The Founder Hard Reset

The Founder Hard Reset

Author: Startups.com November 25, 2025 Duration: 25:53

Ever felt like vacations just aren't cutting it when it comes to startup burnout? In this episode, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter dive deep into why burnout is inevitable for founders and how quick fixes like vacations often fail to address the root of the issue. They explore how to truly recover and maintain that all-important spark in your work. Learn why it's crucial to inventory what drains and fuels your energy, and how making meaningful changes—not just taking time off—can lead to sustainable recovery. Real-life examples and practical advice make this a must-listen for any founder feeling the grind.

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:
00:34 The Misconception of Business Success and Burnout
01:00 Personal Stories of Burnout
02:10 The Ineffectiveness of Vacations
03:49 The Importance of Meaning in Work
04:11 Personal Struggles with Burnout
07:27 The Real Cause of Burnout
10:23 Balancing Tasks to Prevent Burnout
11:59 The Battle Within: Struggles in the Workplace
12:58 Startup Expectations vs. Reality
13:46 Finding Energy and Avoiding Burnout
15:34 The Importance of Positive Energy
18:22 Active Breaks for Founders
22:32 Identifying and Addressing Burnout
25:31 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
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…
Are Founders Driven by Fear or Greed? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:33
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss whether founders are driven by fear or greed. In the world of startups, there's a question that keeps coming up: what drives founders? Is it the fear of failure, o…
What if I'm Building the Wrong Product? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:34
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how you as a founder will know if you’re building the right or wrong product. Have you ever had an idea, but you're just not sure if it's good? It's something that…
How Startups Actually Get Bought [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:55
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how startups are actually bought and sold. The process of buying and selling startups can be tricky. It's easy to get confused about how much a startup is really w…
Am I Quitting My Startup, Or Letting Go? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:05
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss when to quit or let go of your startup. If your startup has struggled for an extended period without meaningful progress, causing financial strain, and lacks marke…

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