Startup Stress and the Founder’s Journey | Andrew Ackerman

Startup Stress and the Founder’s Journey | Andrew Ackerman

Startups are often portrayed as glamorous—funding rounds, headlines, and overnight success stories. But behind the scenes, founders face sleepless nights, relentless stress, and the loneliness of carrying a company’s future on their shoulders. In this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, Andrew Ackerman—founder, investor, and author of The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey—shares the raw, unfiltered realities of entrepreneurship. From the myth of hustle culture to the emotional toll of leadership, Andrew opens up about the lessons founders rarely hear in business school.

This conversation is not just about strategy—it’s about resilience, balance, and the human side of building a business.

About the Guest

Andrew Ackerman is a startup founder, investor, accelerator director, and teacher who has supported and invested in dozens of companies. Drawing from decades of lived experience, he authored The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey, a narrative-style guide that explores the emotional and practical challenges of startup life. Andrew blends storytelling with real-world lessons, helping founders understand not only the “how-to” of startups but also what it truly feels like to be in the founder’s shoes.

Key Takeaways

  • Startup life is often lonely—only other founders fully understand the weight of the journey.

  • Storytelling captures the truth of entrepreneurship better than bullet points or “how-to” guides.

  • Hustle culture is unsustainable; discipline, recovery, and balance matter more than endless hours.

  • Investors respect hustle, but true competitive advantage comes from a strong, defensible business model—not working longer than others.

  • Founders must recognize that startups consume every part of life—conversations, relationships, and even hobbies become filtered through the lens of the company.

  • Building with intention and setting clear roles (even in couple-founded startups) can reduce conflict and improve outcomes.

Connect with the Guest

Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch

Disclaimer

This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

About Healthy Mind By Avik™️

Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it has become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty—storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate—this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:

  • Mental Health & Emotional Well-being

  • Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth

  • Holistic Healing & Conscious Living

  • Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment

With 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.

👉 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.

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Bioenergetic Release: Clearing Your Reticular Activating System, Building Confidence, and Breaking Generational Patterns

Bioenergetic Release: Clearing Your Reticular Activating System, Building Confidence, and Breaking Generational Patterns

In this episode of “Healthy Mind, Healthy Life”, the host Avik is joined by Dr. Cindy Stark, an award-winning author, doctor, entrepreneur, and mentor. The episode begins with some technical difficulties as Dr. Cindy struggles to find the Zoom link for the podcast recording. After resolving the issue, they dive into the main topic of discussion - bioenergy, clearing the reticular activating system, building confidence, and breaking generational patterns. Dr. Cindy shares her personal journey of starting an online coaching business while being a full-time doctor. She talks about how she was unable to make progress until she underwent a bioenergetic release trauma healing program. This program, which involves meditative practices and journaling, helped her overcome subconscious barriers and enroll five clients the following year. She emphasizes the importance of confidence in achieving personal success and well-being, stating that without belief in one’s abilities, it’s challenging to take the necessary steps towards a goal. Dr. Cindy also discusses the significance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals to break free from generational patterns and carve a unique path. The episode also delves into the concept of bioenergetic release. Dr. Cindy explains that it involves confronting and releasing negative emotions associated with past experiences. This process, she says, can lead to a ‘reboot’ or ‘factory reset’, enabling individuals to see possibilities without limitations. For those new to these concepts, Dr. Cindy recommends starting with quiet moments of self-reflection and journaling to identify personal desires and potential obstacles. She also suggests joining communities of people who are achieving big dreams, such as her Facebook group “Reclaim Your Health and Life”. Towards the end of the episode, Dr. Cindy highlights the common challenge people face when trying to break generational patterns - relying solely on the conscious mind. She explains that the conscious mind only utilizes 4 to 6% of our brain’s capacity, and to truly achieve change, one must tap into the subconscious mind. The episode concludes with Dr. Cindy sharing her contact information for listeners who wish to learn more about her work and the techniques she discussed. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into overcoming personal barriers and achieving mental clarity and focus.

