ZenFounder

Sherry argues that "should" is an unhelpful word because it lacks specificity and carries connotations of shame and obligation. When we replace phrases like "I want to" or "I feel like it would be helpful," with “should”, we allow external influences to shape our decision-making instead of relying on our own intrinsic motivation. The word "should" is associated with guilt stemming from societal beliefs that are indirectly imposed and rooted in desires, ethics, and personal growth. Sherry challenges the notion that there is any valid use for the word "should." Drawing from the words of therapists that have come before her, do not “should” yourself and instead advocate for embracing personal choices and inner guidance.

Inspired by the profound words of Annie Dillard: "How we spent our days, is of course how we spend our lives." Sherry, enlightens us on the importance of taking time for self-reflection and the dangers of becoming too immersed in work. We explore how the changing seasons can serve as a reminder to reassess how we spend our days and ensure they align with our deepest desires.

In today's episode, join Sherry as she delves into the topic of transitions and highlights their significance in our adult lives. She emphasizes the importance of approaching transitions with thoughtfulness, as they impact both our personal well-being and our businesses. Sherry sheds light on the potential risks of neglecting transitions, such as failing to allocate time to honor them, skipping the necessary steps to internalize their effects, and overlooking the exploration of profound questions. She encourages us to prioritize transitions by carving out space for them in our calendars, recognizing their value in fostering growth and fulfillment.

Rob Walling hosts the podcast this week, the focus is on entrepreneurial blind spots and the crucial role of self-awareness. The episode highlights the negative consequences of being unaware of one's strengths and weaknesses, and stresses the importance of recognizing when to delegate, seek assistance, or devote extra attention to a task. Listeners will also gain insights into effective strategies for identifying and addressing blind spots in their own entrepreneurial journeys.

In this episode of the podcast, Sherry reflects on the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur after returning from a spring vacation. Balancing a busy calendar and a full inbox has led her to contemplate the factors that affect our presence for those around us. As entrepreneurs, our emotional availability and presence are crucial for our teams, co-founders, and employees. It's about being able to truly listen, read between the lines, exercise patience, and show up authentically. Sherry dives into the topic of decision fatigue and how it can impact our primary relationships in today's episode.

Sherry sits down with Naveed Lalani and Brad Baum, the masterminds behind the Founder Mental Health Pledge. Their initiative encourages both investors and companies to recognize mental health treatment as a legitimate business expense. By prioritizing the mental health of founders and their teams, startups are more likely to succeed. The pledge promises to support founders in treating the costs associated with caring for their mental health, including therapy, coaching, group support, and app-based solutions. Lalani and Baum emphasize that mental health should be a top priority for every business owner. Tune in to learn more about the importance of supporting founder mental health in the startup world. Founder Mental Health Pledge

It's not uncommon for adults and adolescents to experience suicidal thoughts and feelings, but unfortunately, many people lack the necessary skills to address these sensitive conversations. Sherry sheds light on the topic of suicide and its impact on family members. She emphasizes the danger of believing the false notion that things would improve if we were no longer around and urges us to be vigilant against such thoughts. Additionally, she offers practical advice on how to seek help and support for ourselves or loved ones who may be struggling with suicidal ideation.

Sherry talks with Dr. Lea Lis a medical doctor who is a double board-certified Adult and Child Psychiatrist. Dr. Lea discusses the topic of communicating with our children about sex and overcoming any feelings of shame that may arise as parents when doing so. Dr. Lea also shares tactics to empower our children with the confidence and skills to make decisions and communicate effectively about their boundaries. Dr. Lea Lis  

Sherry discusses one of the prevalent obstacles of entrepreneurship - unforeseen difficulties. When we undertake challenging endeavors, we do not have control over the type of difficulty we may encounter. Moreover, at times, we may not be able to predict the severity of the challenges we will face. Expected difficulties tend to be less demanding since we can respond to them appropriately. Conversely, unforeseen challenges can be overwhelming, catching us off guard and causing us to question our competence. Sherry also provides useful techniques for managing unexpected challenges.

In this episode Sherry talks about co-founder relationships and some of the strengths she sees in the best relationships that she works with. She provides numerous suggestions on aspects to emulate in your relationships with co-founders, which can also be useful in your intimate partner relationships.