PowerPoint Presentation
The Entrepreneurs Guide to Depression and ADHDHyper Mind
Project
Arnobio Morelix | @arnobiomorelix |
[email protected] Tomkins-Bergh |@ColinT_B |
[email protected]
Workshop at SXSW InteractiveAustin, TX 2016 2016 Arnobio Morelix
and Colin Tomkins-Bergh
www.hypermind.org
www.hypermind.org
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4 Reasons to Attend this Session | Goals for Today(even if you
dont have a mental health condition or are not an
entrepreneur)Normalize. Help de-stigmatize mental health conditions
in entrepreneurshipIf you are an entrepreneur, it is normal not be
normalUnderstand. How mental health affects entrepreneurs.Decode
the entrepreneurial brainChange. Learn tools and strategies to deal
with mental health disorders and psychological issuesYour brain is
not a magical land only accessible to psychiatrists and drugsEnjoy.
Have fun today and onwards
www.hypermind.orgAgendaA) normalizeEntrepreneurships Strangest
Secret Research and BackgroundDisney Glasses and the Myth of the
Super-FounderBreaking stigmaB) understandPower of
VulnerabilityGroup exercise and conversationThe Double-Edged Sword
and the Entrepreneurial RollercoasterHow entrepreneurship affects
mental healthC) changeADHD and Depression Background and
StrategiesPeer-to-peer exerciseThe Entrepreneurs Mental Health
ToolkittoolsQ&A, The Road Ahead and Conclusion
D) enjoy
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If you had a mental health condition, would you not be
comfortable talking about it here?Show of hands
www.hypermind.orgfeel for potential societal stigma4
What are your goals for the session? What do you want to get out
of it?white boarding
www.hypermind.orgTwo Guidelines for TodayOpen ForumChatham House
Rule AppliesYou can talk about was said, but never who said it
without their explicit consentparticipants are free to use the
information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation
of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be
revealedThis is so all of us can feel comfortable here today
sharing whatever youd likeOpen, ongoing Q&A and discussion
Choose Your Own AdventureThere is no one size fits allAdapt what
is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically
your own.Bruce Lee quoteThere is no one size fits allThis is drawn
from our research and our own personal experiences.We speak with as
fellow entrepreneurs and patients, not medical professionals
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Why This and Why NowLong-running anecdotal evidence, now backed
up by research
Discussed hush hush in certain forumsput people also open up
(e.g., when sharing in conference, panels)
Personal experiences with mental health
www.hypermind.orgWho We Are The Hyper Mind
Projectwww.hypermind.org
We are fellow entrepreneurs and patients not medical
professionalsArnobio MorelixSocial entrepreneur and
entrepreneurship researcher at day job, a multi-billion dollar
foundationColin Tomkins-BerghEntrepreneur on natural food startup
and entrepreneurship researcher a multi-billion dollar
foundationSpecial panelist Dave Parker
A passion project to understand the entrepreneurial brain and
create tools to help entrepreneurs
AcknowledgmentsTherapist Catherine Morelix, LCSW (co-author on
this)Dr. Michael Freeman, psychiatrist (review and feedback)
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Research Background Our Work in the Past Year
100+ review of books, scholarly articles
Brad Feld, Foundry GroupNorris Krueger, Entrepreneur and
Researcher Kristen Webber, AscendoMicah Baldwin, Graphic.lyMark
Woeppel, Pinnacle Strategies Andy Sparks, Mattermark
Ben Huh, CheezburgerCorey Miller, IthemesRand Fishkin, MozChris
Meyers, BodeTreeKit Hughes, Look-ListenCatherine Morelix,
TherapistMichael Freeman, psychiatrist, psychologist, former
CEO
13 interviews with high-profile entrepreneurs and mental health
expertsHigh-growth entrepreneurs (Inc. 500), VCs, high exits,
mental health experts
Project in expansion: more interviews, review of hundreds more
books and articlesWe will love to get your feedback
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What Steve Jobs, Brad Feld and Sir Richard Branson have in
common with 49% of entrepreneurs?Entrepreneurships Strangest Secret
| The Intimate Link Between Mental Health and Entrepreneurship
www.hypermind.orgEntrepreneurships Strangest Secretthe intimate
link between mental health and entrepreneurshipWhat Steve Jobs,
Brad Feld and Sir Richard Branson have in common with 49% of
entrepreneurs?
