OnlyFounders
What really happens when two founders hit record?
Welcome to OnlyFounders, the unfiltered podcast where Anne Gillaspie and Matt Lo—two wildly different founders with wildly good chemistry—let you eavesdrop on the conversations that usually happen behind closed doors.
From the brand therapist brain of Anne (Fix & Form) to the tech-obsessed mind of Matt (ChipBot), these are the deep dives, off-the-rails riffs, and philosophical rabbit holes that business owners crave but rarely get. Think of it as your morning coffee with two founders who aren’t afraid to disagree, throw a little shade, and get real about the humanity and science of building things that last.
Business. Branding. Technology. Psychology. Strategy. Swearing. It’s all on the table.
Grab your mug. You’re invited.
OnlyFounders
004: “Business Plans Are Bullsh*t”: What Founders Actually Learn by Screwing Up
Anne and Matt unload on one of the most sacred cows in startup land: the business plan. From bootstrapping to burnout, they argue that movement—not modeling—is what drives real progress. Anne unpacks how her chaotic childhood wired her to thrive in founder chaos, while Matt reveals how failing high school didn’t stop him from cracking six figures by 23. They both agree: the faster you hit the sh*t, the faster you grow. Founders stuck in perfection mode—this one’s for you.
🚨 Stuff You’ll Want to Remember:
- Business plans are just coping mechanisms—stop stalling and start testing.
- Branding isn’t a luxury—it’s a compass. Especially when AI makes execution easy.
- Failing fast is a founder’s greatest growth hack. Embrace the discomfort.
- If your brand feels off, your sales probably are too.
- Tariffs, AI, and fear-based frugality are reshaping who buys creative services—and how.
💣 Sh*t Only Founders Say:
- “Business plans are not great. They’re just excuses.” — Anne
- “Most people don’t fail because of failure. They fail because they never moved.” — Matt
- “The second you prove your plan is wrong, the whole thing’s useless.” — Matt
- “We don’t call it brand therapy for nothing.” — Anne
- “People think branding is the logo. No—it’s the soul.” — Anne
💬 Lines That Slap:
“Get to the sh*t fast—and then sit in it. That’s where the growth happens.” — Anne
“You don’t need a f*cking business plan. You just send it.” — Matt
“Forward means failing, flailing, thriving, whatever—as long as you’re not stuck.” — Anne“
AI made branding cheaper. That doesn’t mean it’s optional.” — Matt
📡 Where to Find Us
- Anne → Fix & Form - LinkedIn
- Matt → ChipBot - LinkedIn