‘Crush It’ culture is a mindset that is far too often accepted within entrepreneurship. For those who strive to start their own ventures and achieve success, we can feel like putting our own needs to the side is something that is simply just a part of the road ahead. This way of thinking is so detrimental to our wellbeing and makes us lose sight of the things that are truly important to us, not only professionally, but in our personal lives as well. 

Joining me on the podcast today to dive into this topic are Kari Sulenes and Howie Diamond, Co Founders of the wellbeing organisation ‘Atlas’ and Business Partners at ‘Alpha Bridge Ventures’. Kari has an extensive background in psychology, whilst Howie has a broad background in business, each bringing such unique qualities to the table and furthering the conversation around this issue. 

We discuss the inspiration behind the creation of ‘Atlas’, why the need for honesty and vulnerability is so important within professional environments, and how this kind of work is creating positive change for founders and business leaders.  

If this has peaked your interest and you’re curious to learn more, have a listen to Episode 6 of What Didn’t Kill You!

Some Questions I Ask:

• Howie, how did you and Kari meet and eventually become business partners? (6:47 )
• Kari, what was your initial impression of Howie’s thesis when you first connected? (8:47 )
• Kari, were you always drawn to the notion of helping others through pain during your studies & How does that tie into the work you do now studying organizations? (11:03 )
• How do you gain perspective as a team when it comes to the work you all do at ‘Atlas’ (17:24 )
• How have you created an environment at ‘Atlas’ where people are willing to share and be candid in a way they wouldn’t normally? (22:42 )
• How do you, particularly as business owners, continue to challenge the stigma surrounding being vulnerable with your professional cohort? (29:56 )
• Do you see an opportunity for others in the investment community to break away from the stigma surrounding vulnerability & How has your work been received by those in that space? (36:10 )
• Do you feel like the traditional ‘Venture Capital’ model has a tendency to perpetuate the toxicity that is so present within our culture? (39:35 )
• Kari, as someone who has worked in psychology do you think about your work at ‘Atlas’ in terms of developing and furthering data around this issue? (43:57 )
• Do you find that clients who work with you are already self aware of their needs to become more open or is there work needed to get to that point? (45:22 )

In This Episode You Will Learn:

• How Howie’s experience with burnout and imposter syndrome inspired the creation of ‘Alpha Bridge Ventures’ and ‘Atlas’ (1:45 )
• The connection between pain and purpose (13:11 )
• The toxic aspects that are present within entrepreneurship culture (16:22 )
• How ‘Alpha Bridge Ventures’ and ‘Atlas’ are related & Why entrepreneur confidentiality was a core belief in the creation of this venture (19:44 )
• Background on ‘How Are You Really?’ dinners hosted by ‘Alpha Bridge Ventures’ partners Kari, Howie and Jake (27:49 )
• Resources for aspiring entrepreneurs who are going through hardships (47:54 )

Connect With Michael Silverman:

• What Didn’t Kill You - Instagram
• Michael Silverman - Instagram

Connect With Kari Sulenes:

• LinkedIn
• AtlasQ - Bio
• Email: hello@atlasq.com

Connect With Howie Diamond:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Website
• Email: howie@alphabridgevc.com

Resources: 

• Book: ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ Author, Viktor E Frankl
• Book: ‘The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership’ Author, Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman & Kaley Klemp
• Ted Talk: ‘The Power of Vulnerability’ Brené Brown 
• ‘Atlas’ - ‘Leadership Labs’ Programs 
• ‘Atlas’ - Website
• ‘Alpha Bridge Ventures’ - Website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.