“Burnout isn’t a personal failure, it’s an operational one.”

November marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a vital opportunity to highlight the pressures faced by male founders, entrepreneurs and leaders in an era where “hustle culture” too often overshadows self-care.

In the fast-moving world of startups, where long hours and relentless financial pressures are considered part of the job, burnout has become more than a buzzword – it’s a growing crisis.

Indeed, behind every successful business are human beings navigating stress, uncertainty and responsibility, often in silence.

Recent research from Purbeck Insurance Services underlines the urgency of the issue – 57% of SME owners and managers in the UK work between 41 and 70 hours per week, well above the national average. Nearly 40% admit that the financial pressures of running their business have negatively impacted their mental health. For many founders, the challenge lies not just in managing operations, but in managing their own wellbeing and that of their teams.

 

The Silent Strain: Why Founders Are at Risk

 

Entrepreneurship is often romanticised – the freedom to build something from the ground up, the thrill of innovation, the pride of ownership. But, behind the headlines and investor pitches lies a quieter truth: many founders are struggling. The pressure to perform, secure funding and keep teams motivated can take a toll on mental health.

According to Purbeck, more than a third of small business owners say financial stress has harmed their mental wellbeing, with younger entrepreneurs (aged 25-34) reporting the highest rates of strain. The inability to switch off, even on holiday, compounds the issue — 76% of SME leaders admit to working while away, suggesting that true downtime has become a rarity.

 

Beyond the Buzzword: Burnout in the Startup Ecosystem

 

“Burnout” has become a convenient shorthand for exhaustion, but it represents something deeper — a chronic imbalance between effort and recovery. For startup founders, the lines between personal and professional life blur easily. Late-night problem-solving, perpetual fundraising, and the expectation of constant growth can leave little room for rest.

The modern startup ecosystem often glorifies overwork as a badge of honour. Yet, as the data from Purbeck shows, such habits can lead to anxiety, depression and long-term health issues if left unchecked. Recognising burnout as a signal — not a weakness — is an essential first step.

 

Leading by Example: How Founders Are Supporting Mental Health

 

Forward-thinking leaders are beginning to challenge old norms. Many now see that fostering mental wellness isn’t just about offering perks like gym memberships or mental health days – it’s about setting a tone of openness and understanding.

Some founders now integrate mental health check-ins into weekly meetings, encourage flexible schedules, or ensure that taking time off is respected rather than penalised. Others turn to professional support, mentorship, or even insurance products designed to alleviate financial stress – something Purbeck Insurance Services advocates for through its personal guarantee insurance, which provides both financial protection and access to expert mentoring.

 

 

Building Healthier Work Cultures

 

A truly healthy business culture starts with leaders who value their own wellbeing. By modelling balance, founders empower teams to follow suit. Prioritising rest, creating safe spaces for honest discussion, and acknowledging when things are difficult can transform the way companies operate.

As Todd Davison, Managing Director at Purbeck Insurance Services, notes, “Too many small businesses fall through the cracks when it comes to looking after mental wellbeing. Unless business owners take time out to prioritise self-care, they could risk both their health and their company’s success.”

The Takeaway

Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month isn’t about fleeting social campaigns – it’s a reminder that mental wellbeing deserves sustained attention. The conversation is shifting, and founders have a crucial role to play in leading that change. As the startup world matures, so too must its understanding that strength and success are built not only on hard work, but on mental resilience and genuine self-care.

 

Our Experts

 

• James Barnes: CEO and Founder of StatusCake.com
• Liam Quirk: Founder and MD of Quirky Digital
• Advtia Patel: Confidence Coach and Founder of Rebel Comms
• Nick Boyle: Managing Director of TAL Agency
• Max Henderson: Co-Founder and CEO of Hotpod Yoga
• Jacques Walger: Co-Founder of Scapade
• Denise Kenny Byrne: Co-Founder of The Head Plan
• Lewis Crompton: Finance Entrepreneur
• Jacqui Sansom: Burnout Recovery Coach
• Tamara Munoz: Founder of Behind the Screens and Fractional COO
• Jeff Trice: Senior Business Development Consultant at InCheq
• Rebecca Shaw: Co-founder, Better Than Etsy
• Fiona Wylie: Founder of Brand Champions
• Alexander Amatus: Co-Founder of TherapyNearMe.com.au
• Ailsa Frank: Co-Founder of the Feel Amazing App

 

Nick Boyle, Managing Director of TAL Agency

 

 

“The world of startups and SMEs is undeniably high-pressure, and as the ones at the helm, it’s easy to put our own wellbeing on the back burner while we focus on growth and delivering results. But over time, that relentless pace can take a real toll – not just on us personally, but on the teams we lead. Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is a timely reminder that looking after our mental health isn’t optional; it’s essential for sustainable leadership.

