Meet Tom Kozacinski, a multi-faceted individual who wears many hats: Product Designer, Founder, Owner, and even Comedian. He’s the driving force behind Meridian Collective LTD. With a strong desire to break free from the conventional constraints of the 9-to-5 grind, Tom embarked on his journey as a founder, driven by a rebellious spirit that originated during his school days. In this candid interview, Tom delves deep into his personal experiences, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. He discusses the nuances of mental well-being, the importance of a solid support system, and offers invaluable advice for fellow founders.
What inspired you to become a founder?
I wanted to get rid of the alarm clock in my life, and do work in my own time on my own schedule. I never liked doing things “just because someone said so”, didn’t like the constraints put on me as a child in school, and that feeling carried over to my adulthood and drove a decision to start my own business.
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. Primarily when I was employing people. The notion that I am responsible for other peoples lives, and lives of people dependent on those who worked for me gave me a lot of stress.
What warning signs indicate to you that you might be feeling stressed or overwhelmed?
Lack of sleep was the main one. I’ve learned over the years how important good sleep is. When I had poor sleep quality, everything else started to suffer. To solve my problem, instead of dealing with stress, I turned to alcohol – and that made the stress even worse. Looking for escape instead of solutions is a good warning sign.
Could you share an instance when your mental health impacted your business and how you navigated through that?
Continuing from the previous question – once I got into a cycle of work hard, and then spend free time partying or drinking instead of focusing on the root of the problem, performance in work started to decline rapidly. Deciding on what was important in my life, what serves me, my partners, and my family – and using that as a driver forward was what helped me get through it.
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?
Being a founder means at some point doing all the roles. But, because that is what I wanted, I had no problems with taking on the challenges, as long as I had to answer only to myself.
Who are in your support system, and how do you engage with them during challenging times?
Over the years, I’ve built a network of people I’ve worked with, and partnered with in various projects, who have been on the similar path and can understand the pains of being a founder, that rarely can be understood by people who are living a 9-5 life, and never took on a challenge of building a business.
Have you ever considered professional help to address mental health concerns during your founder journey? If so, how was that like?
Yes. I talked to a professional councillor who helped me navigate challenges and talked me through some of the blockages I have faced. I was very skeptical of talking to a therapist until I’ve done it – now I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
What are some practical strategies you’ve implemented to maintain your mental health while managing your startup?
Be aware that you are not your business, and it shouldn’t be tied to who you are as a person. Sometimes businesses fail – that doesn’t mean you failed. The best strategy I can give you is to learn to be a kind friend to yourself, and when going gets tough – be the voice of compassion that helps you to keep moving forward.
How do you strive for a balance between your professional and personal life? Are there any particular boundaries or practices you’ve found helpful?
I believe in work-life “integration”, not balance. Balance means you are weighing something you like against something you don’t. You never stop being a founder. You don’t stop being you at 5pm, turn off that part of yourself and go being a regular Joe. The key to keeping a healthy mind and body is to dedicate a decent proportion to it, outside of your work.
If you could offer one piece of advice to fellow founders on managing well-being or stress, what would it be?
When you experience fear that is stopping you from doing something; imagine the worst-case scenario and you will quickly realize that there is nothing that can actually hurt you. Whatever happens – you either win or you learn – but the next day will come, the sun will rise, you’ll have your coffee, take a shit, and continue doing what you do. So don’t stress about it – you can only lose if you quit.
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?
If you can, don’t do anything alone – the point of this human experience is to share it. Finding a good partner, both in business and in life, will ensure you experience joy when your wins are celebrated.
Throughout the course of our conversation with Tom, several key insights stand out. Firstly, the immense responsibility of being a founder, especially when employing others, can be a significant source of stress. Recognizing the warning signs, like lack of sleep, is crucial, and seeking escapism, like resorting to alcohol, can exacerbate the situation. Tom stresses the importance of good mental health and the value of seeking professional help, even when met with skepticism. He emphasizes that while being a founder is integral to one’s identity, it’s vital to remember that one’s worth isn’t solely tied to the business. The concept of work-life “integration” over balance, the significance of a supportive network, and the power of self-compassion were other notable takeaways. Finally, Tom’s perspective on facing fears and the importance of partnership both in business and life serves as a powerful reminder of the shared human experience and the essence of celebrating wins together.
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