There is an obvious answer: they all started new ventures
But there is also a more surprising one: They all have lifetime
mental health conditions
www.hypermind.orgEntrepreneurships Strangest Secretthe intimate
link between mental health and entrepreneurshipWell-recognized
anecdotal evidenceSir Richard Bransondyslexia and reputed ADHDSteve
Jobsdescribed by one his biographers as obsessive and likely
bipolarDavid Needleman, founder of Jet Blueattributes some of his
successes and failures to ADHDBrad Feld, entrepreneur and
investorobsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression
High-profile founder suicidesAusten Heinz, CEO of Cambrian
GenomicsAaron Swartz, RedditJody Sherman, Ovik Banerjee, and Matt
Berman from the Downtown Vegas Project.
Bipolar disorder as the CEOs disease
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3 Facts About Mental Health and Entrepreneurshipa look at the
research and data
www.hypermind.org1) 49 % of entrepreneurs have a mental health
condition
Survey by researchers at University of California and
StanfordMoreover, entrepreneurs are6x more likely to have ADHD2x
depression3x substance abuse10x bipolar conditionSurvey
methodsentrepreneurs definition =business founders or
co-founderswith or without employeesincluding non-profit
foundersSample sizesentreps n = 242comparison n = 93
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2) Kids with ADHD are 4x more likely to be entrepreneurs as
adults than non-ADHD kids16-year study with almost one hundred
children with ADHDChildren with ADHD 4x more likely to be
entrepreneur as adult than non-ADHD children
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3) Adults with bipolar disorder are 33% more likely to be
entrepreneurs than the general populationStudy with over 2.4
million adults in Denmark
Researchers from Stanford and Aalborg University
Bipolar adults were 33% more likely to own an incorporated
business than general population
www.hypermind.org3 Facts About Mental Health and
Entrepreneurshipa look at the research and data49 % of
entrepreneurs have a mental health condition
Kids with ADHD are 4x more likely to be entrepreneurs as adults
than non-ADHD kids
Adults with bipolar disorder are 33% more likely to be
entrepreneurs than the general population
www.hypermind.orgEntrepreneurships Strangest Secretthe intimate
link between mental health and entrepreneurshipLong-running
anecdotal evidence, now supported by the data and research
Two reasons why we think of it as entrepreneurships strangest
secretIn certain circles, this is no secret at allRarely discussed
in mainstream mediaHowever, a small but growing topic of discussion
in certain entrepreneurship forums especially in relationship to
depression
It makes intuitive sense, especially if you are an entrepreneur
and/or have a mental health condition.A lot of the puzzling
behaviors of entrepreneurs make sense through mental health lens
(e.g., failure rates, lower earnings)We have long accepted that the
mental processes for artists are different than those for most
other peopleLong research history on that spanning across
decades
It is time we talk about it in a more open forum.
www.hypermind.org
Meet DickHigh school dropout
Two times in jail
Often flirts with death
Got close to dying more than once on his high-risk "dares
Meet RichardExtremely successful entrepreneur
Prominent philanthropist
Builds world-changing companies
and schools in Africa and the Caribbean
Has a program to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs in the developing
world
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The Founders ParadoxAs you probably guessed, Dick and Richard
are the same person:Sir Richard Branson
Yet, we look at these two very contrasting patterns of
behaviordestructive and constructive -- and it puzzles us. How can
this be?
