Build a Business That Doesn’t Run You: Dan Kieran

In this live episode of Virgin StartUp Changemakers, Ben Keene sits down with Unbound co-founder and author Dan Kieran to explore the part of entrepreneurship that business books often overlook: what building a company does to the person building it. Drawing on more than a decade of building and leading crowdfunding publisher Unbound, Dan shares the lessons behind what he calls the founder’s “second journey”. From fundraising and finding the right co-founders to protecting your mental health, managing your ego and eventually making yourself less essential to the business, this is a candid conversation about becoming the founder your company needs without allowing it to consume you. Whether you're taking your first steps into entrepreneurship, leading a growing startup or questioning your relationship with the business you've built, this episode offers a different perspective on success and the personal work that comes with being a founder. In this episode: Why founders go on two journeys when they start a business Separating your identity and self-worth from your startup The three responsibilities Dan believes every founder should prioritise Turning your vision into a tool for better business decisions How to tell a stronger story when raising investment Finding co-founders with complementary skills and navigating conflict Why great leaders step forward when things go wrong and back when things go right Protecting time for the activities that support your mental wellbeing Building a company that can eventually succeed without you Changemakers is brought to you by Virgin StartUp, the not-for-profit organisation helping founders start and scale the businesses they're passionate about. Recorded live at Virgin StartUp's Changemakers events, every episode features honest conversations with entrepreneurs, founders and business leaders sharing the lessons, challenges and ideas shaping the future of business. Looking to start or grow your own business? Find out more at virginstartup.org Brought to you in partnership with our friends at Virgin Money - the home of brighter business banking.