Startup Stress and the Founder’s Journey | Andrew Ackerman

Host Avik welcomes Richard Wolves, CEO of Sharpen the Spear Coaching, to the podcast “Healthy Mind, Healthy Live.” Richard, a multifaceted individual with a background as a U.S. Marine, champion boxer, and internationally recognized steel sculptor, shares his entrepreneurial journey. He discusses the importance of balancing faith, family, finances, fitness, and friendship to create a business that serves not only customers but also the personal life of the entrepreneur. Richard recounts his experience of losing everything during the 2008 financial crisis and how he rebuilt his success. He emphasizes the significance of learning from setbacks and the need for entrepreneurs to seek help and mentorship to avoid repeating mistakes. He also talks about his book, “Escape the Owner Prison,” which guides business owners on how to scale, regain control, and fast-track growth while enjoying life. The episode delves into Richard’s philosophy of winning and competition, his approach to business shaped by his experiences, and the crucial role of balance in avoiding the ‘owner prison’—a state where business owners are trapped by their own enterprises, unable to enjoy other aspects of life. Richard’s insights provide valuable lessons on resilience, the power of mentorship, and the importance of maintaining balance for long-term success and fulfillment.

28 Touko 202429min

In this episode of “Healthy Mind and Light,” host Avik welcomes Sequoyah Sherrill, a licensed marriage and family therapist, psychotherapist, author, breakthrough coach, and mental health advocate. Sequoyah shares her personal journey into the mental health field, which began with the loss of her mother at a young age and the cultural reluctance to seek therapy. She discusses the stigma and shame associated with mental health in the black community and emphasizes the importance of education and awareness to overcome these barriers. Sequoyah highlights the common misconceptions about mental health, particularly the confusion between mental health care and mental illness. She stresses that taking care of one’s mental health does not imply a mental illness and that everyone should be proactive about their mental well-being. The conversation also touches on the health inequities in mental health care, especially the lack of access to culturally competent therapists within the black community. Sequoyah points out the crucial role of cultural competency in treatment and the strategies she employs to educate the public and raise awareness about mental health. Throughout the episode, Sequoyah underscores the power of community and collaboration in her work as a mental health advocate and the challenges she faces in balancing personal life with the demands of her profession. The episode is a deep dive into the nuances of mental health advocacy and the efforts to address stigma and health inequities in the black community.

28 Touko 202422min

In this episode of “Healthy Mind, Healthy Life,” host Husservic interviews Ken Pomela, CEO of Revstar and a pioneer in tech innovation. The conversation delves into Ken’s personal journey with health challenges and his transition to full-time entrepreneurship. Key Points Discussed: Ken’s early fascination with technology and his progression from software engineering to leading a tech company. The role of AI and digital transformation in business growth. Ken’s health struggles, including gut issues and the adverse effects of medication, which prompted a shift towards holistic health practices. The importance of work-life balance, especially for entrepreneurs, and the dangers of neglecting health in pursuit of success. Ken’s advice to other entrepreneurs on being open about health struggles, seeking alternative treatments, and maintaining a balance between work and personal well-being. Lessons Shared: Speak up about health issues and seek help beyond traditional medicine if necessary. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage stress to prevent burnout. Prioritize mental and physical health, as they are crucial for fulfilling responsibilities and achieving long-term success. Recommendations for a Healthy Work-Life Balance: Reflect on personal motivations and ensure time is spent on fulfilling activities outside of work. Incorporate mindfulness and stress management practices into daily routines. The episode emphasizes the significance of balancing health and ambition, highlighting that success should not come at the cost of one’s well-being. Ken’s story serves as an inspiration and a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs to take their health seriously.

23 Touko 202426min

In this episode of Healthy mind, Healthy Life, the host Abeek welcomes Rosie, a seasoned corporate veteran with over 30 years of experience, to discuss the power of personal development and empowering women in their careers. Key Points Discussed: Rosie’s Personal Journey: Rosie shares her experience of feeling stuck mid-career due to not communicating her leadership aspirations, leading to her mission to help women advance in their careers. Common Challenges: Women often face challenges such as lack of awareness to manage their careers intentionally and the absence of a custom career roadmap. Unlocking Potential: Rosie emphasizes the importance of personal and professional development, including creating a custom career roadmap and seeking advice from peers and senior leaders. Negotiation Strategies: She advises on the importance of preparation and using powerful language to negotiate better opportunities and compensation. Balancing Career and Family: Establishing clear boundaries and prioritizing time effectively are crucial for balancing career advancement with personal and family responsibilities. Mindset Shifts: Rosie highlights the need for a growth mindset, self-confidence, and proactive career management to seize advancement opportunities. Advice for Stuck Individuals: She suggests self-reflection, networking, and action-taking for those feeling unsure about their next career steps. Key Takeaway: Personal development is essential, and waiting for recognition is not enough; proactive communication and action are necessary for career advancement. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share the episode, reminding them that their potential is limitless.