Far from limited to very famous entrepreneursMicah
BaldwinSuper-founderMedical entrepreneur in BrazilFrom male
prostitute to family heroKit HughesFrom struggling artist to CEO of
Look-ListenKhalid Hakim, Struggling young professional living on
moms couch to turnaround CEO and executive coach
www.hypermind.orgThe Founders Paradox
Source: Zero to One (Thiel, 2014)
www.hypermind.orgOf the six people who started PayPal, four had
built bombs in high school.The Founders Paradox, by Peter Thiel on
his Zero to One book (2014).
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Implications of the Founders ParadoxDisney Glasses and Myth of
the Super-Founder
www.hypermind.orgDisney Glassesoutside looking inIt is very hard
for popular culture and media to make sense of these people who are
very gray, rather than black and white
Binary treatment: Heroes or Villains, never both
The truth: not black and white, but gray charactersIf Steve Jobs
was not the harsh boss and leader that he was, and dedicated to his
company at the expense of his family on the way that he did, Im not
sure wed the iPhone and iPad on the same way that we have
Richard Bransons screw it lets do it attitude is behind both his
building of Virgin into a multi-billion dollar empire as well as
his jailing for tax evasion
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Disney Glasses in Action
The Microsoft File: The Secret Case Against Bill Gatesportrays
Microsoft as a scheming, double-crossing predator out to stomp its
opposition into submission.
Why Bill Gates is a true hero
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The Myth of the Super-Founderinside looking outMedia and society
looks at entrepreneurs through Disney Glasses
but founders are part to blame of the myth-building
Myth building by foundersExaggerate natural uniqueness and
abilitiesGood for business, because it can
attractemployeesinvestorsmedia attentionCustomers, suppliers,
etc.Interviewee Micah Baldwin from Amazon talks about founders
playing the role of superman and superwoman
Takes many forms, but eccentric super-founder can be a helpful
stereotype for entrepreneurscomputer whiz, mad genius, creative
artist, etc.
Source: Zero to One (Thiel, 2014)
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The Result of the Super-Founder Myth and Disney GlassesIt works
really well. Until it doesnt.Until company turns south and or the
media starts to cornerElizabeth Holmes, Theranos
Inevitably founders become cornered. Because if you are a hero,
you cant show weakness, you cant show vulnerability and you cant
fail.
It can cost not only a founders image or company, but also
his/her sanity
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Breaking the Myth of the Super-Founderthe Power of Opening
UpReally tough to change. Changing how society views this requires
nothing short of a revolution on how entrepreneurship is talked
about and how stories are told.
What we can do: Opening up and letting go of the cape a little
bitCreating open, safe forums for opening up with fellow
entrepreneurs, friends, family, and teams
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Normalizing StigmaEntrepreneurs opening upBrad FeldJerry
ColonaMarcus LemonisRand FishkinTim Ferris
Power of Opening Up
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Power of Opening UpThe response was incredible. I got so much
from the talk itself lots of people just got up and shared their
story to the whole group during Q and A. Ive received so many
thankful messages from others who have gone on to seek professional
help after hearing my message. - Corey Miller, Ithemes
Being able to talk with people like Jerry who have dealt with
depression for years has really helped. - Khalid Halim,
Reboot.io
I found that the more that you share your struggles and
solutions your story the more that you become self aware and the
more that people want to come and work, engage with you.- Chris
Meyer, Bode Tree
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The Power of Opening UpThe way that we start erasing the stigma
is by helping the people suffering in silence the ones who arent
able to seek and find help.Corey Miller, Ithemes
www.hypermind.orgDave Parker Opening Up
www.hypermind.orgDiscussion ExerciseWho here has a personal
story of psychological struggles with or without any mental health
condition? Raise of hands
Keep your hand up if youre willing to share your story
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Change: what we can do about itYour brain is not some magical
land, only accessible to psychiatrists and drugs
(quote inspired by Mr. MMM)
www.hypermind.orgA Complex Relationship -- OverviewMental Health
