Founder Mode
Kevin Henrikson and Jason Shafton
Founder Mode is a podcast for builders—whether it’s startups, systems, or personal growth. It’s about finding your flow, balancing health, wealth, and productivity, and tackling challenges with focus and curiosity. Each week, you’ll gain actionable insights and fresh perspectives to help you think like a founder and build what matters most.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 1, 2025 • 30min
AI & The Future of SaaS with Alex Finn
In this discussion, Alex Finn, founder of CreatorBuddy—a content AI app—shares insights on using AI to revolutionize startup life. He reveals how he harnessed AI coding to create a six-figure ARR platform for X (formerly Twitter). The conversation dives into how AI empowers solo entrepreneurs, enhances productivity, and transforms app development. Alex stresses the importance of strong opinions and human creativity in a tech landscape dominated by noise. His experiences highlight how AI can handle routine tasks, allowing innovators to focus on what truly matters.
Mar 25, 2025 • 31min
The Hard Truth About Health & Hustle: You Can't Have it All
Episode 2: In this episode, Jason Shafton and Kevin Henrikson discuss balancing health and hustle as a founder, exploring why many entrepreneurs struggle to maintain their health and relationships while building businesses. They highlight the importance of recognizing the phase you're in, using tools and AI to simplify health management, and proactively communicating with family and colleagues to protect essential relationships. Kevin shares insights from his extensive tracking of health data and how he leverages technology, while Jason provides candid reflections on managing family life amidst intense work commitments. The conversation emphasizes sustainable practices and prioritizing impactful actions over mere busyness.00:00 - Intro: Crawl, Walk, Run01:44 - Balancing Health and Hustle as Founders16:05 - Tools and AI for Health Management21:15 - Protecting Relationships During Intense Work27:49 - Identifying and Managing Your Current PhaseSubscribe to the Founder Mode newsletterConnect with Kevin: LinkedIn X/TwitterConnect with Jason: LinkedIn X/Twitter
Mar 14, 2025 • 47min
Luck is a Skill - You Can Manufacture It
Luck isn’t merely chance; it’s a skill you can develop. The hosts share personal stories from tech giants and startups, illustrating how founders craft their own opportunities through strategic networking and calculated risks. They discuss the hard work hidden behind perceived luck, emphasizing resilience and preparation. The importance of a founder mentality in everyday life is highlighted, along with insights on leveraging technology and building strong relationships to create your own luck in entrepreneurship.
