Founders, Embrace Your Flaws

14/10/2025 41 min Episodio 316
Founders, Embrace Your Flaws

Listen "Founders, Embrace Your Flaws"

Episode Synopsis


Are you convinced that you need to fix all your flaws as a founder? In this episode, we explore why that's not necessarily true. Ryan and Will dive deep into the idea that both startups and their founders are loaded with problems, some of which aren't really 'problems' at all but hidden superpowers. From obsessive tendencies to ADHD, they discuss how to harness these traits for success rather than trying to fix them. Drawing from personal experiences and industry insights, they touch on the influence of pharmaceutical marketing, the role of social media in shaping perceptions, and the importance of finding context for your strengths. This episode challenges you to rethink how you view your weaknesses and offers a fresh perspective on founder self-acceptance and leveraging inherent traits for entrepreneurial success.Resources:Startup Therapy Podcasthttps://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top FoundersWil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:33 Founders and Their Problems01:15 Pharmaceutical Industry Insights02:36 Social Media and Problem Creation03:46 Personal Struggles of Founders05:07 Overthinking and Control Issues11:15 ADHD and Academic Challenges17:11 Harnessing Obsessiveness for Success20:40 Evaluating Self-Help Advice21:09 Struggles with Attention Span21:31 Learning Outside Traditional Education22:15 Emphasizing Strengths Over Weaknesses23:29 Founders and Their Strengths28:08 Anxiety as a Superpower34:46 The Importance of Context in Learning38:36 Self-Acceptance and Utilizing Strengths