Affects Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Affects Mental HealthThe
Entrepreneurial RollercoasterHow it affects mental healthBusiness
Triggers
Double-Edged SwordHuge both for upside and downside
Top 5 Strategies for ChangeInterviews with entrepreneurs and
experts
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Entrepreneurial RollercoasterHow entrepreneurs describe
itCredits: Tim Ferriss
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Business Triggers Affect Mental HealthStartups are a major
stressor, and it can be a trigger for dormant stuff thats already
there. Kimberly Knoll, therapist who works with Downtown Project
Las Vegas
The challenge is to identify which way the correlation/causation
runs. My depression started taking over and that hurt performance
or The Company performance took a toll on my mental health. I
believe its some of both.- Rand Fishkin, Moz
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The Double-Edged Swordthe Entrepreneurial Brain as both an asset
and a liabilityBoth an asset and a liability
Study with over 2.4 million adults in Denmark
Researchers from Stanford and Aalborg University
Bipolar adults were 33% more likely to own an incorporated
business than general population
This study focus on bipolar condition, but we believe the
findings we are about to share can be applicable really across a
broad mental health spectrum
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The Double-Edged Swordthe Entrepreneurial Brain as both an asset
and a liabilityDownside43% less earnings on average$50,000 v.
$28,500
27% + likely to zero income
Upside33% + likely to be entrepreneurOwn incorporated
business
8% + likely top 10% income
+ likely to be executive at small and young firms (but not
larger ones)
www.hypermind.orgThe Double-Edged Sword Maximizing Upsidethe
Entrepreneurial Brain as both an asset and a liabilityWith
treatment
Eliminated the wage penalty
13%+ likely to join top 10% of income
Source: Michael Freeman Interview, CNN
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5 Strategies for Changefrom interviews with
entrepreneursMindfulnessJournaling | Meditation | Apps (e.g.,
Headspace, Omvana)Support networkSpouse, Friends, Family | Peer
groups (e.g., Entrepreneur Organization) | Meet ups (e.g., Portland
Crappy Hour, Donut Weekly Meetup, Co-Founder Weekly Dinner)Sane
body, sane mindSleep hygiene | Healthy diet | ExerciseCoachingCEO
coaching (e.g., Reboot.io, Dr. Michael Freeman), Marriage
counselingMedical helpTherapy | Medication
www.hypermind.orgUnderstanding ADHD and DepressionAs fellow
patients, NOT medical professionalsSelf-reporting
www.hypermind.orgBrief Description: DepressionCauses may include
chemical imbalance in the brain or from stressful life events
(including in business).
Symptoms must last for at least two weeks.
Symptomsloss of interest or pleasure significant weight change
diminished concentration fatigue nearly every day feelings of
worthlessness recurring thoughts of death
Source: Therapist Aid
www.hypermind.orgBrief Description: ADHD/ADDAttention
Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)Also commonly known as
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Neurodevelopmental disorder
Impairing levels of inattention, disorganization, and/or
hyperactivity-impulsivity.Inattention and disorganizationInability
to stay on taskSeeming not to
listenHyperactivity-impulsivityOveractivity (mental and
physical)FidgetingInability to waitIntruding into other peoples
activities
Source: Therapist Aid
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Group Sharing StrategiesShow of hands, who is dealing with a
problem related to a psychological issue?
Keep your hands up if you would like to discuss potential
solutions to your problem
Please break into groups that have at least one person willing
to share per group (4-6)
10 minutes
Breaking it down, and focusing on what we can do about it
www.hypermind.orgSpecific Tools and Situations
www.hypermind.orgOn SuicideSuicide is the 10thleading cause of
death in the US for all ages. (CDC)
We are not medical professionals. If you are going through
suicidal ideation especially if you are creating a plan please:seek
medical helptherapistdoctorpsychiatristShare with trusted family
member or friend
www.hypermind.orgIf you are having suicidal thoughtsWhat to
do:Don't drink or do drugs. Doing so will impair your judgment and
worsen feelings of depression and hopelessness.Reach out to a
friend, family, or doctor. A true friend will want you to be
healthyNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineif you dont know where
to turn. The 800 number is1-800-273-TALK (8255).Call 911 if you
feel you're in an emergency situation.
