Amale, the visionary behind The Brick Coach, embarked on a founder’s journey driven by her desire to address persistent challenges she encountered in corporate and leadership spaces. With a mission to bring change, Amale has faced the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, sharing her experiences and insights on managing well-being in the demanding startup ecosystem.
What inspired you to become a founder?
I was tired of repeatedly encountering issues like burnout, churn, sexism, lack of recognition, and no investment in personal growth in corporate and leadership roles. I wanted to make a change.
Have you felt overwhelmed or stressed during your time as a founder? If so, what are the usual triggers?
Yes, frequently. The three main triggers are money, people, and workload. Specifically, the cyclical nature of closing deals, dealing with unreliable contractors and ghosting clients, and managing a heavy workload with limited time, often working evenings and weekends.
What are the indicators or signs that you might be feeling stressed or overwhelmed?
I lose track of time, forgetting when the weekend was or what I did. Also, repeatedly moving tasks from one weekly to-do list to another indicates I’m overwhelmed.
Have there been instances where your mental well-being significantly impacted your business, and how did you manage it?
Yes, I’ve experienced burnout multiple times. Recently, I recognized signs of overwhelm and burnout and decided to take a month off to recharge. Fortunately, finances were stable at the time, allowing me this break.
What aspects of being a founder have had a significant impact on your well-being, either positively or negatively?
Positive: I have control over the effort I put in. Negative: The volume of work required, doing tasks I dislike because they must be done, and the guilt associated with taking time off.
Who supports you during challenging times, and how do you engage with them?
I lean on friends to distract me from work stresses. I also consult mentors for advice and shortcuts and have a patient and supportive partner. However, I need to improve on seeking support during tough times.
Have you considered professional help for mental health concerns during your journey as a founder?
I haven’t sought professional help.
What strategies or practices have you implemented to maintain your mental well-being while managing your startup?
I take intentional breaks, approach projects as experiments to manage expectations, reevaluate my goals to avoid frustration, and constantly remind myself of my “why”.
How do you balance your professional and personal life?
I’ve identified my peak productivity times and structured my day around them. I work best at night, so I socialize in the evenings before returning to work. I also take a day off, either Friday or Saturday, to mentally recharge.
What advice would you offer fellow founders regarding managing well-being or stress?
Listen to your body. Monitor your sleep patterns, skin health, and breathing. Tuning into your body can help you understand your mind and recognize early signs of overwhelm and burnout.
Are there any additional insights related to founder mental well-being that you’d like to share?
It might be useful to understand the different phases of founders’ journeys as this could yield varied responses.
Ending Remarks
Navigating the complexities of founding a business, Amale emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, intentional breaks, and the power of listening to one’s body. Her journey highlights the significance of recognizing early signs of burnout, seeking support, and setting boundaries to maintain a balance between professional aspirations and personal well-being. Amale’s story serves as a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and self-care required in the entrepreneurial world.
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