In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Jonathan Lowenhar, founder and managing partner of Enjoy the Work, to explore the challenges founders face as their startups grow.

Jonathan shares his perspective on why successful founders often lose control of their companies, the gap between founding a startup and effectively running one, and how a lack of structured mentorship and training puts founders at risk of being replaced by their boards.

They discuss the importance of aligning expectations between CEOs and investors, founder-driven sales, and the evolving startup culture that now embraces mental health and sustainable leadership.

Jonathan also recounts his own diverse career journey from casino executive to fintech leader, and how these experiences shaped his mission to empower founders to develop the skills necessary to lead long-term.

The conversation highlights practical strategies for founders to navigate fundraising, scaling, and board relationships, all while maintaining control and purpose in their companies. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the founder’s path, the systemic issues within venture capital, and the emerging solutions that support founder longevity and success.

Learn more about Enjoy the Work at: https://enjoythework.com/

Connect with Jonathan Lowenhar on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlowenhar/

Think you'd be a great guest on the show?

Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/

Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work?

Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com