Ep 8. Motivation

In episode eight of Startup U's first season, titled "Motivation," the students are faced with the tough challenge of staying motivated during the final stretch of the program. With only a few weeks remaining, the pressure is on for them to complete their businesses and pitch them to potential investors.

Throughout the episode, the professors and guest speakers stress the importance of motivation and perseverance in the business world. They remind the students that starting a business is not easy and that setbacks and failures are a part of the process. It's up to the students to stay motivated and push through these challenges in order to achieve success.

To help motivate the students, the professors bring in motivational speaker Sean Stephenson. Sean was born with a rare bone disorder that stunted his growth and left him in a wheelchair for most of his life. Despite these physical challenges, Sean has become a successful author and speaker, inspiring others to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

Sean's message to the students is one of positivity and determination. He encourages them to find their passion and purpose in life, and to use that to fuel their motivation. He tells them to focus on the "why" behind their businesses, rather than just the "how." By understanding the deeper meaning behind their work, they will be more likely to stay motivated and overcome any obstacles that come their way.

Throughout the episode, we see the students struggling with their motivation. Some are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work they still need to do, while others are questioning whether their businesses are truly viable. It's clear that the pressure of the final weeks is taking a toll on their mental and emotional wellbeing.

To combat these feelings, the professors encourage the students to take breaks and engage in self-care. They remind them that it's important to take care of their minds and bodies in order to perform at their best in their businesses. They also suggest that the students reach out to their classmates for support and motivation.

Despite the challenges they face, the students continue to work hard on their businesses. We see them meeting with mentors, refining their pitches, and preparing for their final presentations. The episode ends with the students delivering their pitches to a panel of potential investors, showcasing all the hard work and determination they've put into their businesses over the course of the program.

Overall, "Motivation" is a powerful episode that emphasizes the importance of staying motivated and focused during the ups and downs of starting a business. It shows the students that even when the going gets tough, they have the inner strength to stay the course and achieve their goals.