In episode 53, Dr. Will Van Derveer and Krista Van Derveer dive deep into the complexities of selecting the right business partner. They embark on a journey through the early stages of forming a business partnership or co-founder relationship, offering valuable insights and wisdom that go beyond conventional advice found online.

The episode begins by likening the initial partnership discussions to a dating experience. Dr. Will and Krista share essential questions to ask potential partners, such as inquiring about past partnership experiences, conflict resolution methods, and the reasons behind not being in previous partnerships. They underscore the importance of assessing a person's subjective interpretation of their past experiences, as this can reveal much about their mindset and readiness for collaboration.

As the conversation unfolds, the hosts shed light on practical considerations for prospective business partners. They emphasize the significance of finding complementary skill sets and strengths within a partnership. Drawing parallels between successful business partnerships and various forms of teamwork, they highlight the need for well-defined roles and areas of expertise.

The episode delves into the delicate matter of commitment and motivation. Listeners are encouraged to evaluate their potential partners' commitment levels and motivations. You’ll hear a distinction between ego-driven motives and deep, impactful purposes, and an exploration of maintaining a growth-oriented mindset, especially in the face of entrepreneurial challenges.

Tune in to this episode for an in-depth exploration of the early stages of choosing the right business partner and building a strong foundation for a successful partnership.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or on your favorite podcast platform. 

Topics Covered:

• Advice on how to choose the right business partner and what questions to ask
• Essential skill sets and strengths for successful partnerships, ensuring that partners can work harmoniously and move the company mission forward
• The importance of a growth-oriented mindset for overcoming entrepreneurial challenges
• Being comfortable with discomfort, addressing challenges, and providing and receiving feedback effectively
• Creating clear agreements for the business relationship to ensure a successful partnership and successful company

Resources Mentioned: 

• The Art of We Episode 52: Why You Want A Secure Functioning Business Partnership
• The Art Of We - Our Top 10 Relationship Agreements 

Get in Touch: 

• The Art Of We Website
• The Art of We Instagram 
• Integrative Psychiatry Institute: Integrative Mental Wellness & Psychedelic Therapy Training

Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts: 

If you want to show your support for this show, please consider rating and reviewing The Art of We on Apple Podcasts. To do that, open the Apple Podcasts app and search for The Art of We. Scroll to the bottom of the package and rate with 5 stars. Let us know your favorite part of the show by clicking “Write a Review.” While you’re at it, follow the show so you can get the latest episode delivered to your phone weekly.