Are Founders Forged Over Youth?

In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Will Schroter discuss how childhood experiences influence the entrepreneurial journey. They explore why many founders' origin stories trace back to their early years and how formative events can plant the seeds of entrepreneurship. Will shares his personal story of selling candy as a child, highlighting moments that taught him vital business skills. The conversation also delves into the importance of agency, the tools needed for entrepreneurial success, and the role of parents in nurturing a child's potential to create their own path.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/community/startup-therapyWebsitehttps://www.startups.com/beginLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/startups-co/Join our Network of Top Founders Wil Schroterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/Ryan Rutanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/What to listen for:00:13 Exploring Founder Origin Stories01:51 Will's Childhood Story10:14 The Power of Agency10:53 Teaching Kids About Agency20:54 Personal Reflections on Agency21:22 The Power of Agency and Optimism22:14 Parental Protection vs. Empowerment22:40 Real-Life Stories of Overcoming Adversity24:40 The Magic of Agency in Hardship26:42 Tools for Founders and Kids27:23 Early Lessons in Entrepreneurship34:56 The Importance of Sales Skills42:29 Teaching Kids the Value of Agency43:22 Join the Startups.com Community