Behind the Brave Face of Entrepreneurship

I’m a self confessed people watcher, and nine times out of ten, you’d find me facing people if you saw me in a restaurant.

Recently, in a conversation with a friend, the topic of the entrepreneurial journey came up, and she prompted me to think about the possible set of emotions a fellow entrepreneur might be experiencing.

I hadn’t really thought about it. But not long after our conversation, I found myself going down the rabbit hole of my own experience. More often than not, underneath my display of confidence and capability, I was trying to manage a whole lot of emotions.

Growing up, I admired entrepreneurs because what I saw on the outside was freedom and success. But since becoming an entrepreneur myself, I’ve found a quieter side to this experience. One filled with self-doubt, overwhelm, and sometimes even loneliness.

We become masters at putting on brave faces. On the outside, we appear to have it all together. Doing what we need to do to stay on top of our goals. Juggling our tasks, delivering pitches, networking with like-minded, etc., the list goes on. But looking beyond the surface, you might notice the subtle signs of strain that tell another story.

Those forced smiles that never reach our eyes, the busyness that creates a distraction from dealing with the emotional challenges we’re facing, or our less than enthusiastic engagement in conversations, to name a few.

These struggles are not unique to me or the people I’ve met. A 2023 survey revealed that 87.7% of entrepreneurs struggle with at least one mental health issue, with 50.2% affected by anxiety and 34.4% impacted by burnout.

It’s easy to miss these signs because we’re generally focused on our busy lives, yet they are a reminder to each of us that even the most seemingly successful people can do with a moment of connection and understanding.

What has helped me was having a community of entrepreneurs (I refer to them as my people) who were there for me, cheering me on and lifting me up when I needed it most.

Here are some ways you can do this, too:

1. Watch for these subtle signs; when you see them, offer a kind word. I promise it will make a world of difference to someone who feels unseen.
2. Ask how they’re doing and really listen to their response. In this way, you’re creating a space for open, non-judgemental conversation.
3. We’ve all heard the phrase “sharing is caring”. Share something you’ve tried that has worked for you or someone you know. It’s our lived experiences that will help others like us.
4. Be their cheerleader, acknowledging their small and big wins.

When we take the time to connect and see the person for who they are, we start building a foundation of trust and mutual support. This strengthens relationships and contributes to a healthier, more compassionate entrepreneurial ecosystem. So, the next time you find yourself in the presence of a fellow entrepreneur, ask yourself, “Could they be carrying more than meets the eye?.”

People watching certainly offers all of us an opportunity to connect, one free from judgment.
You never know …. you might become the light they didn’t know they needed.