Meeting Every Need with Ryan Woodbury, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Needed
Stairway to CEO
· with Ryan Woodbury
· March 15, 2022
· 68 min
Summary
This episode features Ryan Woodbury, Co-Founder of Needed, who shares her journey in building a company dedicated to resolving nutrient deficiencies in pregnant and postpartum women. She illustrates the entrepreneurial path from diverse educational background to navigating business challenges like board member advice and the pivotal role of professional relationships, offering valuable lessons for ecommerce founders in health and wellness.
Key takeaways
Understand that even widespread product usage (like prenatal vitamins) doesn't guarantee efficacy; identify the underlying problem your product truly solves.
Prioritize building a strong professional network and consider external coaching for co-founder dynamics or critical business relationships.
Develop personal strategies for sustained energy and focus to navigate the demanding nature of startup leadership.
Be prepared to critically evaluate and even disregard advice from board members if it doesn't align with your company's vision or data.
Leverage a diverse background to bring unique perspectives and skills to your entrepreneurial venture.
Themes
entrepreneurial journeyleadership & personal developmentstartup strategywomen's health & wellness
Joining the show today is Ryan Woodbury, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Needed. With 97% of pregnant women in the US taking prenatal vitamins, and 95% of women still deficient in key nutrients, Needed is on a mission to empower women to find real nourishment on their journey to motherhood and beyond. In this episode, Ryan shares with us her story from growing up in California to attending boarding school in Connecticut, to studying environmental science, and then choosing to pursue a job in finance, to earning her MBA at Stanford and starting Needed. She talks about taking some bad advice from a board member, why the people you work with throughout your career matter so much, why she hired a partnership coach, and where she goes to get re-energized to help keep her focused and motivated each day.
Frequently asked about this episode
What does this episode say about entrepreneurial journey?
Understand that even widespread product usage (like prenatal vitamins) doesn't guarantee efficacy; identify the underlying problem your product truly solves.
What does this episode say about leadership & personal development?
Prioritize building a strong professional network and consider external coaching for co-founder dynamics or critical business relationships.
What does this episode say about startup strategy?
Develop personal strategies for sustained energy and focus to navigate the demanding nature of startup leadership.
What does this episode say about women's health & wellness?
Be prepared to critically evaluate and even disregard advice from board members if it doesn't align with your company's vision or data.
What does this episode say about entrepreneurial journey?
Leverage a diverse background to bring unique perspectives and skills to your entrepreneurial venture.
