11/11 The premortem gives you a quick and easy way to test character (and think deeply about your business).

A fragile partner sees a list of potential failures as an attack.

A real partner doesn't. Simple as that.

Go find that partner.

10/11 If they do any of this, then run

❌ Defensive responses
❌ Shut down emotionally
❌ Downplay your concerns

Keep them if they can

✅ Show curiosity
✅ Argue respectfully
✅ Collaborate to find the best path

9/11 Step 3: Argue

Go around the room, one reason at a time. Put every point on the board.

This is where the pressure hits. Debate your weaknesses, your strategy, and even your personal flaws.

8/11 Step 2: Brainstorm

Spend 15 mins silently and independently writing down every reason why it failed. Be ruthless.

No idea is off-limits. Especially the uncomfortable ones about each other's weaknesses.

7/11 Step 1: Gather

Get your cofounder and find a room with a whiteboard.

Tell them: “It’s 18 months from today. Our company has failed. It's completely over.”

6/11 "But how do I test this before we're 6 months deep and locked in?"

Run a "premortem".

It’s a simple 2-hour exercise designed to simulate failure and reveal true character.

5/11 Stop asking: “Can we get along?”

Start asking:

- Can we fight for the truth?
- Can we disagree under pressure?
- Can we come back stronger after conflict?

4/11 The problem is we vetted for the honeymoon:

✅ “Do we have good vibes?”
✅ “Do we have the same vision?”
✅ “Do we have complementary skills?”

We accidentally screened for a lack of conflict. Big mistake.

3/11 I learned this the hard way. I once started a company with my best friend.

We were so scared of conflict hurting our friendship that we avoided every tough decision.

The business died from a thousand indecisions.

2/11 Harvard research shows 65% of high-potential startups fail due to cofounder conflict. It’s the #1 killer.

Not your marketing. Not your product.

Just an inability to handle conflict.

Had the same mental block, but after making a few posts, the voice in my head just disappeared.

Kudos to you for pushing through, keen to see what's next :)

Been there. I've got a "ruthless CEO" prompt that I run major decisions through for this exact situation when my brain is fried:

"You are a ruthless CEO, with only 3 months of runway. I want to do X. Only approve if it's vital. Otherwise, deny."

So true.

With AI, people are building more than ever before, the only thing that can't be replicated is the audience.

congrats!

let's connect!