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HALTHALT reminds us that when we are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or
Tired, we do not feel well and are not good at decision making.
Luckily, you can usually fix theseHungerAnger
LonelinessTiredness
Suggested by therapist Catherine Morelix
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The Entrepreneurs Mental Health ToolkitMy top 3 favorites for
managing ADHD and DepressionWe talked about very helpful
strategies. Here are some specific tools you can use
2-Year Gratitude Gap
Zen Log Book
Momentum Calendar
www.hypermind.orgFuture Gap and the Ambition TreadmillA simple
idea that explains so much of our frustration, especially among
entrepreneurs
The Future GapThe vision of what you want to be and buildIt work
well to set the vision. But it can be burdensome, disheartening
because we look at ourselves today and know that we are not
there
Inspired on concept by Dan Sullivan and Vishen Lakhiani
www.hypermind.orgFuture Gap and the Ambition TreadmillBy itself,
the ambition is not a problem
It becomes one, though, when we postpone our happiness because
of it
Im gonna celebrate it whenI make it bigI sign on that big
customerI raise the next round of funding
Ambition treadmill: there is no finish line, because youre
always adding a new goal
www.hypermind.org2-Year Gratitude GapSolution is not to get rid
of ambition, but recognize your progress in the past
Recognizing progress and being grateful can never happen looking
forward. Only backwards.
Compare the Present You with your Reverse Gap, 2 years agoWhere
were you two years ago? How did your life look like? Were you
attending cool conferences like this one? How were your
relationships? Your company? You, personally? What did not know
then that you do now?
Life not always gets better, but this exercise focuses on the
improvements
Write it down
www.hypermind.orgZen Log BookJournaling and mindfulness
practice
Inspired on skydiving jump log
Happiness is elusive and hard tochase. We need better
defineddirections
Help you identify and track your:ProgressPurposePursuit
www.hypermind.orgThe 3 Ps of HappinessProgressImproving,
learning, growingMoving towards a goal
PurposeWhy you do what you do
Pursuit2-foldEnjoying the journeyPursuing excitement and
adventure
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www.hypermind.orgMomentum CalendarJerry Seinfeld on becoming a
master:Writing jokes every day (to become better comedian)After a
few days youll have a chain. Just keep at it and the chain will
grow longer every day. Youll like seeing that chain, especially
when you get a few weeks under your belt. Your only job is to not
break the chain.
Once you build momentum, all you have to do is not break the
chain. And add just one more X
You may not want to write a joke every day. But maybe you want:3
goals (e.g., from Zen Log Book)Daily mindfulness4 hours of focused
work (what I use in my calendar)
www.hypermind.orgAccess Entrepreneurs Mental Health ToolkitTools
previously just a preview. For more, access the Entrepreneurs
Mental Health Toolkit
Visit www.hypermind.org
www.hypermind.org4 Takeaways and InsightsIf you are an
entrepreneur, it is normal not to be normalIntimate connection
between mental health and entrepreneurshipDe-stigmatizing and
cracking the myth of the super-founder
The entrepreneurial brain is a double-edged swordBoth an asset
and a liability
The Entrepreneurial rollercoaster and how entrepreneurship
affects mental healthBusiness triggers
You can do something about itYour brain is not a magical
land
www.hypermind.org
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Discussion and Q+A,
www.hypermind.orgThank You! www.hypermind.org
[email protected]@arnobiomorelix
[email protected]@ColinT_B
www.hypermind.org
