Em Conrad

The Soft Startup

Business EN ↓ 6 episodes

The Soft Startup is all about redefining what it means to be a startup founder and CEO. For decades, startup founders have been characterized as the pinnacle of hustle culture. I'm here to challenge that as living, breathing proof that you can work a day job, prioritize R&R, and found a successful startup. Join me every week as I share tips on how to found a startup as a normal person with a good idea while staying sane.

Author

Em Conrad

Episodes

Post-Holiday Blues: How to Get out of a Founder Funk 26.12.2025 20:51

Feeling stuck, unmotivated, or quietly wondering if you’re cut out for entrepreneurship? You’re not alone—and you’re not broken. In this episode of The Soft Startup Podcast , we’re talking honestly about the founder funk : that heavy, foggy season where momentum stalls, confidence dips, and everything feels harder than it should. We’ll unpack: What a founder funk actually is (and why it’s so commo...

Winter Arc, but Make it Chic 19.12.2025 22:09

We all want to take our goals seriously, but how do we do it while we enter the holiday season? Here's a guide to achieve your Winter Arc, Double Down December, etc., while staying sane!

How to Startup When You Literally Have $0 04.12.2025 19:52

You're a normal person with a normal paycheck (or less) and you have a great idea... but how do you turn it into a business? In this episode, I go over a high-level overview of how you can go from zero to hero with literally $0 to your name. If you liked this episode and want to learn more, please listen along at The Soft Startup wherever you get your podcasts and follow on Instagram or TikTok @th...

Soft CEO Diaries: The Art and Discipline of Essentialism 26.11.2025 9:18

As a startup founder, there are SO many plates to spin in the air... How do you manage it all? Welcome to the first episode of the Soft CEO Diaries where I start with arguably the most important tip for work-life balance as a founder: priorities. Much of this episode is inspired by Essentialism by Greg McKeown , so I highly recommend reading his book if you want a deep dive into the art and discip...

How to Startup: Idea Validation - Flop or Not? 19.11.2025 14:27

Before you start a business, you have to make sure your idea is validated. Aka, is your idea a flop or not? In this episode, I take you through the process of idea validation step-by-step to make sure your business flourishes. Please reach out with any comments or questions in the comments, or DM me @thesoftstartup on Instagram or TikTok!

Introduction to The Soft Startup 18.11.2025 1:14

The Soft Startup is a podcast dedicated to teaching you how to found a startup without losing your sanity. Join me every week to learn tricks of the trade from a startup founder and CEO, as well as ways to maintain work-life balance. Instagram: @thesoftstartup TikTok: @thesoftstartup