Mental Wellness for Founders and Building Resilience

By Dr Andrew Crockett

Oxytocin, released in psychologically safe settings, enhances collaboration and emotional well-being.

While building WellFounded, we have seen first-hand how modern society profoundly influences our mental well-being, especially for entrepreneurs where the stresses and pressures can impact their entire business ecosystem. We don't build businesses in a vacuum and it is entirely normal that we bring with us the weight of modern stress and expectation. Our role at WellFounded is to assist where this becomes overwhelming and I think some of our founders might be surprised to learn how much this involves stress management and conflict resolution. However, we believe that if we better understand the effect that stress can have on our bodies' chemical balances and in turn our decision-making we can build healthy environments for both founders and their teams.

Creating a psychologically safe environment is essential. For instance, if founders have disagreements, they might consider seeking a conflict resolution coach to navigate through the differences constructively. This concept is crucial as it fosters creativity, teamwork, and overall employee satisfaction. Trust is more than a soft skill; it's neurochemical. Oxytocin, released in psychologically safe settings, enhances collaboration and emotional well-being.

Leaders set the tone for the entire organisation. Their mental state serves as a barometer for workplace culture. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine play crucial roles in emotional regulation and decision-making. Founders should take responsibility for their mental well-being; for example, neglecting physical health and exercise can lead to reduced productivity and burnout. Vocalising fears and concerns allows the emotional processing to shift from the amygdala to the frontal cortex, enabling nuanced decision-making and emotional control.

Social inclusion within a work environment also plays a significant role. A feeling of belonging not only lowers stress levels but also improves performance. It's often accompanied by the release of endorphins and additional oxytocin, further enhancing resilience and overall well-being.

Stress is unavoidable in entrepreneurship but understanding its nuances is vital. Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels and can lead to cognitive decline and emotional exhaustion. On the other hand, hormetic stress, or short-lived challenges, can be constructive. It releases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), aiding in neuronal growth and adaptability.

Recognising signs warranting attention is crucial. Symptoms such as persistent fatigue, difficulty in concentration, irritability, and drastic changes in sleep patterns should not be dismissed. In the work context, this might manifest as a declining quality of decision-making, an increased frequency of errors, or strained relationships within the team. These symptoms are indicators of underlying issues requiring professional intervention for mental and emotional health optimisation.

At WellFounded, we are attuned to both the mental and physiological aspects of well-being. Addressing concerns involves not just psychological and emotional problem-solving but also physiological and physical resolutions.

Ignoring signs of declining mental health is not an option. They can manifest into chronic health issues, impacting both the individual and the organisation's performance. A founder's mental wellness is not an isolated concern but is intrinsically linked with the broader success of their venture. By consciously fostering a psychologically safe environment, understanding the role of neurotransmitters, and strategically managing stress, founders can lay the groundwork for both personal resilience and business prosperity.