Entrepreneurship often evokes the image of bold risk-takers who leap into the unknown, yet the intricacies of this journey reveal a more nuanced reality. Founders frequently navigate the complexities of their businesses while grappling with personal challenges that can be overwhelming. In a deeply moving and enlightening episode of “Notes to My (Legal) Self,” Collin Williams, the co-founder of New Era ADR, candidly discusses his path from grappling with depression to embracing it as a part of his life. He shares how this understanding has equipped him to face the unpredictable nature of the startup world with resilience and insight.
Transforming Suffering Into Empowerment: A Personal Journey
Collin reveals that his experience with depression did not manifest in the typical ways most people might assume. Instead, his emotional struggles often emerged as intense anger. For years, he found himself at a loss, unable to control the emotional turmoil that consumed him. It wasn’t until his wife encouraged him to seek professional help that he experienced a pivotal moment: he realized that his anger was a symptom of something deeper—depression. This revelation was transformative, allowing him to shift his perspective from merely “suffering with” depression to actively “living with” it.
This crucial turning point has enabled Collin to redefine his relationship with his mental health. He articulates that suffering stems from a lack of clarity and direction, whereas living with depression empowers individuals to take ownership of their challenges. This proactive approach involves crafting a personalized action plan and striving to build a meaningful life despite the condition.
“Life is miserable when you’re suffering. Life is great when you’re living with. If you can make that shift, you’ll solve 90% of your problems.”
Embracing Mental Health as an Integral Part of Life
One of the most compelling insights Collin shares is the prevalence of mental health challenges in our society, which is often underestimated. With at least 20% of individuals facing some form of mental health issue, he argues that this reality should not be viewed as an exception but rather as a fundamental aspect of the human experience. Collin actively encourages others to shed the negative stigma surrounding mental illness, advocating for a perspective that recognizes it as a strength rather than a weakness.
For him, the courage to seek assistance, effectively manage his condition, and flourish in spite of it is nothing short of a superpower. His analogy is powerful: “This is no different than having a broken arm. You wouldn’t let a broken arm linger — you’d treat it. Mental illness deserves the same attention.”
Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape While Managing Depression
The entrepreneurial landscape is notorious for its inherent stress, characterized by extreme highs and lows that can be particularly daunting for those grappling with mental health conditions. However, Collin approaches his depression not as a hindrance but as a manageable aspect of his life, contingent on utilizing the right strategies and support systems. A fundamental component of his approach includes establishing structured routines.
Collin adheres to a consistent daily schedule that extends beyond work, ensuring he includes morning exercise and evening rituals to maintain a sense of stability amid the unpredictable nature of his entrepreneurial endeavors. While one might assume that the challenges of entrepreneurship would be counterproductive for someone managing depression, Collin’s motivation is clear: “I was afraid of practicing law for 40 years. Entrepreneurship was the scarier, more exciting choice—but it was the right one for me.”
Championing Open Dialogue About Mental Health in Professional Environments
Collin has taken a bold stance in openly discussing his mental health journey among his team, partners, and investors. His overarching goal is to normalize these vital conversations and dismantle the persistent stigma associated with mental illness in the workplace. He encourages anyone who senses something is amiss to prioritize their well-being without fear of judgment, stating: “If you think there’s something wrong, don’t let the worry about what others will think stop you from getting help. Talk about it. That’s the only way we’ll make this a nonissue in the future.”
Collin’s transparency has been met with understanding and support rather than skepticism, and he strongly advocates for others to adopt a similar approach. He believes that fostering openness not only cultivates trust but also contributes to a healthier and more inclusive workplace culture.
Essential Strategies for Founders and Leaders to Thrive
- Shift Your Perspective: Transition from a mindset of suffering to one of actively living with your challenges by seeking support and devising an actionable plan.
- Create Consistent Routines: Organize your non-work hours to establish stability and a sense of balance in your life.
- Encourage Openness: Foster an environment where mental health conversations are normalized among your team, partners, and investors.
- Stay Present: Rather than dwelling on the “why” behind your mental health condition, concentrate on effectively managing it and creating a fulfilling existence.
Recognizing the Normalcy of Living with Mental Health Challenges
As Collin eloquently expresses, living with mental illness is a common experience that deserves recognition and understanding. The real challenge lies in acknowledging these realities, seeking appropriate help, and sharing personal narratives that can inspire others facing similar difficulties. If you find yourself struggling, remember: you are not alone, and there is absolutely no shame in asking for help.
For an in-depth exploration of Collin’s insights and a candid discussion on the intersection of mental health and entrepreneurship, be sure to watch the full episode of “Notes to My (Legal) Self.”
(P.S.: Don’t forget to care for your cat — and prioritize your mental health needs — every day.)
<em>Olga V. Mack </em>is a Fellow at CodeX, The Stanford Center for Legal Informatics, and a Generative AI Editor at law.MIT. Olga embraces legal innovation and has dedicated her career to improving and shaping the future of law. She is convinced that the legal profession will emerge even stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive than before by embracing technology. Olga is also an award-winning general counsel, operations professional, startup advisor, public speaker, adjunct professor, and entrepreneur. She authored Get on Board: Earning Your Ticket to a Corporate Board Seat<em>, </em>Fundamentals of Smart Contract Security, and Blockchain Value: Transforming Business Models, Society, and Communities. Currently, she is working on three upcoming books: Visual IQ for Lawyers (ABA 2024), The Rise of Product Lawyers: An Analytical Framework to Systematically Advise Your Clients Throughout the Product Lifecycle (Globe Law and Business 2024), and Legal Operations in the Age of AI and Data (Globe Law and Business 2024). You can connect with Olga on LinkedIn and Twitter @olgavmack.
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