11 Juni 202418min

Delegate to Elevate: Unlocking Your Potential for a Fulfilling Life

Delegate to Elevate: Unlocking Your Potential for a Fulfilling Life

In this episode of “Healthy Mind, Healthy Life”, the host Avik welcomes guest Josephine Flowers, the CEO and founder of G. Flowers Marketing. The episode revolves around the theme of “Delegate to Elevate”, discussing the art of delegation and its potential for life. Josephine, with over 7 years of experience, specializes in empowering entrepreneurs to scale their businesses. She shares her journey from New York City to Palm Springs, reflecting her dedication to helping others succeed. As a San Julian, she provides entrepreneurs with the tools to thrive. The conversation delves into Josephine’s passion for entrepreneurship and her drive to help others scale their businesses. She discusses her background in the service industry, which gave her insights into the inner workings of businesses and inspired her to assist small business owners and entrepreneurs. Josephine also shares her love for productivity, which she describes as her “happy place”. She talks about her enjoyment of learning new techniques and tools, which she can then share with her clients. She emphasizes the importance of understanding different viewpoints and approaches to productivity, as everyone’s experience is unique. The discussion also touches on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on entrepreneurship. Josephine explains how her business was able to adapt and even grow during this challenging time, thanks to the shift to online operations. She highlights the importance of delegation in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and ensuring business success. Josephine offers advice to entrepreneurs who struggle to delegate tasks effectively. She suggests keeping a log of all tasks and the time spent on each one, which can help identify areas where support is needed. She also emphasizes the benefits of delegating tasks that are not enjoyable or where learning is not desired. The episode concludes with Josephine explaining the concept of “the sanctuary”, a term coined at an event she attended. It embodies the calmness, groundedness, and openness to new possibilities that she brings into every conversation. This approach has helped her create a reassuring presence that elevates the experience for her clients, without causing feelings of overwhelm or anxiety. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the art of delegation, the importance of productivity, and the role of adaptability in entrepreneurship. It offers practical advice and strategies for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

11 Juni 202426min

Winning Mindsets: Parallels Between Sports and a Healthy Mind

Winning Mindsets: Parallels Between Sports and a Healthy Mind

In this episode of “Healthy Mind, Happy Life”, the host, Avik, welcomes Tommy Montelli, a dynamic entrepreneur and former athlete. Tommy shares his unique perspective on the parallels between sports and life, and how the lessons learned from athletics can be applied to all areas of life. Tommy begins by discussing his background in athletics, particularly basketball, and how his father, a legendary high school basketball coach, influenced his approach to leadership and personal development. He emphasizes the importance of being a good person and how doing something nice for others can have a positive impact on one’s mood. The conversation then shifts to the topic of resilience and dealing with setbacks. Tommy introduces the MISS method, a four-step process for maintaining a healthy mind and body. The steps are: Move: Engage in physical activity to release feel-good chemicals in the body. Improve: Continuously learn and grow by reading, watching, or listening to something new every day. Serve: Do something nice for others to improve your mood and theirs. Shut Up: Spend some time in silence every day for introspection and mental rejuvenation. Tommy also discusses the importance of reframing failures as learning opportunities and stepping stones to future success. He concludes by emphasizing the significant role physical health and fitness play in contributing to mental well-being. Overall, this episode provides invaluable insights into achieving optimal mental health, building meaningful relationships, and navigating the competitive world of business and entrepreneurship through the lens of sports and personal growth.

11 Juni 202426min

Overcoming Self-Doubt, Fear of Success, and Imposter Syndrome: Insights from a New Author

Overcoming Self-Doubt, Fear of Success, and Imposter Syndrome: Insights from a New Author

