Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter explore the intricate and often misunderstood relationship between founders and their startups. They tackle the question of whether the founder works for the startup or vice versa, challenging common perceptions shaped by societal views and political discourse. The hosts discuss the unspoken 'contract' entrepreneurs form with themselves, the inevitable trade-offs of startup leadership, and the sacrifices founders make for their companies. They emphasize the emotional and financial tolls on founders, the discrepancies in founder-employee dynamics, and the need for startups to stay aligned with the founder's original mission. This episode stresses the importance of maintaining control and balancing personal goals with the demands of the startup ecosystem.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/st...Websitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn   / startups-co  Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroter  / wilschroter  Ryan Rutan  / ryan-rutan  What to listen for00:35 The Founder vs. Startup Dilemma00:51 Political and Economic Perspectives01:40 The Reality of Founders' Lives03:00 The Initial Contract of Founders05:11 The Shift in Founders' Roles06:15 The Permanent Struggle of Founders07:43 Revisiting the Founders' Goals10:34 The Reality Check15:30 The Investor's Impact15:44 The New Boss: Investors and Liabilities16:49 The Pain of Payroll: Sacrificing Founder Salaries19:10 Credit Cards and Cash Flow: Desperate Measures21:20 The Founder’s Dilemma: Sacrifice and Equity23:42 The Reality of Startup Success: Rare and Elusive28:28 The Emotional Toll: Identity and Relationships31:49 Conclusion: Building a Startup That Works for You

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