In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan and Will discuss the challenges of managing early-stage startup teams, particularly the high likelihood of turnover and the risks of handing out equity prematurely. They talk about the emotional toll of losing key team members and offer practical advice on creating vesting schedules and setting realistic expectations to safeguard against these common pitfalls. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of initial hires, the importance of flexibility, and the need to balance passion with practical considerations in team building.
Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter
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 00:00 Introduction to Startup Challenges 00:09 The Reality of Early Startup Teams 01:25 Startup Weekend Insights 02:38 The First Love Analogy 03:44 The Commitment Dilemma 04:24 Life Happens: Unplanned Disruptions 12:02 The Fragility of Equity-Based Compensation 13:45 Long-Term Team Dynamics 15:32 Understanding the Nature of Turnover 17:44 The Emotional Impact of Employee Departure 18:52 The Reality of Passion and Commitment 27:20 Equity Distribution and Vesting Schedules 31:50 Preparing for Inevitable Change

Wil Schroter

Ryan Rutan

Assume Everyone Will Leave in Year One

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan and Will discuss the challenges of managing early-stage startup teams, particularly the high likelihood of turnover and the risks of handing out equity prematurely. They talk about the emotional toll of losing key team members and offer practical advice on creating vesting schedules and setting realistic [&hellip;]

Startup Therapy Episode #270

Assume Everyone Will Leave in Year One