In this episode of “Healthy Mind and Life,” host Avik interviews Jonathan Miller, a dynamic figure in finance and entertainment. Jonathan is the founder and CEO of Parsonix Enterprises, a company recognized as one of North America’s fastest-growing firms. He is also a seasoned filmmaker, having produced his debut feature film, “Publish or Perish,” through Elation Media. The episode begins with a brief confusion about the schedule, but they decide to proceed with the interview. The conversation revolves around the topics of entrepreneurship, leadership, and mentorship, with a focus on developing leaders and cultivating talent. Jonathan shares his insights on the importance of developing leaders within an organization, especially in the context of entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to include others in their vision and to develop leaders around them for the organization to scale. He discusses the strategies he has found most effective in nurturing leadership potential among team members. Jonathan believes in building relationships with people and caring about them. He argues that this approach, though it takes longer, is a formula for lasting success in developing leaders. Jonathan also shares his experiences with mentorship in developing leaders and cultivating talent. He gives an example of a representative in his company who started small but grew to become the number one representative in the company. This story illustrates the importance of patience and allowing people to grow at their own pace. When asked about the common challenges encountered in leadership development, Jonathan talks about the need to give people the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. He stresses that it’s okay for people to face challenges and that these challenges often lead to learning and growth. Finally, Jonathan discusses how to create a culture of leadership and talent development within an organization. He believes that culture is about how you treat people and that a good culture can contribute significantly to the success of an organization. He mentions that his company, Parsonix Enterprises, has a great culture, often referred to as the “Parsonix family” by the advisors in the organization. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into leadership development and the role of mentorship in cultivating talent, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in these topic.

11 Juni 202429min

Navigating Life's Mazes: Overcoming Adversity with Laughter and Learning

Navigating Life's Mazes: Overcoming Adversity with Laughter and Learning

In this episode of “Healthy Mind, Healthy Life”, the host Avik welcomes Jay Hicks, a Florida native and the visionary behind the Tragedy Academy podcast. Jay shares his journey of personal transformation and mindfulness, which drives his mission to live fully and be present. Jay discusses his diverse career journey, starting from his humble beginnings in a small town, through his time in the military, to working in some of the largest consulting firms in the world. He talks about the pivotal moments that prompted his personal transformation, including an incident where he was given competitor information during a request for proposal, which led him to question the ethics of his work environment and ultimately turn in the information. Jay also shares his insights on overcoming adversity and navigating life’s challenges. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and being true to oneself. He believes that by acting upon one’s authenticity, one can fit into any situation like a puzzle piece. Furthermore, Jay highlights the significant role of humor in his podcast and in overcoming adversity. He believes that comedy, which often stems from suffering, has a way of bridging divides and helping people come to realizations without conflict. He sees comedy as a powerful tool for self-awareness and positive change. Overall, this episode provides a deep dive into Jay’s incredible journey and his insights on life, adversity, and the power of authenticity and humor.

11 Juni 202441min

Healthy Habits for Men Over 40: Transform Your Life"

Healthy Habits for Men Over 40: Transform Your Life"

Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of “Healthy Mind, Healthier Life”, the host welcomes Brian, a certified wellness coach, podcast host, author, and human movement specialist with almost 20 years of experience in the health industry. Brian specializes in helping men over 40 develop sustainable health habits to regain their strength, fitness, and body confidence. The conversation begins with Brian sharing his journey in the health and wellness field. He emphasizes the importance of a holistic view of health, considering all aspects of an individual’s lifestyle, including stress, activity, sleep, nutrition, and meal timings. Brian discusses the unique health challenges that men over 40 face, such as muscle loss, decreased testosterone levels, increased body fat percentage, and reduced sleep quality. He recommends key habits such as strength training, daily walks, and maintaining a balanced diet to combat these issues. Brian dispels common misconceptions about health and fitness for men over 40, such as the belief that they can’t get stronger or build muscle as they age. He also challenges the notion that restrictive diets are necessary for weight loss. He shares success stories from his clients who have transformed their lives through his program. His approach involves weekly talks with his clients, during which they discuss their past habits and establish new ones. Brian emphasizes the importance of accountability in this process. The episode concludes with Brian discussing the resources and support systems he offers to help men on their health journey. He underscores the importance of weekly discussions and the establishment of new, healthier habits.

