Hello {{first name | Friend}},
I am literally writing this on Wednesday morning when it should have already gone out, because, as I told multiple women at a social event last night, I am just not feeling it right now. The work that usually pulls me out of bed each day is currently inspiring approximately zero percent of my motivation.
I am at the point that most business owners and founders hit at least once in their journey (if not a lot more) where the most appealing option feels like burning the whole thing to the ground and starting fresh. Maybe you know the feeling?
But before I do anything dramatic, I know what I actually need to do: step out of my own head and knock on the doors of my personal board of directors. In fact, when I was a guest on a podcast earlier this week (the episode drops next month), this was the single most important piece of advice I gave to budding entrepreneurs: Before you build the business, build the people infrastructure around yourself.
I want to talk about what that actually looks like--who those people are and how you can start assembling yours. But first, let's look at this week's signals.
Fem-Led News
While headlines suggest women are simply leaving the workforce, the reality is a "SheChange,” women exiting workplaces that fail to support them. Caregiving responsibilities and a lack of sponsorship drive the trend, not a lack of ambition. With data showing that companies investing in gender equality see significant revenue growth, the message is clear: to retain women, workplaces must offer flexibility, pay equity, and real structural support.
Loneliness is a hidden epidemic among founders. In a Startup Snapshot survey, average loneliness levels hit 7.6 out of 10, with over 80% hiding their stress, even from co-founders, while fewer than one in five know about mental health resources tailored to them.
Check out the data →
Women founders face a persistent mentorship gap. A 2025 McKinsey survey found that only 31% of women in entry-level roles have workplace sponsors versus 45% of men, making self-curated support networks a strategic necessity rather than a luxury.
Get more context here →
Burnout carries a massive business cost. Research cited by Harvard Business Review puts the annual toll at $300 billion in lost productivity and turnover, while 34% of entrepreneurs report burnout, and chronic stress directly impairs creative problem-solving that founders rely on.
See why mental health is a business asset →
Think of yourself as the CEO of your life. You need a diverse group of advisors to challenge you, fill gaps, and provide accountability.
Research shows that shared purpose leads to better decisions, and mental health directly impacts performance. With 87.7% of entrepreneurs facing mental health issues, professional and personal boards are essential.
THE PROFESSIONAL BOARD
Mentor: A few steps ahead. Shares wins and failures to help you avoid pitfalls.
Sponsor: Opens doors. Uses their influence to advocate for you when you're not in the room.
Peer: At a similar stage. Offers honest feedback and reduces isolation.
Executive Coach: A paid thought partner who uncovers blind spots and challenges assumptions.
Expert: A domain specialist (finance, legal, etc.) who saves you from costly mistakes.
THE MENTAL HEALTH BOARD
With 72% of entrepreneurs affected by mental health issues and 77% avoiding professional help, this board keeps you intact.
Therapist: A non-negotiable professional to process your inner world.
Trusted Friend: Knows the real you, not your business. Grounds your identity outside of work.
Health Advisor: A physical advisor (trainer, doctor) since sleep, exercise, and diet are foundational to mental health.
Believer: Sees your greatness when you don't. The person you call when you want to give up.
Community: A group of people who share your context (fellow founders, peers in similar roles). Unlike one-on-one connections, a community provides collective wisdom, normalization of shared struggles, and a sense of belonging, reminding you that you're not alone in the hard moments.
Your board doesn't need to meet. You are the common thread. Start by identifying who you already have, noticing the gaps, and being intentional about who you turn to.
With grace and gratitude,
Raven
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