How to manage emotional wellbeing when launching and scaling your startup

One of the hidden challenges when launching a startup is the effect it can have on your emotional wellbeing. When launching a startup you not only have a job but also complete responsibility for the success of the startup and the people within it.

I’ve always wondered how many founders actually have leadership and or management experience prior to launching their startups — and I suspect it’s not the majority. Some of the requirements for being a successful leader include high levels of EQ, the ability to relate to others and to do this as level-headed and objectively as possible despite the stress you may be under.

Stress comes from all angles. Cashflow, sales, how quickly your product and technology is actually coming together, constant rejection from investors and clients are just some of the causes.

As the founder, you will likely be intrinsically linked to the startup almost to the point of being one and the same. The startup’s challenges become your personal challenges and vice versa. It’s no wonder founders suffer from stress. Dealing with it is something really worth talking about.

I sometimes wonder what the stress comparison would be between senior executives and startup founders. Read more

Ben Sharp - SmartCompany - 15 November 2018