When Your Start-up Dies, Do You? (The Founder Identity Trap)
Most founders are told to go all in.
But what happens when your identity becomes your company?
In this episode, Chip Conley, founder of a hotel hospitality group and mentor to Airbnb’s CEO, shares the realities most founders don’t talk about.
We cover:
- Why tying your identity to your start-up can be dangerous
- The emotional toll of building, and what happens when things fall apart
- Lessons from mentoring Brian Chesky at Airbnb
- How to lead without ego and empower your team
- What comes after success, burnout, or exit
This is a candid conversation about leadership, resilience, and building a life beyond your company.
