A few weeks ago, we released our first Reboot Extras in collaboration with NextView Venture’s Traction Podcast. Today we’re happy to bring you part 2 of that conversation.
In today’s Reboot Extras, NextView’s Jay Acunzo really takes on the role of a skeptic (and plays it quite well). He challenges me with questions that we occasionally hear from founders and startup leaders: “Does the soft, interpersonal and relational, stuff really matter?” Or the more common form of pushback: “yes, yes, I know I should think about that stuff – but I’ll do that when we’re further along and I have more time.” It’s the idea that if I’m not seeing a measurable impact on my bottom line RIGHT NOW by investing in the health of my team and co-founder relationship, then how can it possibly be worth my time? [Spoiler: It is. And the best time to do this type of work? Now.]
We also explore several big challenges facing founders in an effort to debunk the myth that the “soft stuff” is less important than the “harder” skills we typically hear more about. We believe the startup world needs less “how tos” and more self-reflection around the question: “how am I personally showing up?” And this is perhaps the most important question startup founders can ask themselves – after all, one of the biggest reasons startups fail is due to Co-Founder conflict.
This is Part 2 in a series about the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur in a special collaboration with NextView Venture’s podcast: Traction. Specifically, we’ll tackle issues of communication, leadership, and mental well-being.