What REALLY makes a startup work? Andrew Ackerman, founder of two startups, investor in 70+ companies, and author of The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey, pulls back the curtain with stories, practical advice, and lessons every founder (or future founder) should hear. In this Yollab Central episode, Andrew shares what he wishes he’d known starting out, why “shipping ugly” is better than perfection, and the secret sauce to finding great mentors and making tough decisions in real time.
Discover how to experiment fast, avoid “startup paralysis,” and separate good advice from confidently-delivered fluff. Hear about the “index card app” method for testing before you build, smart ways to handle corporate requests, and tips for vetting coaches and mentors in the crowded startup space. Andrew’s new book, The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey—blending lean startup strategy with narrative storytelling, is packed with insights, humor, and actionable wisdom for startups, founders, VCs, and anyone learning the entrepreneurial ropes.
Guest: Andrew Ackerman
Connect: andrewbackerman.com | Book: The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey (Amazon)
Lean startup myths and the power of “shipping ugly”
How to rapidly experiment and know when to say “yes”
Picking and vetting mentors & coaches
Real-world examples: pricing, product-market fit, and customer feedback
Lessons learned from 70+ investments and decades in startups
Why storytelling beats startup “how-to” lists
Ready for practical founder wisdom that sticks? Watch the episode, drop your startup questions in the comments, and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes journeys.
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The views and opinions expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. The host is not responsible for any statements made by the guest.