[Spooky23]

I don’t run a company, but run a large division of one. I describe it as a psychological theme park — you’re king of the world one day, moron the next day, taking care of your people the next.

The only thing that has helped me when I feel that way is to take a leap of faith and place trust in others. That thing I think I have to personally oversee really means that I’m not trusting others. That trust problem is usually because I’ve failed as a leader to communicate. So push yourself to do that, and when your comfortable, push yourself to do more.

The other thing, which I think men are more vulnerable to, is be careful about defining yourself by work. Your partner or children or whatever need to be a part of what defines you to you.

My dad’s recent passing highlighted that for me - he spent 30 years and accomplished a lot in an field that impacted many people positively. But when friends and family all came together… that just wasn’t something that mattered. The little (and big) things that he did for people mattered. One person somehow travelled from abroad during COVID to pay respects and share how my dad helped him out in a small way that redefined his life.

I’d ask that you just think about what matters. Deal with the stuff that has to be dealt with, but don’t let it define you. Shipping some feature is what you do, not who you are.