The Blurry Line Between Leadership and Mental Health
Is there anything more important than your sanity?
Not in my world.
Mental health has always been core to who I am. And let’s be real—especially for us men, we’ve been taught to push emotions aside, to always show up with that “brave face.” But here’s the truth (speaking from personal experience)—mental health is not just another ✅ box on your wellness checklist. It’s foundational to everything—your business, your leadership, and your relationships.
Reality check: New data shows that for almost 70% of people, their manager has a bigger impact on their mental health than even their therapist or doctor. That’s wild. And get this—it’s equal to the impact their partner has. Yeah, you read that right. So, if you’re leading a team, this is one of those stats that should hit hard.
You’ve got serious influence over your team’s well-being, and it’s time to own that responsibility.
In this edition of Dopamine Dose, we’re going to break down the connection between stress, mental health, and leadership. I’ll share how I navigated it (and still am), and most importantly, how you can master it too.
My Journey: From Burnout to Breakthrough
Between being a dad (three times over!) and running multiple businesses, I’ve seen my share of highs and lows. Early on, the hustle of entrepreneurship nearly drowned out my personal life. I was chasing success so hard that I almost lost sight of the most important thing: me. And here’s the kicker—mental well-being isn’t just a “nice to have”; it’s a game-changer. Once I prioritized it, I shifted from focusing on those vanity metrics to looking at the bigger picture—well-being AND success. And that was my breakthrough.
Did you know that 19.1 million U.S. adults struggle with anxiety disorders? That’s not a small number, and more than 3 million men experience panic disorder or other phobias.
Stress and Leadership: The Silent Burden
Let’s be honest—leadership gets all the glory, but no one really talks about the stress that comes with it. Behind every strategic decision and “big win” is a constant companion: stress. It haunted me for years. And it wasn’t until I hit that breaking point that I realized something crucial—mental health isn’t just beneficial. It’s essential for success.
Stress is not a one-off visitor; it’s there lurking in the shadows. So the question is, how do we manage it and still perform at our best?
4 Ways to Build Mental Resilience in Business
Here’s how I do it:
1. Guard Your Boundaries Like Your Life Depends on It
Your personal time is non-negotiable. Trust me. In a world that glorifies the hustle, set hard boundaries to protect your personal time and recharge. This applies to business AND family. Say “no” when you need to. Why? Because the first person you owe something to is YOU.
2. Leverage Tech for Mindfulness
Yes, I’m all about AI and tech to speed things up. But sometimes, we need to slowwww down. Apps like Calm and Headspace phave been game-changers for me, helping me ground my day before the chaos hits. You don’t need hours—5 minutes of mindfulness can set you up for a dopamine-filled day.
3. Catch Burnout Early
Burnout sneaks up when you least expect it. The key? Tune into your body and mind. If you’re feeling the heat, it’s time to step back before the fire becomes a blaze. In entrepreneurship, you’re always putting out fires, but don’t forget the one burning inside you.
4. Move Your Body
Movement has been a game-changer for me. I used to crush mud runs, and honestly, they did more for my mental reset than any meeting ever could. These days, it’s morning walks with Ava in her stroller, workouts with Rachel, or runs with my two older kids. Whatever it is, getting my body moving helps remind me that life’s bigger than the next deal. Trust me, your inner child will love it.
Empathetic Leadership: The Key to Long-Term Success
At StandOut Authority , Rachel B. Lee and I believe empathy is the most powerful leadership tool you can have. It’s not just about knowing your team—it’s about truly understanding them. When people feel supported, they bring their best. A recent Forbes study found that when employees are in a good mental space, 63% are more committed, and 80% feel energized.
Think about that—empathy doesn’t just feel right; it drives results. Leadership today isn’t about exercising authority; it’s about listening, communicating with compassion, and staying flexible. We’ve entered the era of human leadership, where empathy isn’t a “nice-to-have” skill—it’s a game-changer for success. In fact, research shows that employees with highly empathetic managers are 3x more committed to their work compared to those with less empathetic leaders.
Leaders who understand their team’s emotions can fuel innovation, improve communication, and help navigate stress during times of change. When people feel safe and heard, they perform better. And this isn’t just about retention—it’s about creating a culture where everyone thrives.
Living a Purpose-Driven Life as a Dad and a Leader
As a dad to three amazing kids, two of whom are neurodivergent, empathy isn’t just a leadership tool—it’s my lifeline. Parenting kids who’ve faced deep emotional battles has made me realize that empathy goes beyond the office. It’s about showing up fully for them. When your child is hurting, it’s not about fixing the problem like a business challenge—it’s about being present, listening, and helping them feel understood.
Balancing leadership and fatherhood has taught me that being an empathetic leader at home fuels the way I lead in business. Creating a space where people (whether team members or my kids) feel supported is key to thriving, in life and in business.
My two oldest kids, they are older now, and we are navigating the teen years.
So, how do we help our kids not just heal but thrive? How do we make sure their mental health struggles today don’t turn into scars they carry as adults?
👉 Embrace the Imperfect: We’re all human, and showing our kids that it’s okay to have off days is crucial. It teaches them resilience and the importance of emotional honesty.
👉 Create a Safe Space: In our house, we talk about feelings—a lot. It’s about making sure they know it’s safe to express themselves, whether they’re flying high or feeling low.
👉 Prioritize Real Breaks: Sometimes, we just sit together, no screens, no distractions, just us, breathing the same air, being there for each other. It’s in these quiet moments that we find our strength to regroup.
Mental health isn’t just another topic—it’s the backbone of how we love, lead, and look after each other. I’m laying it out here because if you’re going through something similar, I want you to know you’re not alone. Purpose isn’t just a motivational buzzword. It’s the compass that guides you through life’s messiest moments.
For me, reconnecting with my purpose transformed both my personal and professional life. So, what’s your ‘why’? Find it, nurture it, and let it drive you through the tough times.
I get it—talking about mental health, especially as men, can feel like walking on eggshells. But opening up has been one of the most freeing things I’ve ever done. It strengthened my leadership, deepened my relationships, and added a layer of authenticity to my life that I didn’t even know was missing.
So, are you ready to join me? Let’s make mental health a core part of leadership—not an afterthought.
I had a blast chatting with Samantha Riley on the Influence By Design podcast! We dove deep into how LinkedIn has transformed into a goldmine for building real, human-to-human connections and driving business growth. 🧠
💥 We talked about everything from why quality content is key to leveraging LinkedIn’s power to boost your authority. If you’re ready to unlock LinkedIn’s full potential, this episode is a must-listen! 🎙️Check it out and discover how to make LinkedIn work for you.