There’s a well-known story in military intelligence circles that I want to share today. After the catastrophic intelligence failure of the Yom Kippur War in 1973, Israeli defence officials decided to implement a new decision-making rule. If nine people in the room agreed on a strategy, the tenth person was required to challenge it, even if they believed it was correct. The idea? To Force critical thinking. Expose blind spots. Make sure the team wasn’t just nodding along to bad ideas because they sounded good.

This is known as the Tenth Man Rule, and it’s something every founder, entrepreneur, and leader should have in their playbook. Not just as a way to challenge consensus thinking, but also as a reminder to be open to feedback and avoid doubling down on a bad idea because of ego.

Subscribe now

Why This Matters in Business

Most startups don’t fail because the founders are dumb. They fail because of groupthink. This is where smart people reinforce each other’s assumptions and ignore warning signs until it’s too late. The best leaders balance conviction with adaptability.

There are two sides to the Tenth Man Rule:

1. Being the Tenth Man – Challenging the prevailing view, thinking differently, and identifying risks that others ignore.

2. Accepting the Tenth Man – Creating an environment where different perspectives are welcomed, not dismissed, and adjusting plans when new insights emerge.

I love the saying “Strong opinions, weakly held”. This is the idea that you should back your ideas with conviction but be willing to drop them when new data comes along. This is how the best companies operate. They move fast but adjust when the world tells them they’re wrong.

Examples of the Tenth Man Rule in Action

1. Netflix vs. Blockbuster

In 2000, Reed Hastings offered to sell Netflix to Blockbuster for $50 million. The Blockbuster execs laughed him out of the room. Their thinking? DVDs were their cash cow. Why mess with a winning formula?

They needed a tenth man in that meeting. Someone who wasn’t afraid to say, “What if online streaming isn’t a fad? What if we’re missing a shift in consumer behaviour?” Instead, they dismissed it. And now? Blockbuster is dead, and Netflix is worth over $200 billion.

2. BlackBerry’s Fall

BlackBerry owned the smartphone market in the mid-2000s. Their leadership thought touchscreen phones were a gimmick. Even as iPhones and Androids started taking over, they refused to adapt.

They needed a tenth man to say: “Maybe people will get used to typing on glass. Maybe apps are the future.” Instead, they doubled down on what had worked before. And now? BlackBerry is a relic of the past.

3. Amazon’s “Disagree and Commit” Culture

Jeff Bezos built Amazon’s culture around welcoming dissent but making decisions quickly. Teams are encouraged to challenge ideas, even if they’re the only one who disagrees. But once a decision is made, everyone commits fully.

This is the Tenth Man Rule done right. To question everything, but when a choice is made, move forward as one team.

Subscribe now

How to Apply the Tenth Man Rule in Your Business

Want to avoid becoming the next Blockbuster? Here’s a simple framework to bring the Tenth Man Rule into your company:

1. Assign a Devil’s Advocate

Every time a big decision is being made, assign one person to argue the opposite view. Their job is to find weaknesses, explore risks, and make the team justify their position.

2. Reward (Not Punish) Dissent

If people are afraid to challenge ideas, groupthink wins. Create a culture where different opinions are encouraged, and not seen as disloyalty.

3. Ask, “What Would Make Us Wrong?”

Before making a decision, ask: “If this fails, what will have caused it?” Identifying failure points in advance makes you more prepared.

4. Conduct Pre-Mortems

Instead of waiting for things to go wrong and doing a post-mortem, do a pre-mortem. Assume the project has already failed, and then ask, “What went wrong?” This forces you to consider risks before they happen.

5. Make It Safe to Change Your Mind

Some of the worst business decisions happen because leaders feel trapped by past choices. If you made a bad bet, admit it, pivot, and move forward. Strong opinions, weakly held.

6. Don’t Just Listen to the Tenth Man… Act on It

It’s not enough to hear dissent. You have to be willing to change course when better insights emerge. If everyone ignored the tenth man, the whole rule would be pointless.

