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Podcast Episode

The Pressures of Running a Company: What Happens When Things Break? - with Jon Mest

The Startup Saga Podcast··11 September 2026·1h 12m

About this episode

In this episode of The Start-Up Saga, we explore one of the most difficult and deeply human parts of building a company: what happens when things break. Together with Jon Mest, CEO of Just Reach Out and ChatRank, we talk openly about startup failure, founder conflict, burnout, emotional resilience and the pressure that comes with leading a company through uncertainty and setbacks. Jon shares lessons from his experience building companies across different industries and stages, and we explore how difficult moments can shape the way founders lead, make decisions and understand themselves. If you’ve ever questioned yourself as a founder, struggled with pressure or wondered what a setback really means for your company, this conversation is for you.