In this episode, we're talking to founder Andrew Askins about his experience growing an agency, getting acqui-hired, and then getting fired. We talk about company culture, the unique challenges of being a founder, and what it's like to bootstrap a software business.
 
Links

• AndrewAskins.com
• MetaMonster.ai

Takeaways

• Selling a business creates unexpected emotional challenges, particularly around maintaining team culture and transparency during transition
• The shift from founder to employee requires significant identity adjustment and emotional processing
• Mindfulness practices and somatic therapy provide practical tools for managing entrepreneurial stress and anxiety
• Successful entrepreneurship requires balancing optimistic vision with realistic anxiety management
• Strong partnerships can provide essential emotional and strategic balance in business leadership
• Teaching and public speaking effectiveness comes from authentic storytelling rather than technical perfection
• Fear of judgment often blocks creative potential more than actual skill limitations
• Building genuine community and psychological safety unlocks both team and individual growth

Creators & Guests