The Fine Line Between Conviction and Stubbornness

Some of the greatest companies were built by people who ignored conventional wisdom. But the best founders also knew when to change their mind.

The Tenth Man Rule isn’t about negativity. It’s about avoiding avoidable mistakes. It’s about being decisive and adaptable. It’s about thinking critically, challenging assumptions, and building a team that isn’t afraid to tell you when you’re wrong.

So next time you’re in a big meeting and everyone agrees…. pause. Assign a tenth man. And make sure you’re not just following the herd off a cliff.

How do you encourage contrarian thinking in your team? Have you ever been the tenth man in a meeting and changed the course of a decision?

Best,

Jon Butterfield

I saw a LinkedIn post by someone the other day that brought back some thoughts. This post was talking about how you should define your business around the problems you’re solving, and the bigger the problem, the more successful you can be.

“What utter bullshit” i thought while reading it.

While solving a problem can be, and is a good thing - it’s not the key ingredient to building a successful company. In some cases, it’s not even that important.

Subscribe now

This is where I believe that delivering value trumps solving problems. While they can sometimes go hand-in-hand, they aren’t mutually exclusive.

How often do you find yourself trying to answer the stock question “What problem are you solving?”. It’s practically a rite of passage for any founder pitching to investors, and if you read any book on getting started as a founder, it is always bound to come up. And I get it, everyone is looking for a heroic saviour who can swoop in and make the world a better place. But frankly, this mentality can create unnecessary stress.

Does every entrepreneur need to carry the weight of changing the world on their shoulders? I don’t think so, and a much healthier and sustainable question is “What value are we creating?”

One great example is a friends company here in Slovenia. BirdBuddy. They’ve made a bird feeder with a webcam, and they pulled in $40m in revenue in Q4 ‘24. Of course, i’m simplifying their product down, but that’s essentially what it is. And they aren’t attempting to solve climate change or deforestation here. They’re delivering simple job with an easy solution. Their product is easy to understand, and the value you can is immediate. Everyone wins!

BirdBuddy isn’t alone in this. There’s lots of examples of companies out there who are killing it, without solving huge problems. Post-it Notes, they haven’t re-invented writing, but they created value in staying organised. There’s also HelloFresh. They haven’t solved the worlds hunger crisis, and the “problem” they solve is more of a first-world one. By simplifying meal prep and making it enjoyable, they created real customer value.

There’s many more examples, but it’s evident. You don’t need to change the world to create something that resonates deeply with consumers.

Let’s get straight to it, then. Deliver value. Your customers happiness should always be your top priority. Even if you’ve created a product or service that could theoretically change the world, it doesn’t matter if it leaves your customers feeling indifferent. People won’t always open their wallets to things that don’t bring them value or joy.

So reflect for a moment. Are you giving yourself unnecessary stress by trying to change the world, or are you prioritising delivering value? What truly matters in the long run? Embrace the idea that sometimes, making a small but significant difference can lead to the happy, loyal customers you need.

Let’s get back to the heart of our business and focus on what really counts - delivering outstanding value.

Best,
Jon Butterfield

This week, I wanted to dive into a topic that has been swirling around the public discourse lately - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). It’s a topic that i’m passionate about, and is included in my upcoming book “100 people, 100 weirdos”. But today, I want to tackle a question that many people are wrestling with at the minute: “Is DEI really that bad?”

Subscribe now

Let’s start with the data. Numerous studies have shown that diverse teams are more successful. There is no way to sugarcoat or deny this. It’s being constantly explored and proven. What studies have found is that diverse teams are often better at problem-solving, bring a range of perspectives, and more effectively engage with a varied customer base. More variety typically leads to richer, more innovative ideas.

But here’s where the waters get murky. While the benefits are clear, the methods employed to achieve diversity can, and are, generating division. Mandated DEI programs, which often feel more like a box-ticking exercise than a genuine commitment to change, can lead to resentment rather than inclusion. It feels a bit like strapping a sidecar onto any old Harley, it changes the ride, but not always for the better.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I wholeheartedly believe in equality and inclusion; every person should have the same opportunities and protections. But the conversation around DEI often creates a divide in those ‘in’ the DEI camp, and those ‘out’. That division, as far as i’m concerned, isn’t healthy. It breeds resentment and, frankly, hatred, which I just can’t get behind.

