Second Life Brynn Putnam: Founder of Mirror and Board
Oct 28, 2025
Brynn Putnam is a former professional ballerina and the innovative founder behind tech companies Mirror and Board. She discusses her journey from dance to developing Mirror, an interactive fitness solution, and shares the challenges of fundraising while pregnant. Brynn also reveals her latest project, Board, which combines board and video games to enhance family connectivity. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on leadership lessons and the importance of prioritizing relationships over work, offering valuable advice for those considering career changes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Life As A Dancer
- Brynn grew up dancing from age three and joined School of American Ballet by seven, later joining New York City Ballet at 16.
- She never fully decided ballet was her lifetime career and always loved school and learning.
Literature Shaped Product Empathy
- Studying literature taught Brynn empathy and storytelling that shaped product design and narratives.
- She credits literary study with enabling better emotional product experiences.
Bootstrapped Studio Beginnings
- Brynn rented a cheap church room for $1,200/month and built wall-mounted fitness equipment from sailing pulleys and elastic bands.
- Space and budget constraints forced creative, efficient studio design.