The Founder And Company Dynamics: Balancing The Yin And Yang
Co-founding a company is a significant commitment and requires resilience, patience, focus and action. Starting two healthcare biotech-focused businesses, each with a talented partner, has enabled me to channel my passion into real-world results. Although each business has a distinctive focus, I have gained great satisfaction from each company’s achievements.
Not surprisingly, both companies have also occupied much of my mental and emotional bandwidth. Although investors have contributed to each company, I also put my own financial resources on the line.
Looking at the bigger picture, I have essentially been consumed by my desire to make my businesses work to enable me to achieve my personal mission of helping improve human health, providing accessible therapeutics and accelerating drug development. I have joyfully celebrated the highs and endured the lows. When things didn’t go as planned, I convinced myself that disappointments were only obstacles on the path to eventual success.
The Challenge Of Maintaining A Separate Identity
However, carving out a separate identity from my business has been difficult. Every week, I’m engaged in research, planning, and/or project execution. I meet with other stakeholders and maintain regular contact with others in my industry. It’s not an exaggeration to say that I spend almost every waking hour working to move my company forward.
But while my business is thriving, my personal life and relationships haven’t always received the attention they deserve.
Merging A Personal Identity With A Business Persona
Objectively speaking, channeling all of your resources into your company makes sense. However, leaders who are genuine with their connections at work are at a higher risk of merging their personal identity with their business.
The Advantage Of One Unified Persona
There is one major advantage of combining your personal identity with your business persona: increased focus and emotional investment.
The Disadvantages Of One Unified Persona
There are also downsides, including strain on physical well-being, personal relationships, and difficulty transitioning between companies.
How To Cultivate A Healthy Personal Identity
Maintaining boundaries takes effort. Be selective, delegate, surround yourself with experts, schedule work-free time, and intentionally invest in relationships.
Final Thoughts
While founding a company requires deep commitment, balance is possible with awareness and deliberate action.