder or leading a team, this episode offers actionable insights to make the most out of your 24 hours.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:00:26 The Reddit Experiment: Stirring Controversy03:53 The Time Compression Revelation04:32 Analyzing Time Management07:52 The Cost of Meetings and Conversations15:21 The Impact of Family on Work Hours17:44 The Power of Constraints20:02 The Power of Saying No20:24 Focus as a Job20:34 Timeless Solutions21:06 The Importance of Prioritization21:34 Efficiency in Communication22:34 Breaking Down Big Tasks23:14 Consistency and Compounding23:25 Building a House with Focus26:53 Weekly Timelines for Productivity36:12 Reclaiming Time for Personal Use
The complexities of alignment among founders, employees, and even spouses. They debunk the notion that perfect alignment exists, emphasizing that often, perceived alignment is more fiction than reality. The conversation covers the inevitable differences in expectations, contributions, and risk tolerances that arise between co-founders and employees. The hosts also delve into the personal side, exploring how founders' professional decisions impact their relationships at home. Through candid anecdotes and practical insights, they highlight the importance of mutual respect and understanding in managing these fundamentally misaligned expectations in both business and personal life.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:00:42 The Myth of Alignment in Startups01:06 Investor Alignment: Fact or Fiction?01:48 The Role of Spouses in Startup Alignment03:09 The Challenge of Aligning with Employees04:59 Generational Differences in Work-Life Balance14:50 The Reality of Co-Founder Alignment21:16 The Challenge of Co-Founder Alignment22:45 Spousal Support and Startup Life25:45 Understanding and Managing Differences28:31 The Myth of Perfect Alignment
The challenging question of whether the sacrifices made in pursuit of entrepreneurial success are ultimately worth the payoff. Will retells his personal story of almost buying an expensive house in Bel Air only to realize, thanks to his wife's intervention, that it wasn't what he truly wanted. The duo explores themes of sacrifice, payoff, and how aligning personal goals with true desires can lead to genuine happiness and fulfillment. Whether it's the freedom to travel or the joy of creating something with your hands, this episode urges founders to carefully contemplate their end goals and ensure their sacrifices lead to meaningful rewards.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:00:25 The Beverly Hills House Dilemma03:05 Reflecting on Sacrifices and Payoffs06:52 The Decision to Move Back to Ohio13:42 The Value of Freedom and Purpose17:46 The Danger of Undefined Goals22:15 The Illusion of Goals23:19 Realizing Unwanted Desires24:13 Shifting Ambitions26:21 The Fear of Losing Ambition27:54 Evaluating Sacrifices33:48 Finding True Fulfillment36:31 Building a Dream42:38 Advice for Founders
The critical do's and don’ts after a big financial win as a startup founder. They emphasize the importance of not oversharing about your wealth, shifting from an offensive to a defensive mindset, preserving your gains, and being cautious about new investments. They also explore how to handle the psychological and social challenges that come with newfound success, using real-life examples and practical advice to ensure you don't blow your hard-earned money.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:52 The Myth of the Big Exit01:52 Emotional and Psychological Impact of Wealth02:58 The Speech: Congrats, Now Don't Mess It Up04:23 Financial Management for Newfound Wealth06:11 The Three Js of Wealth: Judgment, Jealousy, and Jockeying06:47 The Importance of Keeping Financial Information Private20:06 The Shift from Offense to Defense in Wealth Management22:24 The Founder Mentality Shift23:53 The Casino Analogy26:45 The Importance of Playing Defense30:18 The Danger of Proving Yourself Again36:33 The Save Point Strategy44:19 The Burn Rate Dilemma45:24 Conclusion: Preserving Your Wealth
