Follow the Gradient Most Startups Die by Suicide, Not Murder — Jake Bornstein on Coaching Founders Through Chaos
Jul 17, 2025
Jake Bornstein, a veteran coach who has guided over 150 founders, shares candid insights into the tumultuous world of startups. He reveals that the real killer of startups is often self-sabotage rather than competition. With a background at Bridgewater, Jake discusses the critical yet messy roles that coaching plays in navigating founder challenges and personal chaos. He emphasizes the need for hard clarity and the transformational power of self-acceptance in leadership, offering practical advice for selecting the right coach to foster growth.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Founders Must Constantly Evolve
- Founders must constantly evolve and grow into bigger versions of themselves to lead a startup successfully.
- The journey demands facing unknown challenges and fears repeatedly, beyond typical job responsibilities.
Jake's Health Crisis Pivot
- Jake Bornstein transitioned from hedge fund work to coaching founders after a severe health crisis.
- This pivot was fueled by his discovery of coaching and meditation as powerful personal growth tools.
What Makes a Great Coach
- A great coach helps founders face emotional and intellectual blind spots while growing into what the business demands.
- Unlike friends or executives, coaches provide honest, unbiased perspectives critical for founder growth and clarity.