EPISODE 7

In this episode, seasoned marketing leader Peter Farago shares zero-to-one marketing insights for early-stage startups, emphasizing empathy, iterative messaging, and organic inbound strategies. Drawing on experiences from Flurry, Acompli, and RunLLM, Peter highlights the importance of a clear value proposition, building brand credibility, and leveraging customer feedback loops. He also addresses AI’s evolving role in marketing, reassuring listeners that AI won’t replace jobs but will reshape how marketers operate. Packed with tangible advice, this conversation offers a roadmap for founders seeking to refine their product, storytelling, and growth approach in crowded markets.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introducing Peter Farago and the Power of Empathy

01:34 – Zero-to-One Marketing Fundamentals

08:03 – Lessons from Acompli’s Early Growth

16:42 – Leveraging Customer Feedback and Iteration

29:04 – AI’s Evolving Role in Marketing

LINKS

Connect with Peter Farago

runllm.com • LinkedIn • X/Twitter • Podcast

Stay Connected with Founder Mode

Subscribe to our newsletter: foundermode.kit.com

Connect with Kevin

LinkedIn • X/Twitter

Connect with Jason

LinkedIn • X/Twitter

EPISODE 6

In this episode, Viktor Petersson shares how saying “no” can be a superpower for founders managing remote teams. He discusses practical strategies for email triage, boundary-setting to avoid burnout, and why in-person retreats are key to trust and alignment. Learn how Viktor’s approach to documentation, intrinsic motivation, and selective communication helps him preserve energy for what matters most—while still leaving the door open for valuable opportunities.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Why Saying No Matters for Remote Teams

02:23 – Setting Boundaries and Avoiding Burnout

09:12 – Remote Work Fundamentals & Hiring

15:18 – Onboarding & Team Summits

22:21 – Building Trust Through Retreats & Face-to-Face Time

LINKS

Connect with Viktor Petersson

Screenly: https://www.screenly.io/
sbomify: https://sbomify.com/
Podcast: https://vpetersson.com/podcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vpetersson/
X/Twitter: https://mobile.x.com/vpetersson

Stay Connected with Founder Mode

Subscribe to our newsletter: foundermode.kit.com

Connect with Kevin

LinkedIn • X/Twitter

Connect with Jason

LinkedIn • X/Twitter

EPISODE 5

In this episode of Founder Mode, Jason and Kevin sit down with Andreas Homer—startup founder, former BD leader at Microsoft, and now Head of Product Partnerships at Shopify—to explore the underrated superpower of asking. They unpack how a single well-phrased request can unlock jobs, capital, and high-leverage relationships. Andreas shares how he’s built a career by asking with clarity, fairness, and authenticity—whether it's securing investor intros, landing competitive roles, or hiring top-tier talent. The episode also dives into how to ask differently depending on your audience—investors, users, or team members—and why being yourself beats mimicking someone else’s style. The key lesson: Asking isn’t about pressure or persuasion—it’s about being clear, human, and real.

CHAPTERS

• 0:00 — Why Asking Is a Founder Superpower
• 5:18 — How Andreas Landed Jobs by Asking the Right Way
• 11:02 — Fundraising: Clarity, Conviction & Handling Rejection
• 18:05 — Hiring: Framing Startups as Growth Opportunities
• 26:11 — Final Takeaway: Ask Authentically

LINKS

Connect with Andreas
Personal Site • LinkedIn

Stay Connected with Founder ModeSubscribe to our newsletter: foundermode.kit.com

Connect with Kevin
LinkedIn • X/Twitter

Connect with Jason
LinkedIn • X/Twitter