Ryan and will talks about a critical issue many founders face: knowing when to say 'enough is enough.' They explore the constant pursuit of growth both personally and professionally and how it can turn into a liability if not checked. They dive into the psychological roots of why founders struggle with the concept of 'having enough,' the impact of a scarcity mindset, and the importance of recognizing diminishing returns. The hosts share personal anecdotes and offer practical advice on how to balance ambition with fulfillment, emphasizing the need for diversified 'buckets' of happiness beyond just business success.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:07 The Founder’s Dilemma: Knowing When Enough is Enough01:26 The Scarcity Mindset and Its Impact02:35 The Law of Diminishing Returns03:12 Personal Anecdotes on Ambition and Satisfaction05:38 The Concept of Utility in Economics12:00 Balancing Growth and Happiness in Startups16:56 Post-Exit: The Risk of Overreaching20:11 The Downfall of a Legend21:15 The Cost of Ambition22:32 The Utility of Wealth23:25 Chasing More: A Founder’s Dilemma25:42 The Search for True Happiness28:48 Redefining Success33:50 Balancing Ambition and Value
How entrepreneurship can transform lives and communities? Will shares his personal journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur. They explore whether entrepreneurship can be a means to alleviate poverty, emphasizing the importance of hope, a safety net, and access to education and mentorship. The conversation dives deep into the potential impact of entrepreneurial initiatives on economic development and the need for structured support to foster entrepreneurial success on a global scale.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:40 The Power of Entrepreneurship to Alleviate Poverty01:17 Personal Stories of Entrepreneurial Beginnings02:34 The Ripple Effect of Entrepreneurship03:38 Teaching Entrepreneurship as a Lifelong Skill04:46 Hope as the Foundation of Entrepreneurship05:37 Early Wins and Their Impact07:17 The Importance of Small Wins08:20 The Role of Hope and Pride in Entrepreneurship12:15 The Willingness to Fail22:49 The Risk of Failure for the Broke23:45 Historical Context and Immigrant Success Stories24:46 The Luxury of Credit and Capital27:03 Entrepreneur Welfare and Venture Capital29:14 The Case for Minimum Basic Income for Founders29:40 The Parallel with Education and FAFSA38:47 The Need for Structured Entrepreneurship Education39:47 The Role of Hope and Security in Entrepreneurship45:46 Entrepreneurship as a Solution to Poverty47:34 Join the Startups.com Community
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan and Will discuss the challenges and dynamics of blending friendship and professionalism in startups. They delve into the potential pitfalls of treating your startup team like a family, the consequences on both founders and employees, and the importance of setting clear boundaries. They highlight shared experiences from their early careers and emphasize the need for empathy, respect, and a professional approach to lead effectively without compromising authority.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:08 The Illusion of Startup as a Family00:55 Early Career and Peer Dynamics01:50 The Reality of Founder-Employee Relationships03:46 The Pitfalls of Treating Employees as Family05:54 Transparency in Startups: A Double-Edged Sword07:13 Shared Risk and Misinterpreted Bonds09:32 The Inevitable Strain on Relationships12:17 The Limits of Friendship in Startups16:18 The Evolution of Team Dynamics18:12 A Throwback to Early Company Culture18:31 The Impact of a New Hire19:19 Cultural Misalignment and Realization20:15 Adjusting Company Culture21:43 Balancing Professionalism and Empathy22:50 The Importance of Boundaries24:18 The Dangers of Forced Inclusivity28:24 Personal Experiences with Cultural Fit32:20 The Family vs. Professional Sports Team Metaphor36:42 Final Thoughts on Company Culture
Ryan and Will talk about the growing role of AI in startups. They explore how AI is automating traditional founder tasks like writing, coding, and analyzing data. The conversation delves into the existential threat AI poses to the founder's role and how founders can adapt to this new landscape. They argue that founders should embrace AI to focus on creativity, curation, and leadership rather than being bogged down by routine tasks. The episode underscores the importance of evolving with technology to enhance productivity and innovation, ultimately redefining the founder's job description for the future.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:34 Can AI Replace Founders?01:16 The Evolution of AI Capabilities02:03 AI's Impact on Copywriting and Creativity03:28 AI in Advertising and Idea Generation04:44 Embracing AI for Efficiency06:31 AI as a Force Multiplier09:44 The Future of AI and Founders14:36 AI in Coding and Development17:08 Leveraging AI for Business Growth19:13 Simulating Business Scenarios with AI19:38 The Role of AI in Business Decision Making19:53 The Timeless Nature of Business Challenges20:48 Embracing AI for Efficiency21:12 The Unique Human Element in Business23:40 The Future of Founders in an AI-Driven World25:50 The Evolution of Founders' Roles28:05 Leadership and Determination in Business30:47 The Importance of Vision and Adaptability
