Ellevest founder tackles entrepreneurial pressures with strategic solutions

Sallie Krawcheck, the founder of Ellevest, faced immense stress during her 20-plus years in banking, navigating institutionalized sexism and public exits from high-profile roles. Despite chronic sleep issues and the emotional burden of being a woman founder, she shares insights on handling entrepreneurial pressures and confronting the fear of failure.

Transitioning from Wall Street to entrepreneurship, Krawcheck found the latter to be even more stressful, highlighting the loneliness and boredom of working remotely. Despite the challenges, she values the flexibility to take daily naps, emphasizing the importance of peak performance.

Addressing the mental health of women founders, Krawcheck points out the financial stressors and subtle challenges often overlooked in discussions. Women CEOs raise less capital and receive less equity, facing additional stress from poorly behaved board members. She encourages negotiation for better terms and emphasizes the need for self-care.

Krawcheck identifies warning signs of stress, including physical symptoms like stomach discomfort and insomnia, along with racing thoughts. Exercise, particularly low-impact cardio, and immersive activities like hiking help alleviate stress and promote mental well-being.

To reorient mental health, Krawcheck advocates reframing failure as a learning opportunity and challenging societal norms that equate failure with embarrassment, particularly for women. She prioritizes family over work, recognizing the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective on life’s priorities.

In conclusion, Krawcheck’s journey as an entrepreneur underscores the importance of acknowledging and addressing the unique stressors faced by women founders. By prioritizing self-care, reframing failure, and advocating for better support structures, women can navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship while maintaining their well-being and achieving success.

Repurposed article originally published in INC.