What Would I do Differently

What Would I do Differently

Author: Startups.com February 3, 2025 Duration: 33:18

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. They discuss the hidden costs of success, the pitfalls of romanticizing alternative outcomes, and the importance of realistic risk assessment. The key takeaway? Embrace risk to avoid the regret of missed opportunities.

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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/

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Wil Schroter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/
Ryan Rutan
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

What to listen for:

00:07 – Reflecting on milestones and 'what ifs'
00:44 – The risks and rewards of entrepreneurship
04:00 – A hilarious temp job experience
07:34 – The reality of alternate paths
09:02 – The danger of romanticizing 'what ifs'
13:48 – The cost of success
15:29 – Building a realistic mental model
16:18 – Stop guessing and get real answers
16:26 – The cost of staying in a job you hate
17:30 – Should you stay or leave?
18:10 – The true cost of success
19:12 – The hindsight trap: romanticizing outcomes
21:56 – Learning from failure and modeling risk
22:55 – Zirtual acquisition: a case study in risk
28:47 – Surviving failure and moving forward
31:35 – Avoiding regret and embracing risk


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
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