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan and Will talk about what happens when you hit all your big goals and realize there might not be any more mountains left to climb. They discuss the complex feelings and identity crises that can emerge when success is achieved, and reflect on how to find new meaning and satisfaction beyond traditional goal-setting. The conversation touches on personal anecdotes, the concept of enjoying the process, and how to appreciate the journey in a fulfilling way.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:27 The Identity Crisis of Achieving Goals01:05 Personal Reflections on Goal Setting02:25 The Evolution of Goals Over Time04:14 The Reality of Achieving Big Goals07:04 The Trap of Sensationalizing Goals10:58 The Diminishing Returns of Goal Achievement19:06 The Two Paths of Goal Setting: Pleasure vs. Pain20:40 Understanding Pain and Relief21:42 The Myth of Success Equals Happiness22:32 Existential Goals and Realizations23:31 The Challenge of Finding Fulfillment25:23 Enjoying the Journey vs. The Destination29:12 Reevaluating Ambitions and Goals33:11 Building for the Sake of Creation36:59 Infinite Games and Lifelong Pursuits
Will and Ryan talk about the fascinating and often overlooked journey of reinventing oneself. Will shares his diverse background, from being an ad guy to becoming a multi-time startup founder, and stresses the importance of embracing various roles to build a comprehensive skill set. The duo emphasizes that becoming a founder isn't a job you get hired for but one you create yourself. They explore how personal and professional reinvention can be the key to success in the startup world, encouraging founders to see themselves as a composite of their varied experiences. The episode is filled with personal anecdotes, practical advice, and an inspiring message: you are not confined to one identity or role — your potential is ever-evolving.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:43 The Journey to Becoming a Founder01:28 Reinventing Yourself as a Founder02:31 The Value of Diverse Experiences03:55 A Humorous Job List08:11 The Role of Exposure in Career Choices13:06 Breaking Free from Career Constraints19:46 Early Career Hustles20:22 Learning from Experience20:53 First Sales Job21:30 Unexpected Opportunities23:22 Reinvention Starts Small24:06 Curiosity and Career Growth26:14 Building Skills Over Time28:04 The Power of Starting Small30:10 Embracing Continuous Learning32:21 The Value of Diverse Experiences39:59 Reinventing Yourself as a Founder
Ryan and Will talk about the growing isolation that founders are feeling despite having more ways to connect. They delve into how the shift to remote work, the impact of social media, and the rise of AI have contributed to stripping away the humanity from our daily interactions. They share personal experiences and offer insights into why this sense of loneliness has worsened, and most importantly, explore actionable steps founders can take to reconnect, feel less isolated, and build meaningful relationships in an increasingly digital world.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:01:05 The Paradox of Connection and Loneliness02:36 Impact of Remote Work on Founders16:17 The Role of Social Media in Isolation20:49 The Distorted Reality of Social Media21:24 The Cynicism Towards Social Media Posts22:19 Creating Private Spaces and Personal Connections23:15 Declaring Relationship Bankruptcy26:53 The Impact of AI on Authenticity31:08 The Future of Human Interaction in a Digital World35:33 Combating Isolation as Founders
Ryan and Will discuss the journey of becoming a confident founder. Celebrating their 300th episode, they reflect on how learning to lead and building confidence starts with curiosity. They emphasize asking questions, even seemingly silly ones, to gain knowledge and confidence. Will and Ryan also dive into the importance of challenging oneself incrementally and being willing to make mistakes as key steps in growing confidence. They share personal anecdotes and practical advice, making a case for bravery, perseverance, and learning from failures. Perfect for any founder grappling with self-doubt or seeking actionable steps to boost their confidence.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:58 Building Confidence Through Practice05:25 The Power of Curiosity09:25 Asking the Right Questions14:58 Taking on New Challenges19:03 Building Confidence Through Small Victories19:40 Teaching Kids Micro Challenges20:09 Challenging Yourself Incrementally21:17 The Line Between Ambition and Recklessness22:19 Learning Through Incremental Steps25:37 The Importance of Being Wrong27:41 Building Confidence as a Founder31:33 The Role of Bravery in Confidence
