Interview with Brad Feld
Addressing questions on startup burnout, depression, crypto and the post-Covid tech world
DougL: “Brad, thanks for answering these questions by email.”
Brad: “Thanks for being willing to ask them by email instead of live, zoom, or on the phone.”
DougL: “You have written and spoken extensively about burnout and depression in startup leaders. Today, what is your perspective on these topics?”
Brad: “Same as it ever was. It's a significant phenomenon. The stigma around it, while somewhat less, is still high. Phrases like ‘fake it till you make it’ are still pervasive and create endless pressure, especially in situations where things are not working well. When everyone is "crushing it" except you, it's hard to remember that very few people are actually crushing it, whatever that really means. While the conversation around mental health has shifted some towards being something that is talked about, we are far from addressing the core issues in entrepreneurship, especially among leaders. But it's not just an issue with leaders; it's an issue everywhere.”
DougL: “Any new insights or suggestions for startup leaders on dealing with stress and burnout?”
Brad: “Start by acknowledging that it exists for you and in your organization. Then, explore ways to address it and make dealing with it, and helping people address it, part of your culture norms. And then participate actively as a leader in addressing your own issues.”
DougL: “How do you suggest startup leaders deal with depression?”
Brad: “Get help. If you are depressed, start doing therapy with a psychologist or a psychiatrist. Get a coach. Invest real time, money, and energy in your own mental health. Don't deny your reality.”
DougL: “What’s your perspective on crypto investments?”
Brad: “I believe we are living in one of an infinite number of universes.”
DougL: “Switching subjects and concluding: How will the tech industry be impacted by COVID short-term and long-term?”
Brad: “Short-term it has been an extraordinary windfall for the tech industry. We just experienced five years of acceleration in adoption on many different dimensions of tech, including value creation. Long-term will be more interesting, given the fundamental changes that are happening in our society around issues like individual motivation and geographic desires. I don't have any idea how this plays out over the next decade.”
DougL: “Brad, thanks again. Happy Holidays."