DiscoverStartup TherapyWhen Our Startup Outgrows Us
When Our Startup Outgrows Us

When Our Startup Outgrows Us

Update: 2025-05-10
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Description

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-therapy
Website
https://www.startups.com/begin
LinkedIn 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/

Join our Network of Top Founders 
Wil Schroter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/
Ryan Rutan
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

What to listen for:
00:48 The Shift from Building to Managing

01:29 The Struggles of Management

02:13 The Evolution of Roles

04:17 The Peter Principle in Action

05:29 The Emotional Toll of Management

08:34 Reflecting on the Past and Moving Forward

09:57 The Realization and Acceptance

12:39 The Dilemma of Founder Evolution

13:10 Learning from the Past

13:42 Commitment and Introspection

15:02 The Cost of Doing What You Hate

17:40 Recognizing and Embracing Change

20:16 The Hard Decision to Move On

25:03 Celebrating Growth and Moving Forward

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When Our Startup Outgrows Us

When Our Startup Outgrows Us

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