In this episode of The Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan and Will discuss the true value of a college education for aspiring entrepreneurs. They explore whether the traditional path through higher education is the best route for those determined to start their own businesses. With personal anecdotes and economic insights, they argue that college may not always be the ideal path for founders, emphasizing the benefits of real-world experience and early entrepreneurial efforts. They also discuss societal expectations, financial implications, and alternative approaches to gaining the necessary knowledge and skills.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:17 The Value of a College Degree for Founders00:55 Challenging the College Norm01:37 A Real-Life Example: Skipping College for Startups03:14 Generational Expectations and College07:25 The Economics of College Education08:04 The Financial Impact of College vs. Investing14:19 The Opportunity Cost of College for Founders20:21 The Power of Compounding Experiences20:35 Learning at Your Own Pace20:58 The Irrelevance of Traditional Education22:19 Founders Need a Broad Skillset22:57 The Limitations of College24:33 Alternative Learning Paths25:57 The Value of Practical Experience27:44 The Diminishing Value of a College Degree29:13 Questioning the College Path33:30 The Founder Mindset40:18 Restarting the Conversation on Education
The realities of evolving a startup. Ryan and Will discuss how the first idea is rarely the final solution, sharing insights on how to navigate the pivoting process. Using Uber and their own experiences at startups.com as examples, they explore the dangers of clinging to an initial plan and the importance of staying open to change. They also touch on overcoming ego, internalizing market feedback, and avoiding self-sabotage to ultimately achieve a more successful and fulfilling business.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:51 The Myth of the Perfect Plan02:04 The Uber Example: Evolving Business Models03:55 The Importance of User Feedback04:48 Facing Investor Expectations07:44 Ego vs. Agility in Decision Making08:47 The Afford It Story: Lessons Learned13:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts13:53 The Original Plan and Its Challenges14:25 Admitting Mistakes and Moving Forward15:10 Evolving as a Founder15:58 The Birth of Startups.com17:26 Learning from Market Feedback20:45 Detaching Ego from the Product23:14 The Importance of Adaptation
Ryan and Will delve into the complexities of maintaining a healthy relationship with your startup. They discuss their personal experiences and challenges in balancing the demands of a startup with personal well-being. Will shares an incredulous story about a friend enjoying a Tuesday afternoon in the pool, leading to a broader discussion on the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing the signs of burnout. The hosts emphasize the need for self-awareness, prioritizing personal values, and finding joy in the journey, not just the destination. They also touch on the benefits of giving team members autonomy and creating a supportive, non-toxic work culture.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:32 The Pool Story: A Lesson in Work-Life Balance02:08 The Toxic Relationship with Work03:11 Startup Therapy: The Podcast's Origin08:15 Balancing Work and Family13:17 Non-Negotiables and Personal Values14:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts15:35 Mitigating Guilt Through Productivity17:29 The Elusive Goal of Profit19:21 Emotional ROI in Startups21:57 Autonomy and Company Culture24:50 Balancing Safety and Happiness28:26 Avoiding the Trap of Obligations29:40 Creating a Non-Abusive Startup Relationship30:50 Join the Startups.com Community
Ryan and Will discuss the surprising reactions founders often face when they achieve success. They explore how unexpected resentment from friends and peers can arise, why it happens, and how to navigate these tricky social waters. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, they delve into balancing humility and openness about success while staying true to oneself. Tune in to learn about managing relationships as you climb the ladder and handling the inevitable pushback with grace.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:31 The Unexpected Reactions to Success02:54 Personal Stories of Resentment07:57 The Impact of Success on Relationships12:32 Social Media and Validation14:01 Processing Success and Insecurities19:34 Navigating Conversations About Success21:04 The Validation Loop Dilemma21:21 Caring About Others' Opinions21:57 The Spectrum of Self-Presentation23:17 The Insecurity Behind Social Media Influencers25:34 The Cost of Flaunting Success29:04 Extreme Humility and Its Consequences32:19 Balancing Humility and Pride37:01 The Art of Humble Bragging40:39 Avoiding Resentment Through Humility41:46 The Power and Responsibility of Success42:38 Join the Startups.com Community
