James Crowther - Startup Coach

“Burnout is a huge risk for entrepreneurs.”

In the fast-paced, high-stress environment of startups, mental health often takes a backseat to the relentless pursuit of success. But James Crowther, an aeronautical engineer turned startup coach is on a mission to change that narrative. With over a decade of experience in the startup sector, James has witnessed firsthand the toll that entrepreneurship can take on mental well-being. From grappling with burnout to confronting suicidal thoughts, his journey is a testament to the silent struggles many founders face.

One of the key reasons for the high prevalence of burnout among entrepreneurs, James explains, is that entrepreneurs do more of what pushes people to burnout. They juggle multiple responsibilities, face constant pressure to perform, and often find themselves working around the clock. Despite the freedom that comes with being their own boss, the weight of decision-making and the fear of failure can be overwhelming.

Venture capitalists recognise this reality all too well. In conversations with investors, James learned that founder burnout ranks among the top causes of startup failure. Yet, despite its prevalence, discussions around mental health in the entrepreneurial community remain taboo.

James attributes this silence to several factors. Firstly, the startup world is predominantly male, and men, traditionally, are less inclined to openly discuss their emotions. Additionally, there's a fear of being sidelined or stigmatised if one admits to struggling with mental health issues. The public scrutiny that accompanies entrepreneurship only exacerbates these concerns, leaving many founders feeling isolated and unsupported.

But James refuses to let these challenges go unaddressed. Drawing inspiration from his experience designing courses for startup accelerators, he's developing a groundbreaking training program aimed at fostering resilience among entrepreneurs.

Central to James' approach are two key principles borrowed from an unlikely source: a wellness book for the army. The first principle emphasises the importance of balancing energy expenditure with energy replenishment. By encouraging entrepreneurs to reflect on their habits and prioritise activities that nurture their well-being, James helps them sustainably manage their energy levels and adapt their pace.

The second principle advocates for the use of psychological distance—a concept familiar to military strategists but equally relevant in the startup world. Just as soldiers benefit from stepping back from conflict to gain perspective, entrepreneurs can mitigate stress by creating distance from their work and adopting a broader outlook.

While James' program is still in its early stages, its potential impact on the innovation ecosystem is profound. By equipping entrepreneurs with the tools to safeguard their mental health, he hopes to foster a culture of support and resilience within the startup community.

James' journey serves as a reminder that mental health is not a luxury but a necessity, especially in environments as demanding as startups. By breaking the silence and prioritising well-being, we can pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable approach to entrepreneurship.

James Crowther is based in Sydney, Australia.

"Burnout in founders can be hiding just under the surface"