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

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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

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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

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LinkedIn • X/Twitter

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Episode 4: In this episode of Founder Mode, Jason and Kevin kick things off with an unexpected Bill Russell story—revealing how the legendary NBA center threw up before every single game, including the easiest matchups. It becomes a perfect parallel for founders grappling with anxieties that simply won’t go away. They argue that anxiety, if handled properly, can be the secret sauce of drive and resilience. Special guest Slobodan “Sani” Manic, host of the No Hacks podcast and founder of PodPacer, discusses turning nerves into productive energy, the importance of building culture with real integrity (no shortcuts!), and why data should inform but never completely override your gut. They wrap by emphasizing old-school personal values in a world of AI-driven quick fixes—reminding us that nothing beats honesty and consistent effort when building a sustainable, founder-led venture.

Episode 3: In this episode of Founder Mode, Jason and Kevin dive into how AI is transforming startup life—from supercharging everyday workflows to enabling solo entrepreneurs to build fully functional SaaS products in record time. They share personal anecdotes on using AI tools for email summarization, research, marketing campaigns, and even multimillion-dollar licensing negotiations. The highlight is an interview with Alex Finn, founder of CreatorBuddy, who reveals how he leveraged AI coding to singlehandedly create a six-figure ARR content platform for X (formerly Twitter). Alex emphasizes the value of empowering individuals to act as independent entrepreneurs within organizations and explains why forming and expressing strong opinions is essential in a noisy tech landscape. The takeaway: AI can handle grunt work at lightning speed, but human insight, creativity, and leadership remain the driving forces behind true innovation.

Chapters

• 0:00 — Introduction & AI’s Transformational Power
• 5:43 — Negotiating with AI & Productivity Wins
• 8:40 — Avoiding “Slop-Bot” Syndrome
• 18:12 — Interview with Alex Finn & CreatorBuddy
• 28:08 — Key Takeaways & Wrap-Up

Connect with Alex:

X/Twitter
Check out CreatorBuddy (use code FOUNDER for 20% off your first 6 months)
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Connect with Kevin:
LinkedIn | X/Twitter

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LinkedIn | X/Twitter