The Founders Backroom is where people building businesses and organizations share what really happened: the hard decisions, setbacks, turning points, and lessons that rarely make the highlight reel.

Who we’re looking for

• Founders, business owners, and community builders from anywhere with firsthand experience.
• People willing to talk honestly about a challenge and what changed because of it.
• Guests who can leave another founder with a useful lesson, not just a sales pitch.

We review applications for story and audience fit. This is an editorial conversation, not a paid placement, and applying does not guarantee an interview. Share only what you would be comfortable discussing publicly.

Apply to be a guest

Tell us who you are, the turning point you would discuss, and what someone else can learn from it. The application takes about five minutes.

Start the guest application

Review our Privacy Policy before applying.