It’s time we gather everyone around the campfire rather than create an “us vs them” situation.

Terms like “Diversity” and “Inclusion” can become buzzwords that lose their meaning if we’re not careful. And it certainly feels like we’ve gone that way. The can very easily slip into the realm of politics and ideologies, as seen recently. And as a result, it’s creating even more separation. And trust me, the last thing I want is for our workplaces to become arenas for political football. We have enough to be focussing on.

So what’s my takeaway from this ride through the world of DEI and everything thats happening right now? Let’s approach diversity as an opportunity for growth rather than a regimented checklist. LEt’s engage honestly about what true equality looks like without putting each other into boxes of division.

I believe that fostering a culture of understanding, where every voice is welcomed and valued, we will create a healthier environment for us all. Let’s steer clear of this toxic division and move towards genuine inclusion, collaboration, and equal opportunity together. Bringing the right people into our organisations and teams for the right reasons - to build more successful companies.

Best,

JB

Ever heard of Blue Monday? Not the song, but the day of the year. It’s dubbed the “most depressing day of the year” and this year, it lands on Monday the 20th of January. It’s the point when the holiday cheer feels like an ancient memory, and the credit card bills start coming in, your New Year’s Resolutions are already hitting a rocky patch, and the weather outside is generally miserable.

As an entrepreneur, every Monday can feel a little “blue”. It’s the never-ending juggling act that comes with running a business. So, let’s take this Blue Monday as a cue to zoom in on our Mental Health and share some solid strategies for keeping our motivation levels high, even when the going gets tough.

Subscribe now

Why Blue Monday Feels Extra Heavy for Entrepreneurs

The Pressure is Real:
As business leaders, the weight of your enterprise rests heavily on your shoulders. You’re responsible not only for the company but for your team and possibly even your family. That’s a hefty load to carry.

Isolation is Common:
If you're flying solo or working with a small crew, it’s easy to feel the weight of isolation. It can get lonely out there, and self-doubt can echo around inside your head like a bad karaoke performance.

The New Year Glow is Fading:
The fresh energy of January tends to dim when those ambitious plans start feeling more like a heavy burden than exciting possibilities.

What i’ve found, though, is that with the right moves, a shift in mindset, and a dash of action, you can flip the script and reclaim your mojo.

Combatting Blue Monday: A Game Plan

Here are six practical steps to chase away the gloom this January:

1. Refocus Your Energy
Spend 30 minutes revisiting your goals, not with the crushing expectations of hitting everything all at once, but instead with clarity. Zero in on just one small win to target this week. Remember, progress trumps perfection every. single. time.

2. Connect with Your Community
Reach out to a mentor or fellow entrepreneur. Dive into a virtual event or even just a good ol’ chat over coffee. Connecting with like-minded folks can refresh your perspective and remind you that you’re not riding this rollercoaster alone.

3. Celebrate Micro-Wins
As entrepreneurs, we’re notorious for moving the goalposts. Instead of racing toward the next big milestone, take a moment to look back at your accomplishments this month, big or small. Closed a contract? Sent those pesky invoices? Give yourself a well-deserved high-five.

4. Get Moving
Physical activity can be your secret weapon. Even a brisk walk outside works wonders for clearing your mind. Bonus points if you can rope in a fellow founder for a coffee stroll. Fresh air works magic!

5. Outsource the Energy Drainers
Pinpoint one task that’s been stealing your energy, be it admin work, scheduling, or relentless accounting. Consider delegating it. Shedding one stressor can feel absolutely transformative.

6. Shift Your Environment
If you’re stuck at your desk all day, shake things up! Find a new spot, whether it’s a buzzing café, a co-working space, or even a different room in your home. A change of scenery can work wonders for your creativity.