23 Touko 202418min

Richard Craft shares his journey from healthcare leadership to podcasting, exploring themes of fatherhood, self-care, and mental health. After being laid off during the pandemic, Richard faced a personal crisis, leading to negative coping mechanisms and a re-evaluation of his life’s direction. Podcasting became a solace for Richard, helping him find a new path and connect with others through shared struggles and deep conversations. Richard defines consistency as the regular pursuit of a positive direction and emphasizes its importance for lasting success. Challenges of maintaining consistency post-layoff include developing self-discipline and establishing a new routine. Podcasting provided Richard with a sense of purpose and accountability, improving his mental health and personal growth. A specific breakthrough for Richard was the significant improvement in his health and well-being through consistent small steps, leading to weight loss and reduced medication. Tips for listeners include starting with small changes, being flexible, and not being too hard on oneself. Handling setbacks involves reflection, journaling, and learning from failures without attaching them to one’s identity. Misconceptions about forming systems include the need for perfection and trying to change everything at once. Conclusion: Richard’s story highlights the transformative power of consistency in both personal and professional life. His experiences and insights offer valuable lessons for listeners seeking to make positive changes and achieve success through steady, consistent efforts.

23 Touko 202427min

The journey to a balanced and thriving entrepreneurial life, emphasizing the philosophy that ‘health is wealth.’ Key Points: Ryan shares her holistic approach to business and personal wellness, emphasizing the interconnection between mental, physical, and business health. She discusses the challenges of maintaining health while building businesses, including ignoring the body’s needs due to a relentless drive and passion. Ryan highlights the importance of rest, learning from multiple health perspectives, and recognizing the signs of burnout. She details her experience with severe skin issues post-COVID, leading her to work with a functional nutritionist and adopt a detox protocol. Ryan stresses the significance of intentional scheduling, incorporating wellness routines like sauna and cold plunge therapy, and engaging in activities like horseback riding for balance and optimal performance. The episode delves into the ‘grow and glow’ method, which aids female business owners in achieving sustainable growth and personal freedom through intentional scheduling and effective team investment. Conclusion: Ryan’s insights provide valuable strategies for entrepreneurs to prioritize their health and well-being alongside their business goals, ultimately leading to a more balanced and successful life. The episode serves as a reminder of the crucial role health plays in achieving and sustaining entrepreneurial success.

23 Touko 202431min

Jennie Story: Experienced extreme sports dangers like polar bear chases and avalanches Suffered from persistent headaches, misdiagnosed as migraines and meningitis A CAT scan revealed a large brain aneurysm Challenges and Recovery: Initial fear and uncertainty about the future Underwent brain surgeries to fix three aneurysms Adopted a positive mindset using affirmations and tools from extreme sports Mental and Emotional Preparation: Used affirmations like “I am brave. I am strong. I am lucky. I am loved. I am grateful. I am the storm.” Developed a “courage cocktail” to mix fear and adrenaline for facing challenges Staying Motivated: Shifted from dreams of athletic achievements to survival and appreciation of life’s small joys Focused on visualization and gratitude during recovery Rebuilding Life and Career: Implemented a four-step strategy: Setback, Layback, Comeback, Giveback Organized a kite festival in Alaska, teaching children about kites Shared passion for wind and kites, impacting others positively Advice for Others: Take life step by step, focusing on a positive mindset Seek stories of hope and resilience to inspire recovery Emphasize self-care and healthy habits for mental and physical well-being Conclusion: Jenny’s journey showcases the power of a positive mindset and the importance of giving back to the community after overcoming personal challenges. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for those facing their own health battles.

22 Touko 202427min

Introduction: The episode opens with a friendly exchange between the host and the guest, Molly Macname, who is in India. The host introduces the podcast “Healthy Mind, Healthy Life” and welcomes Molly, an online fitness coach known as the “moving therapist.” Molly’s Journey: Molly shares her personal journey with anxiety, which began at a young age and was manageable until it became unmanageable with high-intensity workouts at 19. She discusses how her anxiety shifted from situational to constant, leading to daily panic attacks. A turning point came with an injury that forced her to change her exercise routine, which led to a significant reduction in her panic attacks. Lessons Learned: Molly emphasizes the importance of customizing workouts to individual stress levels and listening to one’s body. She explains the negative impact of high-intensity cardio on an already overwhelmed nervous system and the importance of balanced stress hormones. Molly refers to exercise as a double-edged sword for managing anxiety, highlighting the need for the right type of workout. Common Mistakes: The discussion covers common mistakes people make when using exercise to manage anxiety, such as working out too frequently, engaging in high-intensity workouts, and exercising for too long. Creating a Balanced Approach: Molly advises listeners to adopt a “less is more” approach, recommending shorter, lower-intensity workouts that allow for proper breathing. She introduces the “talk test” as a method to ensure workouts are not exacerbating anxiety. Role of Community and Coaches: The importance of having a supportive community or fitness coach is discussed, particularly for those with anxiety who may find starting an exercise routine overwhelming. Molly describes how a coach can help structure workouts to avoid exacerbating anxiety and the benefits of online communities for support. Conclusion: The episode concludes with advice for seeking community support or professional guidance in fitness, emphasizing the abundance of online spaces and the value of in-person community for those who prefer it.

21 Touko 202427min