“Supporting mental health starts with acknowledging it openly, but it’s equally important to create a culture where staff feel safe doing the same. Encouraging open conversations, normalising flexible working when people are under pressure, and offering access to professional support are small but impactful ways to prevent burnout before it takes hold.

“I also think founders need to lead by example. If we show that taking time for ourselves, setting boundaries, and recognising stress is normal, it gives our teams permission to do the same. On the flip side, if employees see their leaders working long hours, sending messages after hours, and becoming burnt out – it sends a message that that is expected of them, too.

“Ultimately, supporting mental health in startups is about consistency, empathy, and proactive care. High-stakes environments will always bring pressure, but by embedding mental wellbeing into our culture, we can create workplaces where people – and our businesses – thrive.”

 

James Barnes, CEO and Founder of StatusCake.com

 

 

“Founder and team mental health is still treated as a side conversation when it should be front and centre. I’m just back from speaking at an engineering conference in Berlin. Almost 1-in-4 engineering leaders are at the point of burnout, almost 40% of teams less motivated than a year ago. So there’s clearly a problem!

“The issue is that there’s almost a fetishisation of burnout by certain start-up influencers; or that somehow burnout is just an unfortunate side effect of start-up life.

“But actually it’s deeper than that. I’d suggest it’s a systemic outcome that’s particularly prevalent in VC backed businesses where the stakes are highest. Founders and their teams are expected to scale fast, raise constantly, and perform flawlessly. And yet, the emotional toll is largely invisible. While we’re expected to believe that founder and investor interests are aligned, the reality is more complex.

“There’s a real toxic undercurrent in startup culture that if you fail, maybe you just didn’t hustle hard enough.

“We’d never say that to an elite athlete. They know performance depends as much on recovery and rhythm as it does on intensity. You don’t run back-to-back marathons without training cycles, nutrition, and time to rebuild. Yet that’s exactly what many founders are asked to do.

“I’d suggest that keeping founders and their teams whole isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smartest way to protect a startup’s ability to grow. Founders who aren’t overloaded make better decisions, stay strategic, and lead more stable teams. We need to reframe mental well-being not as emotional support, but as performance infrastructure.

 

Liam Quirk, Founder and MD of Quirky Digital

 

 

“As founders, we’re wired to push and to move fast, fix problems, and keep the business alive. I’ve definitely been guilty of treating burnout almost like a badge of honour in the past, but for everyone reading, it’s not. It’s actually often a signal that something’s broken.

“For me, supporting mental health starts with honesty. I’ve learned that pretending to “have it all together” helps no one, not my team, and definitely not me. The more open I am about stress, uncertainty, or needing a break, the more permission it gives others to do the same. That transparency builds trust and normalises simply being human, which is what we all need and want.

“Culture doesn’t come from perks or Slack messages about “mental health days”, it comes from how you lead your staff day to day. If your team sees you taking time off, setting boundaries, and actually switching off as well, they’ll feel safe doing it too.

“Startups will always be intense (and that’s what I love about it), but intensity doesn’t have to mean burnout. It needs to be more about rhythm and knowing when to sprint and when to slow down. As founders, we definitely owe it to ourselves and our people to protect that balance, because a healthy team moving towards the same vision will always outperform a burnt-out one without a vision.”

 

Advtia Patel, Confidence Coach and Founder of Rebel Comms

 

 

“There are no badges for burnout! In the startup world, it’s easy to glorify long hours and constant hustle, but the truth is, no business can thrive when its people are running on empty, including the founder. Supporting mental health starts with culture and communication and it is key from the beginning and while it is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, this is for every month and not a tick box exercise.

“Founders need to model vulnerability and self-awareness by setting realistic boundaries, taking breaks, using annual leave and talking openly about wellbeing. Doing this gives others permission to do the same. It’s also vital to build psychological safety within teams, where people feel they can say ‘I’m struggling’ without fear of judgement or career impact.

“Burnout doesn’t arrive overnight; it’s the result of ignoring the warning signs as you try to sprint to success. Checking in regularly, creating space for honest conversations, and recognising that productivity comes from balance, not exhaustion, can make all the difference. The most successful startups I’ve seen are those that put human connection at the heart of their growth.”

