Leading Teams, Building Companies, and Surviving the Startup Life
Biweekly Column
Hi there! I’m Andy Dunn, the founding CEO of Bonobos and Pie. In this column, I’ll be sharing advice on leading teams, building companies, and surviving the startup life. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me at the link provided.
What’s the Biggest Challenge Founders Face Today?
I recently received a question from Sunny about the biggest challenge founders face today that can’t be solved with or by technology. At first, I thought it was fundraising. It’s true that raising venture capital requires a lot of effort and a special kind of drive. But then I thought about the question some more.
While it’s possible that artificial intelligence (AI) could be developed to analyze pitch decks and founder videos, and even become a venture fund, I think the bigger challenge is building a great culture. This comes from a founder’s love for what they’re doing and their love for their team.
Individuals come and go, but a great founder loves the people they work with and the culture they’re building. That’s what matters most to the outcome. Technology can’t replicate that kind of love and connection.
Can Technology Love Us Back?
I often wonder if technology can truly understand and express human emotions. Can AI grow a person? I don’t think so. While AI can analyze vast amounts of data and perform tasks quickly and efficiently, it lacks the ability to love and connect with us on a human level.
Your Memoir and Living with Bipolar 1
I received a heartfelt question from Preston Zorner about my memoir, "Burn Rate," and how I’ve dealt with living with bipolar 1 with psychosis. Preston works in the apparel retail industry and has bipolar 1 with psychosis. He asked how I know when to push forward and when to back off in pursuit of my life ambitions, and if my diagnosis has affected my confidence.
Pursuing Life Ambitions
My instinct is always to push forward, but I know that balance is crucial. I prioritize my mental health by taking medication, getting enough sleep, and undergoing therapy. When I’m in a state of crisis, I know it’s time to slow down and focus on managing my mental health.
After a manic episode or depressive episode, my goal is to get back on my feet and achieve enduring stability. Once I’m in a state of equilibrium, I can be unapologetically driven and ambitious.
More Confidence with Diagnosis
Since my diagnosis, I’ve gained more confidence. I feel accepted, supported, and understood. I believe that everyone deserves this kind of understanding and support. If we focus on staying mentally healthy, we can shine brightly and not darken the days of others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, building a great culture is the biggest challenge founders face today, and it can’t be solved with technology. We need to focus on loving what we do and building connections with our team. Technology can help us with efficiency and productivity, but it can’t replace the human touch.
I hope this column has inspired you to think differently about your own pursuits and challenges. Remember to prioritize your mental health and focus on building a great culture.
FAQs
Q: What’s the biggest challenge founders face today?
A: Building a great culture that fosters love and connection among team members.
Q: Can technology solve this challenge?
A: No, technology can’t replicate the kind of love and connection that builds a great culture.
Q: How do you balance your mental health and pursuing your life ambitions?
A: I prioritize my mental health by taking medication, getting enough sleep, and undergoing therapy.
Q: Has your diagnosis affected your confidence?
A: No, since my diagnosis, I’ve gained more confidence and feel accepted, supported, and understood.
Q: What advice do you have for founders and entrepreneurs?
A: Focus on building a great culture, prioritize your mental health, and stay unapologetically driven and ambitious.
Author: fortune.com
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