When Our Friends Resent Our Success

When Our Friends Resent Our Success

Author: Startups.com May 12, 2025 Duration: 43:01

Ryan and Will discuss the surprising reactions founders often face when they achieve success. They explore how unexpected resentment from friends and peers can arise, why it happens, and how to navigate these tricky social waters. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, they delve into balancing humility and openness about success while staying true to oneself. Tune in to learn about managing relationships as you climb the ladder and handling the inevitable pushback with grace.

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:
00:31 The Unexpected Reactions to Success
02:54 Personal Stories of Resentment
07:57 The Impact of Success on Relationships
12:32 Social Media and Validation
14:01 Processing Success and Insecurities
19:34 Navigating Conversations About Success
21:04 The Validation Loop Dilemma
21:21 Caring About Others' Opinions
21:57 The Spectrum of Self-Presentation
23:17 The Insecurity Behind Social Media Influencers
25:34 The Cost of Flaunting Success
29:04 Extreme Humility and Its Consequences
32:19 Balancing Humility and Pride
37:01 The Art of Humble Bragging
40:39 Avoiding Resentment Through Humility
41:46 The Power and Responsibility of Success
42:38 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
This is WHY More Money Means MORE Problems [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:01
Why sometimes, less is more? Ryan Rutan and Will Schroeder discuss the misconception that reaching revenue milestones in startups will solve all problems. Explore how each milestone brings new challenges, why growing lia…
Committees are Where Progress Goes to Die [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:28
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, we discuss the inefficiencies and dangers of making decisions by committee. Why committees often fail and why founders should avoid relying on them for critical decisions.…
Giving Up Equity? Press Pause First [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:54
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, we talk about equity distribution in startups. Explore the psychological traps of seeking validation, the dangers of making hasty decisions when most vulnerable, and offer…
Why Do 99% of Founders Suck at Asking for Help? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:42
In this insightful episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the importance of asking questions as a startup founder.Why founders often hesitate to seek advice, the untapped wealth of kn…
The Value of Actually Getting Paid (Avoid This Big Danger) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:28
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter, discuss the misconception that startup founders are incredibly wealthy on paper, while in reality, many struggle with personal financial stabil…
Will Investors Bail Me Out? Brutal Truth About Startup Investments [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:29
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter talk about sacrifices founders make — accumulating debt and foregone salaries, with the expectation of being reimbursed. They discuss how…
Is the problem the Player or the Coach? Team Building Hacks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:10
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter delve into evaluating startup team and management performance. Find out the importance of constant evaluation, highlighting the significan…
Do people really want me to succeed? Founders vs World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:14
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter explore the harsh reality of seeking support as a founder. Surprising, limited number of people who genuinely want to see a founder succee…
You only THINK you work HARD — The Hard Work Illusion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:38
In this episode of the Startup Therapy podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter talk about the common misconception around 'working hard' within startups. They question the measurement of hard work, arguing that effort…
SMALL is the New Big - Embracing Efficiency in the Age of AI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:59
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the evolution of startups from the emphasis on scaling and headcount to prioritizing efficiency and output, largely due to advance…