Introducing Rav Singh, the Founder & CEO of Rymindr. With an intrinsic passion for bringing ideas to life and being deeply inspired by the successes of fellow founders, Rav embarked on his own entrepreneurial journey. Throughout this interview, he provides a transparent look into the challenges of the tech sector, the nuances of managing diverse teams, and the personal toll it can sometimes take on one’s mental and physical well-being.
What inspired you to become a founder?
I’ve always wanted to be at the helm of business seeing ideas coming to life. I love what other founders have achieved.
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?
Being a founder and stress pretty much go hand in hand. One of the biggest stresses is delivering on time. In tech, especially in tech, there are many variables that can affect projects or deliverables. Another stress is people, everyone is different and handling clients or employees can be a challenge and stressful.
What warning signs indicate to you that you might be feeling stressed or overwhelmed?
Lately it’s been more physical symptoms, from headaches, feeling lost and just angry and frustrated.
Could you share an instance when your mental health impacted your business and how you navigated through that?
Recently I have just had a health issue which stress has been a major factor. I knew I had to step away and regather myself. One instance has been a recent update to one of our platforms, it caused havoc with our other functionalities. As a founder, I had to take a decision to reduce the impact for our live users.
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?
Many people look to the founder for guidance, steer, and vision. Which is all good, but when people just don’t see it, it just drains you, mentally and at times physically.
Who are in your support system, and how do you engage with them during challenging times?
I have business partners, family, and friends. All are open to me for support and advice.
Have you ever considered professional help to address mental health concerns during your founder journey? If so, how was that like?
I do like to de-stress as much as possible naturally. Either by exercise, meditation, or actually speaking to trusted people. I have thought about reaching out before for professional help, but I’ve done well with the means I have.
What are some practical strategies you’ve implemented to maintain your mental health while managing your startup?
Space! Having your own space and time is incredibly important. Doing something other than your normal work can work wonders. I like to do simple things, for example, taking a walk, doing some exercise, speaking to a friend, or even watching a bit of TV or listening to some good music.
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 have 2 children and something I promised myself is that my family is important and no matter what, I must make time to spend with them. We only have one life and we’ve got to fit all the important things in. I usually make an effort to ‘switch off’ during weekends and holidays.
If you could offer one piece of advice to fellow founders on managing well-being or stress, what would it be?
Try to not do everything yourself. Delegate. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of taking on way too much and before you know it you’re doing 18-hour days. This is not good on so many levels.
Ending Remarks
Rav Singh’s candid insights shed light on the multifaceted pressures founders face, especially in the fast-paced tech sector. From ensuring timely deliveries despite unpredictable variables to navigating the intricacies of human interactions, the role of a founder is undeniably demanding. It’s evident that physical symptoms like headaches and feelings of frustration are red flags that shouldn’t be ignored. Despite these challenges, Rav emphasizes the importance of creating personal spaces of calm, whether it’s through exercise, meditation, or simple leisure activities. Moreover, he underscores the significance of work-life balance, prioritising family time, and the vital importance of delegation to prevent burnout. Rav’s journey serves as a poignant reminder for founders to prioritise their well-being amidst the hustle of building a venture.
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