Should statements are harsh expressions of self-criticism, the product of exceptionally high expectations of oneself: ‘I should have known better.’ ‘I should want more’. ‘I should enjoy being a CEO.’ In this article, I explain why ‘should’ holds such power over us as entrepreneurs and explore three ways to challenge your self-critical thinking.

Ever feel way out of your depth leading your company, or that your success isn’t your own? Spend time you don’t have agonising over every decision, feel ill-equipped as a leader, even a fraud? It’s possible that you’re experiencing Imposter Syndrome, a thorn in the side of many start-up founders. Don’t suffer in silence. Keep reading, as I reveal where your imposter comes from, why it’s actually a strength, and how to channel its influence for good.

In this interview with Connie Henry, Founder of charity Track Academy, we explore the signs it’s time to start ‘unpicking’ yourself from your business. Connie discusses the four stages of unpicking her role in the team, her relationship with the Board of Trustees and key stakeholders, redefining her role and establishing a strategy to guide the business into the future.

Employees are a founder’s ‘canary in the mine’. When it’s time to change your ways of working for the good of the company it is your team who will recognise this first.

In this article, I share five signs that it’s time to step back and look at your habits and behaviours as a leader, so your business can scale.

Working online is not the same as face-to-face. So much of working in teams we do unconsciously. So how can you translate the physical world of meetings into the virtual one when the social rituals and cues you'd pick up in a physical meeting are invisible online?

Business and personal goals often address negatives that ‘need improvement’. Goals that build on positive foundations are equally as important.

There are times when we feel we can conquer the world, we take risks and charge into the great unknown. At other times, simply showing up is a challenge. Discover five ways to deepen your energy reserves for the year ahead.

Competing priorities, complex challenges, and crucial, time-sensitive decisions take their toll if you’re not proactive in how you deal with them. Find out how.

The way Jennifer looks at me as a coach, and the faith she has in my capacity and future is quite powerful - I’ve never found someone as good at ‘compassionate challenge’ as her.

As a founder scaling a business, there is plenty to keep you occupied, but with the rapid pace of innovation and growth, it’s crucial that you invest in a support structure.

I knew that I needed to turn my strong and sometimes overpowering work ethic into a positive force for the business - that is where Jennifer helped me.

Jenn's a nuanced and adaptable coach - she’s very measured and has huge emotional intelligence. Each session is a real balance of practical advice and emotional guidance.

As a business owner, there are a wealth of resources available to you, from mentors to consultants. So let’s get really clear on exactly what a Founder Coach is, and the value they can bring.