 

Max Henderson, Co-Founder and CEO of Hotpod Yoga

 

 

“At Hotpod Yoga, supporting mental wellbeing starts from within – with our own people. Our head office team is the heartbeat of the business, and we’ve worked hard to create a culture that prioritises balance, openness and genuine support. We’re delighted to have significantly raised our B Corp score but, more importantly, to see that reflect real, meaningful changes across the business. We’ve grown quickly, but we’ve made sure our impact has grown with us.

“As one of Europe’s highest-rated B Corp brands, we’re proud that our commitment to our people and our communities is recognised, but our belief remains that purpose and performance go hand in hand. This Men’s Mental Health Month, we’re continuing to champion the importance of connection, wellbeing and purpose – for our teams, our franchise network and our customers alike.”

 

Jacques Walger, Co-Founder of Scapade

 

 

“As a man in the start-up world, it’s easy to fall into a constant cycle of rapid emotions. We’re always pushing, always building, and always onto the next problem to fix. But, over the years, I’ve learned that performance and well-being are not opposing forces. Instead, they rely on each other. Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is a highly necessary reminder that male founders aren’t immune from stress or burnout simply because we chose this path.

“For me, supporting men’s mental health starts by modelling it – by being open and honest about when I need space, when I feel overwhelmed and when I need time to rest. As a lifelong traveller and lover of the outdoors, I’ve learned firsthand how stepping outside of routine, finding stillness in nature, and changing my surroundings can restore clarity and balance. And doing so empowers the team to do the same, which is widely encouraged.

“Burnout isn’t and shouldn’t be a badge of honour. Rather, building a resilient company starts with building resilient people. This means creating room for recovery, supporting each other, and recognising that meaningful work relies on strong mental and emotional foundations.”

 

Denise Kenny Byrne, Co-Founder of The Head Plan

 

 

“At The Head Plan, wellbeing has always been at the heart of what we do – it’s where our story began. In the fast-paced startup world, it’s easy to glorify the grind, but true success is built on balance. Supporting mental health is something deeply personal to us. My husband Ciaran’s journey from illness to recovery taught us that vulnerability, reflection, and connection are powerful strengths, not weaknesses.

“We’ve built a culture that encourages our team and community to prioritise their wellbeing just as much as their goals – to pause, reflect, and plan with purpose. Whether through our journals, our conversations, or how we show up for each other every day, The Head Plan is about proving that ambition and wellness can thrive together – and that taking care of your mind is the smartest investment you can make, in business and in life.”

 

Lewis Crompton, Finance Entrepreneur

 

 

“Founders have a responsibility to take care of their own mental health and that of their teams. We expect a heck of a lot from ourselves, often more than what other people expect. We also expect more than normal from our teams, more than they expect of themselves and sometimes more than they can give. It’s important we become aware of our teams’ emotional and mental capacity. Giving them enough but also [enough] drive down time.

“One thing I do is unless it’s an actual emergency, I do not contact my team during their time off. Whether that’s holidays or days off. My brain doesn’t stop churning thoughts and ideas so I manage that for my team by either writing notes for when they do return or sending messages with delays on so they only receive them when back to work. Creating a culture where people do their absolute best but can also say no when there is already a full working plate is important for the protection of our teams.

“If you, as the founder, burn out, you are unable to grow, scale or serve your team and clients. If your team burn out, you have the same problem and it isn’t a good place to be. “

 

Jacqui Sansom, Burnout Recovery Coach

 

 

“Being a founder or start-up business owner means you’re operating under stress levels that most people will never understand. You might have built the smartest business model in the room, full of projections and sustainability plans, but none of that matters if the human behind it is running on fumes.

“You’re likely making high-stakes decisions daily while managing finances, legal responsibilities, growth strategy, staff or freelancers, and the constant pressure to keep it all together. Even the strongest systems collapse when the people driving them aren’t well.

“For men especially, there’s another layer. Society still pushes messages like “Don’t show weakness,” “Handle it yourself,” or “Real men don’t get emotional.” From childhood, boys are taught to be tough, to prioritise control, strength, and silence. That conditioning creates internal pressure to perform, protect, and never show struggle. The hero role is exhausting when no one is saving you.

“Here’s the truth: emotions are not the enemy. They’re not “good” or “bad.” They’re signals. Just like Wi-Fi, you don’t see emotions, but you feel the impact. The more you ignore them, the louder they get.