Subscribe now

Beyond Blue Monday: Keep the Momentum

Remember, Blue Monday is just a single day out of our entrepreneurial lives. The goal is to maintain motivation across all 365. Building a routine filled with small, actionable habits can serve as your shield against burnout. Think daily gratitude lists, weekly reflection sessions, or a monthly treat-yourself ritual.

Entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint-hearted, and guess what? Neither is Blue Monday! When you show up, even on the tough days, you’re proving to yourself that you’ve got the grit to handle whatever life throws your way. So this January 20th, don’t just survive Blue Monday; smash it out of the park.

Cheers to the good fight,

JB

As we leap into a brand new year, it’s hard not to avoid the talk of New Year Resolutions. You know how it goes, people all around you are declaring grand ambitions to be better, improve themselves, or kick a pesky habit to the curb. But let me be honest with you, I’m really not one for resolutions, and here’s why: why wait for the stroke of midnight on 31st December to decide to make a change?

Subscribe now

The truth is that the majority of New Year’s Resolutions fizzle out faster than a sparkler at a fireworks show. A study from Columbia University revealed that only a quarter of people manage to stick to their goals for a whole 30 days. Less than 10% actually achieve what they set out to do. So, you might as well be setting yourself up for a failure parade, even if you’re buzzing with optimism right now.

But my aim here isn’t to rain on your parade. Instead, it's about casting a spotlight on a more realistic approach. You don’t need to plunge into a complete lifestyle overhaul on day one. Imagine instead making small, incremental changes each day that contribute to your growth.

And remember, not all improvements need to revolve around financial targets or crushing fitness goals. Sometimes, the most profound progress comes from being more aware, being present, and cherishing the moments we have.

Ferris Bueller had it right: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Before we know it, we could be ringing in 2026 and you’ll be frustrated with what you didn’t do.

This time of year is perfect for a good old reflection. Think about the previous 12 months: what did you achieve? What are your aspirations for the upcoming year?

• More family time?

• Welcoming new hires?

• Traveling to that destination you’ve been daydreaming about?

• Landing new clients?

All these goals are within reach, but you don’t have to do it all today or tomorrow. Instead, let’s reverse engineer what you want to achieve and break it down into bite-sized, actionable steps.

If you’ve dabbled with KPIs or OKRs, you've likely come across the SMART framework, which helps define clear goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Make sure you give this framework a go when planning your goals for 2025!

Now, let’s not forget about accountability. Having someone in your corner to check in on your progress can mean the difference between success and that January slump. Personally, I prefer sharing my aspirations with a tight-knit group of friends and family. We catch up regularly, discuss what’s working, what’s not, and keep each other accountable. It works wonders!

Subscribe now

Lastly, I can’t stress enough: weave well-being into your grand plans. A “healthy hustle” is just as crucial as the pursuit of professional success. Seek out activities that spark creativity and joy in your daily grind.

Remember, there’s no expiration date on starting fresh, and making changes doesn't have to wait until the calendar flips. Life is about continual reflection, learning, and honest conversations with ourselves.

So let’s toast to a year filled with incremental progress, grounded in awareness and authenticity.

Cheers,

As we start switching off for the festive season, I wanted to take a moment to share something that’s especially close to my heart this year. For as long as I can remember, I was someone who would work through the holidays. I’d find myself hiding in the back-room on Christmas day working on my laptop, completely absorbed in pushing my latest project forward, or responding to customer emails. But this year is different. It’s my first Christmas without my parents, brother and auntie by my side, and the second year without my father. It hurts, knowing I wasted my Christmases in the past working while they were here (We live in different countries). However, I have my wife and children with me, and it’s time to shift my focus from work to what truly matters—my family.

In a world that constantly glorifies the hustle, it's easy to forget to pause and reflect. But trust me, balance is essential. Just look at any successful athlete! Review their daily routines, and you'll find a key ingredient - Rest and recovery. They prioritise sufficient sleep, nutritious meals, recovery time, and even mindfulness practices. They understand that true performance comes from balance, and it’s high time we entrepreneurs adopted the same mindset.

