Balancing wellbeing with hustle culture

In the latest episode of "Now, That’s What I Call Business," we join Brianne West, founder of Ethique and Incrediballs, as she addresses the often neglected topic of founder wellbeing and mental health in the entrepreneurial world.

Here’s a ChatGPT precis of her transcript for this week’s episode or listen here.

West begins with the concept of hustle culture, explaining its origins and how it underpins the entrepreneurial mindset. With historical context, she links it to capitalist values, the American dream, and the tech boom, showcasing the complex web of factors that sustain this culture.

West highlights the role of social media in perpetuating misleading success stories, causing entrepreneurs to feel the pressure to constantly hustle and achieve unrealistic standards of success. She explains that this distorted image of entrepreneurship contributes to mental health challenges.

She then presents statistics on the mental health of entrepreneurs, emphasising how they experience higher rates of conditions like depression and anxiety. West also points out the increased risk of substance abuse and suicidal thoughts.

Additional stress factors unique to entrepreneurs are explored, such as the gig economy, the expectation to turn hobbies into side hustles, and the blurring of work and personal life in the remote work era. These factors compound the stress and anxiety experienced by founders.

The personal and physical impact of mental health struggles is discussed, including the toll it takes on relationships and overall wellbeing. West underscores that founder wellbeing isn't just a personal matter but directly affects business performance, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving when prioritised.

West shares her personal challenges, recounting her experiences with constant stress and anxiety and the lessons she's learned. She encourages listeners to prioritise their mental health and explore strategies like setting boundaries, disconnecting from devices, and practising mindfulness.

The importance of creating a supportive company culture and fostering employee wellbeing is also discussed, with recommendations for regular check ins and wellbeing programs. West also covers the role of mentorship and building personal support networks in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

In conclusion, West urges entrepreneurs to prioritise their emotional and mental wellbeing and support one another. She reminds her listeners that behind every venture is a human facing challenges that may not always be visible, underscoring the need for compassion and understanding in the entrepreneurial world.

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