Building a Startup That Loves You Back

Building a Startup That Loves You Back

Author: Startups.com May 19, 2025 Duration: 31:12

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-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:
00:32 The Pool Story: A Lesson in Work-Life Balance
02:08 The Toxic Relationship with Work
03:11 Startup Therapy: The Podcast's Origin
08:15 Balancing Work and Family
13:17 Non-Negotiables and Personal Values
14:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
15:35 Mitigating Guilt Through Productivity
17:29 The Elusive Goal of Profit
19:21 Emotional ROI in Startups
21:57 Autonomy and Company Culture
24:50 Balancing Safety and Happiness
28:26 Avoiding the Trap of Obligations
29:40 Creating a Non-Abusive Startup Relationship
30:50 Join the Startups.com Community


Building a company is far more chaotic and personal than any business school case study lets on. Startup Therapy from Startups.com digs into that reality, moving past polished success stories to focus on the raw, unvarnished journey. Hosts Wil Schroter and Ryan Rutan, who have each navigated these trenches themselves, lead conversations that feel more like essential conversations between founders than a standard interview show. They tackle the specific pressures that come with trying to transform an idea into something meaningful-the financial strain, the team dynamics, the personal sacrifices, and the frequent moments of doubt that rarely make the keynote speech. This podcast operates on a simple premise: the best guidance comes from those who have been there, not from abstract theory. Each episode is a candid session, dissecting the professional hurdles and the intense emotional toll that founders manage daily. You’ll hear direct talk about fundraising fails, partnership conflicts, burnout, and the small victories that keep everything moving forward. It’s a resource for anyone in the thick of building something, offering practical perspectives and a sense of shared experience when the path gets especially tough. The dialogue is straightforward and focused on actionable insight, providing a genuine look at the resilience required to change the world, one startup at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Startup Therapy
Podcast Episodes
My Competitors Just Raised Funds - Am I Screwed? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:25
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about what happens if your competitor got funded. Join as they discuss the common concern of competitors securing funds and share valuable perspectives on why this m…
Can Having Zero Experience Be a Huge Asset? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:53
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan explore whether lacking prior experience can be a game-changer for startup founders. Having zero experience means you're new to something, and surprisingly, that can be a…
What If I Build a Startup That Just Makes Money? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:19
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about whether a founder should focus on building a startup that just makes money. Ever thought about ditching the whole fundraising craze and simply building a start…
How to Get Rockstar Startup Advisors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:07
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how you can get rockstar advisors for your startup. Discover the common mistakes people make when they are getting people to be their advisors and what are the bes…
Job vs Startup - What Should I Do? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:14
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss whether you should get a steady paycheck or start your own startup. Choosing between a regular job and starting your own business is a big decision many face. Work…
Founders Need a Steady Hand in the Storm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:39
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the idea of managing chaos as a founder. Keeping a startup on track is like steering a ship through rough waters. Founders must stay calm and focused amid the chao…
So You Think You Need a Co-Founder? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:35
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the idea of having a co-founder. A co-founder can offer numerous benefits for a business. It allows for shared responsibilities, diverse skill sets, and a support…
Can I Scale My Impact Without Scaling My Team? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:09
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the concept of scaling without adding or hiring more people. Making a significant impact doesn't always mean having a large team. You can achieve remarkable result…
Grind or Guilt, the Founder Dilemma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:41
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss about the grind and guilt dilemma of founders. Founders often struggle with the never-ending hard work of growing their business, driven by their passion and ambit…

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