Dive into the world of Robbie King, a dynamic individual who is the Founder/Creative Director of Bullseye Motion. With a unique perspective on problem-solving, Robbie embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, driven by a vision for his business. In this enlightening interview, he offers a transparent look into the rollercoaster of emotions and challenges that come with managing an agency, the impact on mental health, and the coping strategies that help him stay grounded.
What inspired you to become a founder?
I had a business that I wanted to create and I felt that I had a unique way of approaching problems that had to be executed.
During your time as a founder, have there been specific instances where you’ve felt particularly stressed or overwhelmed? If so, could you share a brief overview?
Yes, I’d say there have been many occasions when the workload gets a little over the top. This is always the danger with agency work. Multiple clients all email you at the worst time and you’ve got to do the work of two people in half the time.
What warning signs indicate to you that you might be feeling stressed or overwhelmed?
Usually, my sleep goes. Hard getting to sleep, hard staying asleep. Also, I end up biting my nails. Oh, and my Whoop strap tells me!
Could you share an instance when your mental health impacted your business and how you navigated through that?
On one occasion I had two client deadlines in 48 hours + back-to-back meetings in my day job lasting till 7.30 pm on this one week. I honestly barely managed to make it work. My sleep went down to the bare minimum of 6hrs or so, I made sure I did my breathwork and only took about 15mins off for meals. It wasn’t fun.
Can you identify specific aspects of your role as a founder that have had a substantial impact, either positive or negative, on your well-being?
My gut health and sleep haven’t been great in places. But the sense of accomplishment and the productivity hacks I’ve made over the years have been great.
Who are in your support system, and how do you engage with them during challenging times?
Nobody really. I guess my girlfriend but that’s just a nice way to spend any off hours. Any challenges I usually figure out on my own.
Have you ever considered professional help to address mental health concerns during your founder journey? If so, how was that like?
No, because my mental health is pretty good on the whole. It’s only when loads of work come in that my mental health suffers.
What are some practical strategies you’ve implemented to maintain your mental health while managing your startup?
BREATHWORK, exercise, yoga, meditation. Just find whatever makes your brain work better and NEVER sack it off.
How do you strive for a balance between your professional and personal life? Are there any particular boundaries or practices you’ve found helpful?
When it gets hectic I can’t say I have any ideas. When the work’s gotta be done, the social life goes. Simple as that.
If you could offer one piece of advice to fellow founders on managing well-being or stress, what would it be?
Breathwork and ice baths!!!! Make sure you don’t completely reject your social life. Some founders don’t have any real friends. They only have work friends. Or if they do have friends, they never see them. Even if it’s just an occasional walk, remember to see your mates.
Are there any other aspects of your experience as a founder related to mental well-being that we didn’t ask about but you think are important to share?
None come to mind!
From Robbie King’s experiences, it becomes evident that the life of a founder, especially in the agency world, is filled with unpredictability and intense demands. With multiple clients and tight deadlines, the pressure can lead to disrupted sleep patterns and signs of stress. However, Robbie’s resilience shines through as he emphasizes the significance of breathwork, exercise, yoga, and meditation in maintaining mental well-being. A crucial takeaway is the importance of maintaining a social life outside of work. As Robbie rightly points out, true friendships, even if it’s just an occasional walk with mates, can be the buffer against the isolating pressures of entrepreneurship.
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