When your company starts scaling, it’s not the product that breaks — it’s the people.
In this episode of Perception Paradox, host Zivile Einikyte sits down with Jarek Owczarek, co-founder of Contractbook and now Head of Contract Management & AI at Scrive, to unpack the untold truths behind building, merging, and evolving startups.
From co-founder dynamics to product obsession, from cultural clashes to the emotional toll of growth — Jarek opens up about what technology can’t fix: people, culture, and the constant reinvention required to lead.
Together, they explore:
Whether you’re building your first MVP or navigating post-acquisition integration, this conversation reveals the human operating system behind every great startup story.
Perception Paradox — where innovation meets introspection.
🎙️Hosted by Zivile Einikyte:
https://www.perceptionparadox.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/
🎵 Music by Luca Nioi:
http://www.lucanioi.com/
Chapters
00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
03:53 Finding Co-Founders and Building Teams
06:12 Values and Conflict Resolution in Entrepreneurship
08:38 Navigating Growth and Challenges
11:04 The Evolution of Product Development
13:30 Leveraging Technology in Product Building
16:16 The Role of AI in Business Processes
18:45 The Importance of Obsession in Product Development
21:29 Coping with Challenges and Burnout
24:00 The Drive Behind Entrepreneurship
32:16 Understanding Customer Needs in Product Development
38:05 Strategic Mergers and Their Impact
44:37 The Importance of Mentorship and Coaching
53:11 The Overlooked Aspects of Entrepreneurship
56:11 Navigating Cultural Integration Post-Merger