9 Juni 202421min

Unlocking the Fountain of Youth: Optimal Health and Age Reversal Using Your Insurance

Unlocking the Fountain of Youth: Optimal Health and Age Reversal Using Your Insurance

Summary In this episode of the Healthy Mind Healthy Life podcast, host Avik interviews wellness MD Doctor Victoria. With over 35 years of experience, Doctor Victoria has a unique approach to wellness that helps her patients feel 15-20 years younger than their stated age. She explains the four foundational hormone groups in the body and how keeping them balanced can help individuals achieve optimal health. She also discusses the importance of advocating for one's own health and obtaining age-appropriate hormone levels. Dr. Victoria Mondloch, a nationally board certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist, shares her insights into hormonal balance and optimal health for women. She discusses the four hormone groups that are important for overall health and how imbalances in these hormones can lead to symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and mood swings. Dr. Mondloch also emphasizes the importance of checking hormone levels and suggests resources for determining metabolic body type. She advises a balanced approach to diet and exercise, and mentions   Detailed In this episode of “Healthy Mind, Healthy Life,” host Avik welcomes Dr. Victoria Mandel, a wellness MD with over 35 years of experience. Dr. Victoria shares her unique approach to wellness, which helps her patients feel 15 to 20 years younger than their actual age. Her mission is to help patients achieve optimal health, regain vitality lost due to hormone imbalance, and essentially turn back the clock on aging. Dr. Victoria’s comprehensive wellness approach includes weight loss strategies, medication management, and preventive measures against diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. She emphasizes that all of these can be achieved using insurance. The episode delves into the concept of hormone imbalance and its effects on overall health and vitality. Dr. Victoria explains the four foundational hormone groups in the body - male/female hormones, cortisol (stress hormone), thyroid, and insulin. She emphasizes the importance of balancing these hormones for optimal health. She also discusses the challenges faced by patients in getting the necessary blood work done due to restrictions placed on doctors by healthcare systems and insurance companies. Dr. Victoria encourages listeners to take charge of their own healthcare and advocates for independent doctors who can order the necessary tests. The episode also explores the topic of weight loss, a common struggle for many. Dr. Victoria talks about different metabolic body types and how understanding one’s body type can aid in weight loss. She mentions the availability of tests that can determine one’s metabolic body type and potential food allergies. Dr. Victoria concludes the episode by recommending her books, which provide detailed information on the labs to get done and how to talk to healthcare providers. She also mentions a natural weight loss health agent, chromium picolinate, as a beneficial supplement for weight loss. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into achieving optimal health through hormone balance, personalized wellness approaches, and patient empowerment.

8 Juni 202428min

Decoding Authority: What It Is, Different Strategies, & Choosing the Right One

Decoding Authority: What It Is, Different Strategies, & Choosing the Right One

In this episode of “Healthy Mind, Healthy Life”, the host, Avik, welcomes Beate Chelette, the Growth Architect, as a guest. The conversation begins with a discussion about the podcast’s audience, which is primarily from the US, with the rest from Europe, India, and Australia. The audience comprises a mix of business owners and learners, with business owners making up about 25% of the listenership. The main topic of the episode is ‘Authority’ - what it is, different strategies, and how to choose the right one. Beate, who has built a million-dollar business from scratch and sold it to Bill Gates, shares her insights on authority in the context of business and leadership. She differentiates between being an influencer and having authority, emphasizing that authority comes from being an expert and having thought leadership in a particular subject matter. Beate also discusses the misconceptions about authority being equated to dominance. She explains that true authority empowers others and that power and authority are different. She believes that a fulfilled life is a life where you enjoy the journey, not just the destination. The conversation then moves on to strategies that leaders can implement to build their authority. Beate shares her ‘Octopus Strategy’, which involves networking with people from different departments within an organization. She also recommends using LinkedIn for thought leadership and giving shout-outs to people when they’ve done something great. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the concept of authority and offers practical strategies for building authority in a dynamic environment. Beate’s journey from debt to selling her business to Bill Gates serves as an inspiring backdrop to the discussion. Her emphasis on the importance of mindset, strategy, and spirituality in leadership offers a fresh perspective on the topic.   ----more---- Best regards, Avik Chakraborty Psychologist | Podcaster | Author | Creator | Entrepreneur | Techie "Healthy Mind, Healthy Life" Podcast Show Email - avik@podhealth.club W - Healthy Mind, Healthy Life - Podcast

6 Juni 202437min

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