Founders, Embrace Your Flaws

Founders, Embrace Your Flaws

Author: Startups.com October 14, 2025 Duration: 41:29

Are you convinced that you need to fix all your flaws as a founder? In this episode, we explore why that's not necessarily true. Ryan and Will dive deep into the idea that both startups and their founders are loaded with problems, some of which aren't really 'problems' at all but hidden superpowers. From obsessive tendencies to ADHD, they discuss how to harness these traits for success rather than trying to fix them. Drawing from personal experiences and industry insights, they touch on the influence of pharmaceutical marketing, the role of social media in shaping perceptions, and the importance of finding context for your strengths. This episode challenges you to rethink how you view your weaknesses and offers a fresh perspective on founder self-acceptance and leveraging inherent traits for entrepreneurial success.

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:
00:33 Founders and Their Problems
01:15 Pharmaceutical Industry Insights
02:36 Social Media and Problem Creation
03:46 Personal Struggles of Founders
05:07 Overthinking and Control Issues
11:15 ADHD and Academic Challenges
17:11 Harnessing Obsessiveness for Success
20:40 Evaluating Self-Help Advice
21:09 Struggles with Attention Span
21:31 Learning Outside Traditional Education
22:15 Emphasizing Strengths Over Weaknesses
23:29 Founders and Their Strengths
28:08 Anxiety as a Superpower
34:46 The Importance of Context in Learning
38:36 Self-Acceptance and Utilizing Strengths


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
Does LOCATION matter for your startup? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Ryan and Will discuss the evolution of startup location strategies. They reminisce about the bygone era when relocating to major hubs like San Francisco was essential for success due to access to talent, investors, and n…
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In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, the guys tackle the big question: was the entrepreneurial journey worth it? They discuss the sacrifices, the missed experiences, and the immense pressures that come with be…
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In this episode of Startup Therapy, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeter challenge the startup world's focus on big exits and venture capital. They highlight the benefits of cash-flowing businesses, showing how consistent profi…
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In this episode of The Startup Therapy, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter explore the 'what if' scenarios that often preoccupy founders. Will shares personal milestones, showing how taking bigger risks shaped his journey. The…
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Duration: 30:41
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter dive into an interesting perspective: taking risks in entrepreneurship is actually a luxury, not the norm. They break down what it really costs…
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Duration: 43:19
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeter delve into the anxiety surrounding contentment in the startup ecosystem. They question the conventional wisdom that equates contentment with s…
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Duration: 45:48
Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeter discuss the complexities and challenges faced by startup founders, particularly the frequent occurrence of founders being replaced by investors. The conversation delves into the motivations…
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Duration: 38:00
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 misalig…