Founder Mode

EPISODE 8In this episode, serial entrepreneur Ritwik Pavan joins Kevin Henrikson and Jason Shafton to explore the rise of AI-first product design and its profound implications on consumer hardware, smart cities, and modular construction. They discuss the essential strategies founders need to adopt, including the importance of hyper-personalization, overcoming challenges in training data, untapped opportunities in lifestyle and public safety sectors, and why AI is turning hardware into recurring revenue businesses.CHAPTERS00:34 – What It Means to Build AI-First03:53 – Ritwik’s Journey and AI Consumer Innovations08:41 – Smart Cities, AI, and the Future of Urban Life17:08 – Modular Construction and AI’s Role in Housing22:20 – Underrated Opportunities: Lifestyle and Public SafetyLINKSConnect with Ritwik PavanHardware Herald • LinkedIn • X/TwitterStay Connected with Founder ModeSubscribe to our newsletter: foundermode.kit.comConnect with KevinLinkedIn • X/TwitterConnect with JasonLinkedIn • X/Twitter

Peter Farago, a seasoned marketing leader with a strong background in zero-to-one strategies, shares invaluable insights for early-stage startups. He emphasizes the power of empathy, adaptability, and the importance of a clear value proposition. Discussing his experiences at Flurry and Acompli, he highlights leveraging customer feedback and iterative messaging. Farago also addresses AI’s transformative role, reassuring that it won’t replace jobs but reshape marketing practices. Packed with actionable advice, his conversation is a must-listen for founders navigating crowded markets.

EPISODE 6In 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.CHAPTERS00:00 – Why Saying No Matters for Remote Teams02:23 – Setting Boundaries and Avoiding Burnout09:12 – Remote Work Fundamentals & Hiring15:18 – Onboarding & Team Summits22:21 – Building Trust Through Retreats & Face-to-Face TimeLINKSConnect with Viktor PeterssonScreenly: https://www.screenly.io/sbomify: https://sbomify.com/Podcast: https://vpetersson.com/podcastLIinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vpetersson/X/Twitter: https://mobile.x.com/vpeterssonStay Connected with Founder ModeSubscribe to our newsletter: foundermode.kit.comConnect with KevinLinkedIn • X/TwitterConnect with JasonLinkedIn • X/Twitter

EPISODE 5In 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.CHAPTERS0:00 — Why Asking Is a Founder Superpower5:18 — How Andreas Landed Jobs by Asking the Right Way11:02 — Fundraising: Clarity, Conviction & Handling Rejection18:05 — Hiring: Framing Startups as Growth Opportunities26:11 — Final Takeaway: Ask AuthenticallyLINKSConnect with AndreasPersonal Site • LinkedInStay Connected with Founder ModeSubscribe to our newsletter: foundermode.kit.comConnect with KevinLinkedIn • X/TwitterConnect with JasonLinkedIn • X/Twitter

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.CHAPTERS0:00 — Bill Russell & The Anxiety Factor0:35 — Episode Intro: Anxiety as a Founder’s Superpower1:08 — Overcoming Founder Anxiety & People Challenges7:21 — Interview with Slobodan (No Hacks, PodPacer)25:45 — Recap & Closing ThoughtsLINKSCheck Out SlobodanNo Hacks Podcast • PodPacer • LinkedInStay Connected with Founder ModeSubscribe to our newsletter: foundermode.kit.comConnect with KevinLinkedIn • X/TwitterConnect with JasonLinkedIn • X/Twitter

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.

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

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.