As we head into 2025, I want to encourage each of you to embrace this holiday season as an opportunity to recharge your batteries. We often forget that taking breaks is not a sign of weakness; rather, it’s a vital component of our success. So, here are a few pointers to help you create a healthy hustle this season and beyond:

1. Eat and Drink in Moderation: A festive feast can be tempting, and while it’s lovely to indulge, let's keep it balanced. Enjoy a good meal but remember that moderation is key!

2. Get Outside: Whether it’s a crisp walk on Christmas Day or simply heading out for some fresh air, getting outside can clear your head and rejuvenate your spirit. Nature has a way of putting things in perspective - trust me on this one.

3. Express Your Love: In the hustle and bustle of life, we often forget to tell family and friends how much they mean to us. Take this time to connect. A heartfelt message or a simple phone call can leave a lasting impact.

4. Switch Off: The world will keep spinning without you for a little while, so why not give yourself permission to disconnect? The emails and notifications can wait. It’s important to step back and truly relish the moment without distractions.

Now, I understand that the entrepreneurial life can feel relentless. So, I encourage you to take a moment over this holiday season to really think about your time. Consider what truly fills your cup. Let your loved ones inspire you as we step into the New Year. Their love, laughter, and support should be the foundation upon which we build our ambitions for the coming year.

Now, I pose a question to all of you: How will you commit to creating a healthy hustle in 2024? What actions will you take to ensure that you’re not only working hard but also recovering well? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any tips you might have to share!

As we head into this festive break, let’s gather our energy, embrace our loved ones, and step into the New Year with renewed strength and inspiration. Here’s to a restful, joyful holiday season, and cheers to an amazing 2025 ahead! 🥂

Happy Holidays,
Jon Butterfield

In the relentless world of entrepreneurship, there’s an unspoken rule: never let them see you sweat.

Show weakness, and you risk losing the confidence of investors, employees, and sometimes even yourself. But what if we flipped that script? What if vulnerability could be a tool to strengthen, not undermine, your leadership?

Subscribe now

The Feedback That Made Me Pause

Not too long ago, I received some anonymous feedback from someone in my team. They described my openness about certain struggles as “weakness.” At first, it stung. A lot. I really pride myself on being a grounded, transparent leader and human, and here was someone questioning whether my approach undermined their confidence in me.

But later on as I reflected on the feedback, I realised that it revealed something deeper. Vulnerability is uncomfortable. Not just for the person expressing it, but also for those witnessing it. For some, seeing a leader admit struggle can challenge long-held notions of strength.

This feedback didn’t make me question the value of openness. Instead, it made me refine how I approach it. Vulnerability isn’t about dumping every worry or fear; it’s about honest, purposeful communication that serves the team and yourself.

Why Vulnerability is a Strength, Not a Weakness

First of all, let’s dismantle a common myth: vulnerability doesn’t mean losing control or credibility. In fact, it can be a critical leadership tool.

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that psychological safety, a culture where people feel safe to take risks, voice opinions, and be themselves, positively impacts team performance. Leaders who demonstrate vulnerability create this safety by modelling openness and fostering trust. (Frontiers in Psychology, 2020)

Similarly, Brené Brown, a researcher renowned for her work on vulnerability, emphasizes that vulnerability is the birthplace of trust, innovation, and resilience. Her findings suggest that the very thing many of us are afraid to show, our humanness, is what builds the deepest connections in teams. (CultureAmp)

So, vulnerability isn’t about saying, “I don’t know what I’m doing.” It’s about saying, “Here’s a challenge we’re facing, and here’s how I’m addressing it.” This balance can transform how your team perceives you and how they operate.

Four Ways to Embrace Vulnerability Without Losing Credibility

1. Be Strategic About What You Share
   Vulnerability isn’t about sharing everything; it’s about sharing what’s relevant. If you’re dealing with a tough decision, frame it in a way that connects with the team’s goals. For example: “This quarter’s numbers are challenging, but here’s how we’re tackling it.”