“Let’s ground this in neuroscience. Everything you experience comes through your senses and is processed by your brain so your emotions are core as explained in the diagram. Your nervous system responds to perceived threat the same way it has for thousands of years. When stress spikes, your adrenal system releases cortisol and adrenaline to prepare for fight or flight. That’s useful if a bear is chasing you. Less useful when the “threat” is an overdue invoice, a missed deadline, or another 2:00 AM Slack message.

“Your brain doesn’t distinguish genuine danger from modern pressure. Stress is stress. When those signals fire daily, your nervous system never returns to baseline. That’s when burnout arrives. It shows up as physical pain, exhaustion, illness, emotional shutdown, irritability, lack of clarity, and decreased resilience. And because your brain is foggy, your business decisions and relationships start taking a hit too.

“Burnout is not a personal failing. It is a physiological response to sustained pressure without recovery. Without support and boundaries, stress will take your health, confidence, and eventually your business.

“Your well-being is not optional. It’s the core infrastructure.

“Health is wealth. Always.”

 

Tamara Munoz, Founder of Behind the Screens and Fractional COO

 

 

“After nearly a decade in high-volume operations, I built Behind the Screens because I was done watching hustle culture break high-performing people. Supporting my team’s mental health is a non-negotiable.

“We audit workloads monthly to flag burnout before it starts. We lean on automation to clear repetitive tasks. We build timelines that are grounded in capacity. And most importantly, we’ve created a culture where it safe for our team to say “I’m at capacity” without consequences.

“Burnout isn’t a personal failure, it’s an operational one. If your team is exhausted, it’s time to fix the systems.”

 

Jeff Trice, Senior Business Development Consultant at InCheq

 

 

“As an African American male with a 30+ year career of executive leadership in retail, I had to deal with mental health and stress that comes along with learning how to create opportunities for growth. I’ve always been competitive but in my DNA is to be a team player and assist others to be successful prior to putting myself first. When I was in my 20’s I worked hard, long hours, took on extra stretch assignments, worked 60-70 hour work weeks etc… and used up a lot of “Jing”(foundational life force or energy within the body), I felt that I had to prove that I was better than any of my peers just to be considered equal. I’ve learned over the years to work smarter not harder but this still comes with its on set of pressure to perform and or explain how you achieve excellence while making it look easy. Most people don’t see the work you do when no one is looking they just assume you have it all under control. I’ve never mistaken the perception of disadvantages based on race, gender or background to shadow over me as a victim, I’ve learned to be resolution based and have become resilient in my pursuit of excellence.

“I’ll describe burnout as when your body is literally breaking down. Our body has different ways to show us when it’s under stress. It’s whether we choose to pay attention or not. For me, I’ve previously had trouble sleeping, migraine headaches and I’ve even had cases of vertigo. These are signs that my body is telling me to slow down or get some rest. When you are moving 1000 miles an hour and not keeping normal routines in your life like eating balanced healthy meals or not allowing your brain to shut out the noise of generating ideas or meeting deadlines and expectations that you place on oneself. Another burnout symptom is allowing the weight of others that work with or for you that are underperforming drive you to compensate for their lack of contribution. You can only carry that extra workload for so long before it starts to negatively affect your performance or well being.

“My suggestions:

– Take breaks during the day to get up from your desk, cubicle, home office etc.

 Set work time limits for yourself to stop all work activity at a certain time of the day and communicate it out to those who work with you.

– Having undisturbed personal time is critical.

– You accrue vacation time for a reason; don’t be a work warrior, use your well-deserved vacation or PTO.

– Getting a good night’s sleep for recovery to take on the next day is priceless.

– Letting someone know that you are experiencing “Work Burnout”. Knowing that you aren’t the only one experiencing this and having a support system is very important. Most companies have wellness benefits, and you should be aware of them.

 

Rebecca Shaw, Co-Founder, Better Than Etsy

 

 

“For me, mental health has always been personal. Johnny has lived with anxiety and depression for years, so when we started Better Than Etsy, we made a promise to ourselves, no glorified burnout, no constant pressure & no pretending everything’s fine.

“Startup culture glamorises burnout, and we’re not prepared to live like that.”

“We’re building this business around flexibility, open communication & knowing when to take a step back instead of powering through.

“Leadership isn’t about being unbreakable, it’s about being honest with ourselves & others.”

“We want to prove that you can build something ambitious without breaking yourself in the process. Sustainable businesses come from founders who are allowed to be human.

 

Fiona Wylie, Founder of Brand Champions

 

 

“I left corporate marketing behind after my maternity leave because I felt there was a lack of support for working parents. I started my own marketing consultancy Brand Champions in order to champion inclusivity in the workplace. A big part of it is prioritising flexible and remote working, which helps employees focus on maintaining a healthy balance between professional success and personal wellbeing.

