Newbie founder: “All that matters is networking and fundraising” Experienced founder: “All that matters is orienting a team around a shared mission fueled by learning”

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." -Albert Schweitzer

Most founders don’t realize how much energy goes into managing perception. The “I’m fine” mask is exhausting. You’re allowed to be real, even in the middle of the storm.

Founder depression is tough. When I was in it, I thought I had to grind through the darkness. What I needed was rest. A walk. A call with a friend. A nap. Founders: rest is productive. Don’t wait until you break.

"The universe is made of stories, not atoms." -Muriel Rukeyser

Strong doesn’t mean loud. Strong means clear. And calm. And consistent.

"The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character." -Margaret Smith

You are worthy of your own admiration. You are worthy of your own admiration. You are worthy of your own admiration. You are worthy of your own admiration. You are worthy of your own admiration. You are worthy of your own admiration. ❤️

Your team doesn’t need a stronger version of you. They need a truer one.

Founders are 2x more likely to experience depression. Why? – Identity = tied to startup – Constant failure, zero mastery – Disconnection from friends, family, self It’s not just you. It’s the job. And there’s a way through.

You deserve to do work you love. You deserve to do work you love. You deserve to do work you love. You deserve to do work you love. You deserve to do work you love. You deserve to do work you love. ❤️

As a coach, I feel like I get to watch people’s lives change right in front of my eyes. This work is such an honor and so much damn fun.

When we let go of the bar of perfect, we can accept and care for ourselves exactly where we are.

"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered." -Nelson Mandela

It is ok to have a hard day.

Startup success doesn’t protect you from depression. Sometimes, it hides it. I built a fast-growing company—and still felt like I was drowning some days. You’re not broken. You’re human. And you’re not alone.

One of depression’s cruelest lies: “This is how it’s going to be forever.” If you’re in it right now, please hear this: The way you feel today is not permanent. You will feel joy again. Keep going. ❤️

The best founders I know don’t just master strategy. They master their nervous system.

"The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground." -Buddha

Every startup has a vibe. And that vibe starts in the CEO's nervous system.