Founder Burnout

exit strategy business systems sellable business

The Exit Paradox: Why Building to Sell is the Only Way to Build to Keep

Discover why treating your business like a product to be sold is the best strategy for operational sanity, even if you plan to keep it forever.

Ben Schmidt 8 min Nov 3, 2025

adrenaline addiction founder burnout reactive leadership

What is Adrenaline Addiction in Business?

Explore the hidden cost of reactive leadership. Learn how founders often confuse the stress of firefighting with actual productivity and how to break the cycle.

4 min Sep 23, 2025

Oxygen Mask Fallacy founder burnout leadership sustainability

What is the Oxygen Mask Fallacy?

An exploration of the Oxygen Mask Fallacy in leadership, explaining why prioritizing founder health is a structural necessity for business longevity rather than an act of selfishness.

4 min Sep 9, 2025

founder burnout mental health in business leadership stress

The Oxygen Mask Fallacy: Why Your Burnout Is the Single Biggest Risk to Your Company

An honest look at founder burnout as a systemic risk. We explore the biology of stress, the contagiousness of anxiety, and how to build systems that allow you to rest without the business collapsing.

Ben Schmidt 8 min Aug 16, 2025

micromanagement leadership psychology delegation

The Heavy Hand: Why We Cling to Control and How to Finally Let Go

An exploration of the psychology behind micromanagement, reframing it as an excess of care, and providing a structural path to delegation through standardized training.

Ben Schmidt 9 min Jun 25, 2025

business automation standard operating procedures delegating effectively

The Exit Strategy That Does Not Involve Selling: Building a Self-Managing Company

Learn how to transition from an operator to an owner by building robust training systems and documentation, allowing your business to thrive without your constant presence.

Ben Schmidt 8 min Apr 23, 2025

decision fatigue mental energy business management

Managing Decision Fatigue: Saving Your Brain for What Matters

Learn to manage decision fatigue and conserve mental energy for high-stakes business choices. Practical strategies for overwhelmed managers and business owners.

Ben Schmidt 8 min Mar 31, 2025

The SOP they learned six months ago is already fading.

Death of the Binder