2. Balance Transparency with Resilience
   Vulnerability should never leave people feeling adrift. Pair openness with solutions. Instead of just saying, “This is hard,” add, “Here’s what we’re trying, and here’s how you can help.”

3. Lead by Example
   By being open yourself, you create a safe space for others to do the same. For instance, if an employee is struggling with burnout, sharing your own experience with setting boundaries can make them feel less isolated.

4. Set Clear Boundaries
   While openness is valuable, oversharing can erode trust. Choose moments of vulnerability that reinforce your role as a steady, solutions-oriented leader.

The Science of Trust and Vulnerability

Research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology highlights that trust in leaders often stems from their willingness to accept vulnerability. This trust enables teams to collaborate more effectively and feel empowered to take risks without fear of judgment. (Journal of Applied Psychology)

Moreover, when leaders embrace vulnerability, they cultivate a culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work. This not only builds stronger connections but also enhances overall performance.

The Cultural Shift We Need

Here’s the reality: the expectation that leaders must be invincible is outdated and counterproductive. A culture where vulnerability is welcomed, when managed thoughtfully, builds stronger connections, trust, and collaboration. And it starts at the top.

As an entrepreneur, you don’t need to have all the answers. What you need is the courage to admit when you don’t and the determination to figure it out. By embracing vulnerability, we’re not only helping ourselves—we’re setting the tone for a healthier, more resilient team culture.

As entrepreneurs, we’re wired to push our limits, take risks and grind until we hit our goal. We also know this is not a healthy path to take (this is why you’re reading this, right?), but one of the things that’s not often talked about is substance abuse. And, no, we’re not just talking about the odd drink after a hard day. Recent studies show some serious, unsettling links between entrepreneurship, addiction, and the toll it takes on both our lives and our businesses and i’ve been doing a deep dive on this impact.

The Entrepreneurial Mind: High Drive, High Risk

Turns out, entrepreneurs are much more likely than the average person to wrestle with mental health issues and substance abuse. Check this out:

• Twice as likely to struggle with depression

• Three times more likely to abuse substances

• Ten times more likely to have bipolar disorder

• Twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts

This stuff can affect any of us, no matter how “tough” we think we are. But admitting it doesn’t come naturally to most founders.

The Cost to Your Business

Substance use doesn’t just hit personal health, it tanks our productivity and costs the economy a small fortune. A study in Canada found that substance use knocked $15.7 billion off productivity in a single year. That’s over $400 per person. Here’s the kicker:

• Alcohol: 38% of the costs

• Tobacco: 37%

• Opioids: 12%

This isn’t some “big company” problem. For any startup or small business, every employee, and every workday, matters. Substance issues can seriously undermine all the hard work we put into building something great.

Productivity Pitfalls: Absenteeism and "Presenteeism"

Substance use doesn’t just mean people miss work. It means they’re less effective when they’re there. Some hard-hitting stats:

• 24% of workers admitted to drinking during the workday at least once last year.

• In emergency rooms, 16% of work injury patients had alcohol in their system.

It gets more specific: A U.S. Postal Service study found workers who tested positive for illicit drugs had 60% more absenteeism than their clean coworkers.

A Look at Healthcare Professionals

While no industry is immune, healthcare gives us a glimpse into the real danger. Around 10% of nurses are dependent on drugs, often prescription meds. The irony? These are the people keeping us healthy. It’s a brutal reminder that substance use issues don’t discriminate by industry or status.

A Smarter Approach to Health and Productivity

So what can we do? As leaders, we’ve got to acknowledge the reality of our high-stress lives and do something about it. Here are a few steps that actually work:

• Set up a clear drug-free workplace policy—one that doesn’t feel “Big Brother” but focuses on genuine support. (this may also include not encouraging drinking!)

• Give employees mental health resources. Make help accessible and stigma-free. Be open and honest.

• Build a culture where work-life balance isn’t a joke, and where it’s okay to take time for yourself.

• And most importantly, walk the talk. If you need support, get it. Let others know it’s okay to do the same.

