I empower individuals and organizations to come alive by creating and fulfilling on their vision for the future.
Tale of Two Founders | ER or Chinese food? (opportunity at the end)
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I just realized last night (11:43 p.m.) that I was five weeks away from running out of cash.
No more payroll, no more runway, no clear path. I went home, but I didn’t sleep. The next morning, the pressure was unbearable. I couldn’t bring myself to tell my investors. I couldn’t face my team.
I tried to work on a plan, but the fear, the exhaustion, the burnout—it was all too much.
Last night, I ended up in the ER thinking I couldn't breath. The doctors found nothing wrong.
I wasn’t having a heart attack. I was having a crisis of what to do.
The difference between panic and leadership is months—or years—in the making. Preparation isn’t scrambling when the crisis hits. It’s building the capacity beforehand to respond when it does. Here’s what real preparation looks like: 1. Mindset – Know that your only job is to try your best. Not perfect. Not heroic. Just your honest best. That’s more than enough, if you stay grounded in action. So when it happens, you show up given the circumstances. 2. Ownership – Take responsibility. Not blame. Leadership means naming the reality clearly to yourself and your team. “We’re in a tight spot. And I’m owning it.” 3. Identity Check – You are not your company. If the business struggles, you are not a failure. Detaching your worth from outcomes gives you the freedom to lead clearly. 4. Health as Readiness – Sleep. Eat like you care. Move your body. The founder who survives the firestorm isn’t the smartest—it’s often the one with the stamina to show up when it counts and not be exhausted. Here’s the tale of the second founder: Andrew, we had that cash crisis last year and I guess I just reacted like we spoke about. I admittedly went out to my favorite restaurant that night to blow off some steam with some drinks, but when I woke up, I pulled my team together, we spoke, we put together a communications plan, an action plan. We managed cash. Unfortunately we had to let some people go. I felt terrible about it. But we focused on survival and moved forward. Your thoughts on separating my identity from success freed me to just do what was needed. Thanks! The only real difference? He was ready. So—what’s one thing you can start doing now to prepare for then? Feels good to be back. Love you guys. Have had some exciting things in the works. Stay curious, and here's to leveling up your leadership! Leadership isn't born, it's honed. (Opportunity) Founders aren’t born ready—they learn to lead. That’s what I do with my clients. I’ve got two spots opening up in my coaching roster. I’m offering one complimentary session to any founder—yes, even if we’ve worked together before. Hope this will lead to some good conversation and see if there's someone I can be helpful with any of you! Just reply with: “Yes, I want a session.” Or forward this to a founder friend and CC me. If I can help, I’ll show up 100%. Emailed forwarded to you? Want to read more?
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Andrew Elliot Stern Group
I empower individuals and organizations to come alive by creating and fulfilling on their vision for the future.
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