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.

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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/

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Wil Schroter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/
Ryan Rutan
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rutan/

What to listen for:

00:13 Exploring Founder Origin Stories
01:51 Will's Childhood Story
10:14 The Power of Agency
10:53 Teaching Kids About Agency
20:54 Personal Reflections on Agency
21:22 The Power of Agency and Optimism
22:14 Parental Protection vs. Empowerment
22:40 Real-Life Stories of Overcoming Adversity
24:40 The Magic of Agency in Hardship
26:42 Tools for Founders and Kids
27:23 Early Lessons in Entrepreneurship
34:56 The Importance of Sales Skills
42:29 Teaching Kids the Value of Agency
43:22 Join the Startups.com Community