A healthy business is powered by healthy people. So if you feel you’re becoming dependent on any substance to get you through the day, talk to someone.

Welcome to the SparkLife Newsletter! Every week, I share news, information, and research on physical, mental, relationship, financial, and purpose health - designed to make you happier, healthier, and more successful. If you were forwarded this message, you can subscribe to the free weekly newsletter here.

This Week We Look At:

• Burnout often comes from a misalignment between who you are and the role you’re playing.

• Staying true to your values and personal purpose is critical for long-term success and happiness.

• Balancing different aspects of health—purpose, financial, relationship, emotional, and physical—helps prevent burnout.

• Authentic leadership is essential for both personal well-being and creating a healthy, thriving team.

Burnout doesn’t strike like a lightning bolt, it creeps up on you gradually. One day you’re feeling fine, and the next, you realise you’ve lost your spark. I’ve been there. It wasn’t just about the workload or leading a team; the deeper issue was a disconnect between who I truly was and the role I was trying to fulfil.

Leadership comes with constant demands, being a visionary, motivator, strategist, and more. But what happens when the person you’re trying to be doesn’t align with who you are at your core? When the goals you’re chasing don’t resonate with your values, it’s a slow path to burnout. I found myself in this very situation, pushing forward despite feeling out of sync with my true self.

At my lowest point, I realised that burnout wasn’t just about long hours or stress. It stemmed from an imbalance across five key areas of health: purpose, financial, relationship, emotional, and physical. Reflecting on my own journey and my experiences working with hundreds of founders at Speedinvest, I saw how this imbalance leads many leaders to burnout.

The first and most significant factor for me was purpose health. I wasn’t staying true to myself. I was pursuing goals that didn’t align with my values, and even though I was achieving success outwardly, it didn’t feel right inside. I saw the same pattern among many founders. Those who stayed connected to their personal purpose managed to retain their energy and passion, even through challenges. In contrast, those who strayed from their values burned out.

Financial health was another area where I struggled. Like many people, I tied my self-worth to financial success. But the more I achieved, the more I felt trapped in a cycle of ever-increasing expectations. This relentless pursuit of financial goals left little room for other priorities. I saw similar patterns with many founders who equated success solely with financial metrics, leading to dissatisfaction and exhaustion.

Relationship health also suffered as I became more consumed by work. I withdrew from friends, family, and colleagues, isolating myself. The more isolated I became, the more the exhaustion deepened. Research backs this up, strong relationships are essential for resilience and preventing burnout. Founders who maintained supportive relationships were far more able to navigate stress and remain resilient.

Then there’s emotional health, which is closely tied to authenticity. During this period, I was trying to project an image that wasn’t truly me. This emotional dissonance, pretending to be something I wasn’t, was draining. The more I faked it, the more exhausted I became.

Finally, I couldn’t ignore my physical health. As the pressure mounted, I neglected exercise, sleep, and nutrition. Unsurprisingly, my energy levels crashed, and everything became harder. Regular physical activity is proven to boost mood and resilience, yet it’s often the first thing to go when stress takes over.

The turning point came when I realised I wasn’t being myself. I wasn’t living authentically, and it was costing me dearly. Recovery didn’t happen overnight, but by reconnecting with my true self and realigning my life and work with my values, I began to thrive again. Authenticity was my key to overcoming burnout.

For leaders, the lesson is clear: authenticity is not only a superpower for effective leadership but also a vital tool for avoiding burnout. Stay true to who you are, and ensure your work, relationships, and lifestyle align with your core values. Only then can you create a leadership style that’s sustainable, fulfilling, and resilient.

In other news this week…

9 Ways Startup Founders Can Avoid Learning About Burnout and Mental Health the Hard Way

Running a startup can feel like you're constantly on the go, but burnout doesn’t have to be part of the journey. This article offers some fresh, actionable advice for founders to take care of their mental health before it’s too late. From better work-life boundaries to recognizing the signs early, these are essential tips for anyone looking to build a business and stay sane.