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast,Ryan and Will delve into the emotional journey of startup founders who feel out of place in the very companies they built from scratch. They discuss the guilt and struggle founders experience when their roles change and they no longer enjoy their jobs. They share personal anecdotes and examine the impact of forced roles, from management misfits to a loss of personal fulfillment. The duo also explores the concept of evolving with or beyond your startup, and how to come to terms with these difficult but often necessary transitions.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:48 The Shift from Building to Managing01:29 The Struggles of Management02:13 The Evolution of Roles04:17 The Peter Principle in Action05:29 The Emotional Toll of Management08:34 Reflecting on the Past and Moving Forward09:57 The Realization and Acceptance12:39 The Dilemma of Founder Evolution13:10 Learning from the Past13:42 Commitment and Introspection15:02 The Cost of Doing What You Hate17:40 Recognizing and Embracing Change20:16 The Hard Decision to Move On25:03 Celebrating Growth and Moving Forward
Ryan and Will discuss the psychological challenges founders face by constantly looking ahead and rarely celebrating their achievements. They explore how important it is for founders to practice gratitude and recognize their progress, even if their ultimate goals haven't been reached. The conversation delves into personal experiences, including Ryan's move to Guatemala and Will's time in Beverly Hills, highlighting how perspective and gratitude can significantly impact one’s satisfaction and motivation in their entrepreneurial journey.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:29 The Psychological Cost of Milestones00:58 The 1% of Startups02:01 Celebrating Small Wins02:38 The Comparison Trap03:45 Balancing Credit and Complacency04:33 Contrasting Success Stories09:14 Perspective on Startup Success16:26 The Olympic Mindset and Startup Mentality17:39 The Power of Perspective and Gratitude19:35 Balancing Ambition and Gratitude21:16 Family Traditions and Simple Joys22:47 Reinforcing Self-Worth and Capability28:19 The Curse of the Exited Founder31:02 Changing Perspectives for Greater Happiness
Dive into the common struggle founders face with burnout and the inability to truly relax. Ryan and Will share their personal experiences and discuss how traditional relaxation methods often fail for them. Instead, they highlight the importance of finding other meaningful and challenging obsessions outside of work to channel their energy. From woodworking and home-building to martial arts, they explore how these activities can provide a sense of accomplishment, progression, and actual mental rest, ultimately making them better and more effective in their startup journeys. Tune in to gain insights on how to recharge as a founder by embracing big, consuming projects that challenge and fulfill you.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:44 The Struggle with Relaxation01:36 Failed Attempts at Relaxation03:32 Vacation Dilemmas05:52 The Need for Mental Engagement09:47 The Importance of Completion14:07 Finding New Problems to Solve22:10 Woodworking as a Solution24:13 The Obsession Begins: From Birdhouses to Building a House24:48 The Challenge of Building a House from Scratch25:35 Balancing Work and Passion Projects26:31 The Importance of Completion and Physical Activity27:53 Managing Overwhelm and Finding Solutions29:14 The Power of Small, Consistent Efforts30:22 The Role of Meaningful Side Projects33:17 The Need for Mental and Physical Challenges36:21 The Value of Overwhelming Projects
Emad Ghasempour
What a point 👌 I am 31 and Quit my second startup 3 years ago and I felt old with myself 🧓almost forgot how many other 3 4 year buckets are still ahead. Thanks for reminding the point to me ✌️
SatWiz
Hi Wil & Ryan, you are doing a yeoman service to the cause of the Startup community with such insightful conversations from your experiences👍
LY Ti
Love it!
SatWiz
Great stuff Ryan & Wil!
Levi Andersen
One of my new FAV podcasts. No ads, no chit-chat, solid topics and advice