Episode OverviewThis episode tackles one of the most critical challenges in startup leadership: repairing damaged co-founder relationships. Ryan Vaughn, executive coach and founder of Inside Out Leadership, brings his experience as a 3x serial entrepreneur and coach to over 100 founders worth $10+ billion in equity value. Having navigated co-founder tensions in each of his three companies, Ryan shares his proven "Clearing Conversation Framework" - a simple but challenging 3-step process that eliminates relational debt and restores open communication between business partners.Ryan ExplainsWhat relational "cruft" is and why it inevitably builds up between co-founders over timeHow withholding small grievances creates communication debt that destroys business performanceThe "speaking inarguably" technique to present facts without triggering defensivenessWhy taking 100% responsibility is the key to unlocking change and preventing blame cyclesHow to identify your role in creating dysfunction using the "adjunct professor" exerciseThe complete 3-step Clearing Conversation Framework for rebuilding co-founder trustTimestamps00:53 - Introduction and audio setup discussion01:46 - Hampton community background and revenue criteria03:09 - Co-founder relationship challenges overview05:51 - Matt's podcast evolution and format07:14 - Ryan's multi-faceted co-founder experience08:22 - Defining relational "cruft" and communication debt10:02 - Marriage comparison and inevitable relationship buildup12:00 - Three-step clearing conversation framework introduction13:18 - Step 1: Observing what's true15:36 - Speaking inarguably technique explained16:10 - Emotional literacy for leaders discussion17:33 - Step 2A: Taking 100% responsibility20:19 - The adjunct professor thought experiment21:08 - Ego resistance to taking responsibility23:38 - Step 2B: Acknowledging impact on others25:23 - Step 3: Making commitments for change25:53 - Why no apology is required28:33 - Framework frequency and maintenance30:07 - Implementation success rates and outcomes31:34 - Inside Out Leadership introduction and contactFollow Ryan Vaughn:Website: leadinsideout.ioLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryanhvaughnAbout Ryan's CompanyInside Out Leadership is a boutique executive coaching firm staffed entirely by post-exit founders who have transitioned into coaching. Founded by Ryan Vaughn after scaling and exiting VNN (a media company), the firm specializes in helping founders transform their companies into their masterpieces while stepping fully into their lives. Ryan's unique background includes founding and serving as CEO of three companies over 15 years, with experience raising venture capital, scaling operations, and navigating complex co-founder dynamics. The firm focuses on the personal growth process of startup leadership, working with founders at all scales on both individual development and organizational transformation.About How Do I?The How Do I? Podcast gives you 60 minutes with industry experts who teach their expertise to eCommerce founders and business operators. Each episode centers on a single "How do I...?" question, providing actionable tactics you can implement immediately.Host: Matt Putra, Founder & CEO of EightxOur SponsorsEightx helps eCommerce, CPG, and SaaS companies scale profitably with expert CFO services and financial architecture. Founded by Matt Putra, Eightx specializes in cash flow optimization, financial planning, and strategic growth guidance for businesses between $5-80MM in annual revenue or venture-backed companies....

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