“Burnout happens a lot, especially in leadership positions. When things feel overwhelming, I take a step back to focus on what matters most: my family. I also encourage my team to do the same. If they aren’t feeling their most productive or the most enthusiastic for their own work, they should take a break without feeling guilty, which can be hard in larger, corporate teams.

“For Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, I believe it’s important for leaders to listen to their teams and create space for honest conversations, especially if your team is diverse. Although a predominantly female team, Brand Champions have supported Man Club Jersey, a men’s mental health charity, to help raise awareness and drive meaningful change to the issues facing our male counterparts.”

 

Ailsa Frank, Co-Founder of the Feel Amazing App

 

“Supporting founders and business owners

“Ailsa Frank, hypnotherapist, founder of the Feel Amazing app and author of the book Cut the Crap and Feel Amazing (published by Hay House) has supported many founders and business owners over her twenty plus years of working with clients. ‘Often business owners, founders or self-employed feel isolated. There isn’t anyone they can honestly speak to about their work worries. And that is where I come in. In one-to-one sessions on the phone or in my clinic in Wimpole Street in London, clients check in with me to discuss their fears and goals. After the consultation I give them tips and advice and use hypnotherapy to relax them, get rid of the clutter, get focused and get in the right state of mind for success moving forward. The main pressures that they commonly discuss are firstly managing employees, secondly finances and cash flow and thirdly deadlines. Most business owners didn’t set out to manage people and often don’t have those skills. I often suggest getting a personal assistant to filter communication and help with daily tasks. This can significantly reduce the workload so they can get on with what is important. An assistant can be a small investment to you gain back so much of your time. You can get a virtual p.a. that only bills by the hour. You’d be surprised at how much they can do to almost double yourself. Regular monthly sessions help clients off load, focus, sleep better and enjoy the business more. I get all my clients onto to my Feel Amazing hypnotherapy app so they can have a therapist on their phone and my reassuring voice daily to help them through whatever is happening at work.

How your employees might feel?

“Employers need to understand their workforce could be at an all-time low. It is important to know what you might be dealing with is a slightly battered team. Your highs and lows will affect the team which is why it is important for you to deal with your stresses, so it doesn’t rub off on the team.

“What employers aren’t aware of is employees are often struggling to get into work with all the demands and pressures they are under. They won’t admit their problems as they think it will be seen as weak and they could lose their job. It is important for you to be aware of this as even the happiest looking person can be carrying a heavy load. This is a time to reward your team with unexpected praise for the effort of last month or last year. When you praise effort, you motivate people. When you set big new goals and targets too high too soon people can feel despondent as they are already are under pressure with what is immediately in front of them. Encourage self-care, recharge, early nights and access to the Feel Amazing app gives them support so everyone is on the same amazing path.

“Here are 6 tips for founders and business owners from Ailsa Frank to help you get your stress under control to support good mental health.

Turn your working day into an enjoyable experience.

1. Visualise your week going well as what you see in your mind your mind creates, sports people use these techniques. If you see you week having gone well with you relaxed and in control you are more likely to achieve this in reality. Imagine it is the end of the week, you are looking back at a successful and calm week behind you.

2. Accept this is a phase – try to accept where you are in life is part of your career and life journey. There may have been disappointments along the way at times. Surrender to the phase you are in, throw your hands up in the air, say to yourself ‘This is where I am. Life is changing all of the time and I learn to go with the flow.’

3. Put gentle movement into your daily life, this will help you feel more relaxed; moving your body whilst you brush your teeth, taking the stairs not the lift, mimic slow tai chi movement first thing in the morning or after work to focus your mind and relax your body. Take regular breaks to go for a walk around your workplace or stretch up when you go to the loo.

4. Breathe by inhaling in for 3 counts then blowing out for 5 counts, repeat this 3 times, every hour throughout the day. By exhaling out for longer than you inhale you automatically will feel relaxed and calm.

5. Prepare the night before by looking after yourself better so it is easier to cope with work and life demands. Perhaps try taking a shower after your working day finishes. Change into comfy clothes, Take time to drink a herbal tea. Hit a bucket of golf balls at the range. Be creative and do whatever helps you to relax. Listen to bedtime hypnosis downloads or meditation tracks to help you sleep, off load and recharge. Enjoying life as you go is key.

6. Write a list of the issues that stress you the most about work and home life, then make a plan to improve each area If you worry about deadlines plan in advance to be more prepared. If the pace of life is too fast then slow it down.”