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Founders' Fears & Failures
It’s time to shine a light on the emotional and mental challenges of life in the startup ecosystem. Join Dr. Melissa Parks, executive coach for entrepreneurs and former therapist, as she interviews founders, investors, and other professionals supporting the startup world. Learn from their personal experiences, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way, about how to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of life as a founder. To get in touch with Melissa visit her website melissaparks.com
Founders' Fears & Failures
Destigmatizing Mental Illness in the Startup World with Micah Baldwin
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:
- 2x more likely to suffer from depression
- 6x more likely to suffer from ADHD
- 3x more likely to suffer from substance abuse
- 10x more likely to suffer from bipolar disorder
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:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/micah
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artndog/
- Website: http://Micahbaldwin.com
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.