The rates of mental illness amongst founders are incredibly high. Research out of UC Berkeley found that 72% of entrepreneurs are affected by mental illness.
This same study found that entrepreneurs are:
Many of these entrepreneurs are likely suffering in silence, or feeling like they’re the only one. It’s essential that we have key players in the startup world who are sharing about their own struggles with mental illness so we can reduce the stigma, and inspire others to get vulnerable and seek treatment.
My guest this week is Micah Baldwin, a serial founder, angel investor, and leadership coach. Micah started his first business when he was 9 years and sold his last company in 2014. Over the years he has started or been early at 5 companies that raised a total of $350 million. He has also spent time at Amazon and Microsoft and in venture.
In this interview Micah shares his story of grappling with addiction and getting sober, and receiving a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. He shares about some of the challenges he’s faced along this journey, and the types of support that have been integral to his recovery. Micah currently coaches founders so he also shares his insights into some of the struggles he sees founders facing on the entrepreneur rollercoaster and some of his words of wisdom for how to take care of yourself and ultimately, go further faster.
Find Micah online:
Connect with your host, Dr. Melissa Parks, elsewhere:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissacparks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissaparksphd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissaparksphd/
Website: https://melissaparks.com/
If you’d like additional support for your mental health and well-being as a founder please visit Melissa’s website for a list of resources to help you find a coach, therapist, or peer support.
