Startup Therapy

Are startups the future of employment?

What will AI do to everything? In this episode, we explore how AI is set to create a surge in new startups, reshaping employment as we know it. As jobs get displaced, the concept of big employment shifts, giving rise to smaller, more agile companies using AI tools. Drawing parallels with past technological revolutions, we highlight the opportunities that lower costs and new market demands present for founders. We discuss the transformation in various sectors, from customer service to content creation, and emphasize how AI can democratize entrepreneurship globally. Finally, we delve into the exciting potential for startup growth and the role of AI as both a tool and a transformative force in the startup ecosystem. 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: 00:24 The Impact of AI on Employment 01:16 Historical Parallels: Internet and Industrial Revolution 02:32 The Shift from Big Employment to Entrepreneurship 03:16 The Decline of Traditional Jobs 05:25 Opportunities in the New Economy 11:48 The Rise of the Creator Economy 20:15 Macro Trends and Future Outlook 23:52 The Rise of Billion-Dollar Startups 24:24 Price Collapse and Premium Experiences 26:01 The Impact of AI on Startups 26:44 The Creator Economy and Niche Markets 29:06 The Evolution of eSports 31:09 The Dawn of Young CEOs 33:22 The Future of Entrepreneurship 39:43 Global Entrepreneurship and Accessibility 45:56 The Age of the Startup

The Founder Hard Reset

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

Is there a line between Founder optimism and delusion?

Can founders turn delusion into success? In this episode, Ryan and Will discuss the essential role of optimism in startups. Drawing parallels between founders and firefighters, the duo explores how belief against all odds drives entrepreneurs forward. They explain how maintaining optimism is not just about having a positive outlook but about creating momentum from minor wins and leveraging chaos as an opportunity. The hosts also address the fine line between optimism and dishonesty, emphasizing the importance of an 'educated wish.' Whether you're battling to raise funds or struggling to maintain morale, this episode delves into why a founder’s unyielding belief is crucial for startup survival and growth. 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: 00:07 The Delusional Optimism of Founders 01:02 Creating and Living in a Fantasy 02:00 Running Toward Chaos 04:54 The Passion and Drive of Founders 05:59 The Reality of Startup Life 12:08 The Role of Belief and Proof 14:31 Finding Optimism in Small Wins 16:40 Persistence in the Face of Rejection 18:56 The Power of Hope in Business 19:52 The Role of Optimism in Startups 21:41 Balancing Optimism and Honesty 23:03 The Fine Line Between Optimism and Deception 26:07 The Importance of Optimism in Leadership 28:55 The Role of Optimism in Overcoming Challenges 32:05 The Founder's Mindset: Manufacturing Optimism

Prioritize Productivity Over Popularity

Ever find yourself caught in the trap of confusing visibility with progress? In this episode, we'll delve into why seeking attention can often feel like momentum but doesn't necessarily translate to business traction. Will Schroter shares a cautionary tale from his own experience, revealing how his focus on brand-building and networking kept him from truly building his company. We explore the fine line between personal branding and productivity, and why many founders need to prioritize the latter to achieve real success. It's a reminder that until your product and business are fully developed, every external interaction could be costing you more than it's worth. 00:30 The Trap of Visibility: A Personal Story 02:24 The Illusion of Popularity vs. Productivity 06:21 The Modern-Day Equivalent: Social Media 09:24 Balancing Publicity and Productivity 11:23 Cautionary Tales and Lessons Learned 12:55 The Importance of Focus and Balance 14:48 Earning the Right to Brand Build 15:29 The Pitfalls of Prioritizing Popularity Over Business 16:07 The Honeymoon Period of Venture Funding 17:40 The Dangers of Personal Branding for Founders 18:47 When Personal Views Hurt Business 21:39 Balancing Personal and Company Brand 23:48 Focus on Building the Business First 30:22 The Cost of External Interactions 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:

Better is Better than Bigger

Is getting bigger always better for startups? This episode dives into the hidden costs of scaling up and how growth can sometimes make a company worse, not better. Ryan and Will discuss the trade-offs between size and quality, using examples like Google and PayPal. They explore how rapid growth can diminish company culture, slow down decision-making, and introduce inefficiencies. The conversation also covers personal experiences in startup growth, emphasizing the importance of optimizing for better rather than just bigger. Whether it's adding more staff or raising capital, they advocate for making decisions that enhance company quality and founder life satisfaction. 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: 00:14 The Myth of Bigger is Better 00:43 Examples of Companies That Grew and Suffered 02:00 The Hidden Costs of Scaling 05:08 Personal Experiences with Growth Challenges 13:01 The Importance of Freedom and Quality 17:18 The Hidden Costs of Growth 17:58 Balancing Growth and Quality of Life 20:39 Defining Non-Negotiables for Better Business 22:33 Scaling with Soul: Maintaining Company Culture 24:41 Quality Over Quantity: Making Strategic Decisions 28:07 The Power of Saying No 31:15 Sticking to Your Values for Sustainable Growth