Read More

Responding to Work Emails After Hours Contributes to Burnout & Hostility

If you're constantly checking work emails late at night, it might be time to rethink your habits. This piece dives into how after-hours emails aren’t just annoying—they’re contributing to burnout and even workplace hostility. It’s a reminder that sometimes, setting boundaries with your inbox can make all the difference for your well-being and your team’s!

Read More

Welcome to the SparkLife Newsletter! Every week, I share news, information, and research on physical, mental, relationship, financial, and purpose health - designed to make you happier, healthier, and more successful. If you were forwarded this message, you can subscribe to the free weekly newsletter here.

This week we look at:

• Discover how authenticity in leadership can foster trust and engagement within your team.

• Understand the importance of embracing your unique leadership style to create a more dynamic and adaptable team.

• Learn how authentic leadership drives better decision-making and fosters a positive work environment.

These days we often feel pressure to conform and authenticity has become a rare but invaluable asset in leadership. Leading from a place of truth, embracing who you are and encouraging others to do the same, can make all the difference in building a successful, cohesive team.

This realisation came to me during a transformative experience with my leadership team. At the time, our company was doing well, but something was missing. We were competent, but there was a lack of energy driving us forward. We decided to take a closer look at our leadership styles and the dynamics within the team, and what we discovered changed the way we operated.

We realised that our individual strengths were not just personal quirks; they were essential to how we led. By understanding our own strengths and recognising the differences within our team, we could complement each other, creating a more balanced and dynamic group. It wasn’t just about identifying what we lacked but understanding how our unique qualities contributed to the overall success of the team.

This understanding of authenticity extended beyond just our leadership team. We encouraged everyone in the company to reflect on their own strengths and embrace them. This shift in mindset transformed how we worked together, fostering better communication, stronger collaboration, and a deeper respect for each other’s contributions.

What I’ve learned through this experience is that authentic leadership isn’t about following a set mould or style. It’s about being true to who you are and recognising that each individual brings something valuable to the table. When we lead authentically, we foster trust, engagement, and loyalty within our teams. People are more motivated to bring their best selves to work when they feel valued for who they truly are.

Research supports this as well. Studies show that authentic leaders inspire greater loyalty, trust, and innovation within their teams. When people feel they can be themselves, they are more engaged, creative, and willing to contribute fully to the success of the organisation.

So, as you think about your own leadership style, ask yourself: what are your natural strengths? How can you lead in a way that is true to who you are? And just as importantly, how can you create an environment where those around you feel empowered to do the same?

Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a superpower. It’s what allows you to lead with confidence, knowing you are being true to yourself. And when you encourage your team to do the same, you build a culture where everyone is empowered to bring their full potential to the table, driving sustainable and meaningful success.

In other news this week…

6 Ways to Prioritize Your Mental Health While Running a Business

Being a business owner can feel like a marathon, but you don’t need to burn out to cross the finish line. This article offers practical and easy-to-implement tips to keep your mental health in check while juggling the demands of running a company. From setting boundaries to finding time for yourself, these insights are a must-read for every entrepreneur.

Read More

Inc. 5000 CEOs Say Burnout Is Their Biggest Workforce Challenge. Here’s How They’re Stopping It

Burnout is a hot topic for many companies today, and even top CEOs are feeling the heat. In this article, learn how leaders from the Inc. 5000 list are tackling burnout head-on and creating healthier, more sustainable work environments. Their innovative strategies might just inspire a few changes in your own workplace.

Read More

Tech Workers Are Now More at Risk of Burnout Compared to a Year Ago

Burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s becoming a bigger problem for tech professionals, and it’s only getting worse. If you’re in the tech industry, or managing a tech team, this article breaks down why burnout is rising and what steps can be taken to prevent it from spiraling further out of control.

Read More

Leadership Matters: How Managers Can Nurture Employee Mental Health and Drive Better Results

Great leaders know that supporting employee mental health isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also good for business. This piece explores how managers can actively nurture their team’s well-being, leading to happier employees and better results. If you’re a manager looking for ways to boost both morale and productivity, this is the read for you.

Read More