Like many entrepreneurs early in their careers, I believed that strength as a business leader meant having a stiff upper lip, grinding and hustling harder than the day before and just pushing through…and that cost me dearly.
Then more than a decade ago, I learned there was a different way to do business…and that hustle culture was bullshit…
You CAN take care of yourself and get shit done effectively, efficiently and profitably.
It was a revelation.
As such, I’ve long been an advocate for wellbeing and mental health in the startup realm.
Though Technical Integrity has been profitable since our inception in 2010, and I’ve been “successful” by any measure in my 23 years in executive search and technical recruiting, it certainly hasn’t been an easy road.
Since 2014, I’ve been speaking publicly about my own struggles with stress and anxiety in building multiple businesses, dealing with founder fall-outs and much more- in part to help other entrepreneurs understand that they are not alone in what can often be a very lonely journey. I learned about the important power of sharing and learning from other entrepreneurs through my time in Entrepreneurs Organization
That said- never before have I been as open as I’m being now about just how hard it has been (and how good it is now as a result of the significant changes I’ve made in my life).
Why am I being this open and why now?
- I’ve seen first hand how real burnout is, how detrimental stress can be.
- I know how many entrepreneurs rely on alcohol or other substances as a crutch to get through their day-to-day lives
- I’ve witnessed that from vulnerability and authenticity come strength, AND that vulnerability begets vulnerability, especially in small teams
- I’ve learned that hard conversations can be game-changers.
- I’ve observed again and again that empathetic leaders are the most trusted and respected
- I’ve seen that I am not alone in my entrepreneurial struggles and that there are so many fighting the same fight and that together we are stronger
These are also the reasons why I’ve become so active in helping to organize the Conscious Entrepreneur Summit and it’s related events. The community we are building at Conscious Entrepreneur is something incredibly special. It’s REAL, it’s powerful, it’s supportive, it’s empowering and it’s close-knit. We are already working on our summit for year three. Join us.
I’m proud to have joined CES founder Alex Raymond for this incredibly open and vulnerable discussion on the new CES podcast. I hope you find it interesting and insightful.
Thanks for listening!
Dave
You can find the podcast on Spotify here or Apple or on Youtube here and be sure to check out all the other AMAZING guests that have joined!
Key Podcast Takeaways:
- Prioritize self-care and well-being as an entrepreneur.
- Taking care of your mental and physical health is crucial for long-term success.
- Giving without expecting anything in return can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities.
- Take time to breathe, reflect, and avoid the pressure to solve all problems immediately.
- Foster a culture of curiosity and safe spaces for asking questions.
- Embrace co-elevation, where everyone holds each other accountable towards a common goal.
- Ensure you are well-rested to do your best work.
