The Founder’s dilemma: Can Entrepreneurs Truly Unplug?
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Founders frequently enough struggle to disconnect from work, especially when their company’s success depends heavily on their involvement. The idea of “work-life balance” is a frequent topic of debate among entrepreneurs, who question whether it’s possible to concurrently scale a multimillion-dollar buisness and maintain sufficient downtime for personal recharge. two-time founder Nicole Bernard Dawes is a strong advocate for unplugging-but primarily for her employees.
“I think I probably am a little bit of a hypocrite, becuase I don’t unplug. I never do,” dawes tells Fortune. “I never want to be the person that’s holding up a member of our team.”
The serial entrepreneur actively encourages her staff to completely disconnect from work once their workday ends, but doesn’t extend the same courtesy to herself. After decades of successfully scaling two companies, she feels a responsibility to always be available.
Dawes’ Entrepreneurial Journey
Dawes first founded Late July, an organic, non-GMO tortilla chip brand, in 2003. Today, Late July products are available in major retailers like Target, Whole Foods, Kroger, and Walmart. Campbell’s acquired a majority stake in the business in 2014, and eventually purchased the entire $100 million company in 2017.
In 2018, Dawes entered another consumer packaged goods (CPG) market with nixie, a zero-sugar, sustainably packaged soda line. The brand secured $27 million in new funding earlier this year,and its products are now sold in over 11,000 major grocery stores.
With over two decades of experience, Dawes understands the demands of building a successful business. She believes that her constant availability is necessary to navigate challenges and ensure continued growth.
The Pressure to Be “Always On”
Dawes’ experience highlights a common struggle for founders. The weight of responsibility,coupled with the fast-paced nature of startups,can make it tough to prioritize personal well-being. Many founders fear that stepping away, even briefly, could jeopardize their company’s progress.
This “always on” mentality can lead to burnout, impacting both the founder’s health and the company’s performance. While Dawes prioritizes her team’s well-being, her own experience demonstrates the challenges of applying the same principles to oneself.
Key Takeaways
- Founders often struggle to achieve work-life balance due to the demands of their businesses.
- Nicole Bernard Dawes advocates for employee unplugging but admits to not practicing what she preaches herself.
- The pressure to be constantly available can lead to founder burnout.
- Prioritizing personal well-being is crucial for long-term success, but difficult to implement.
Published: 2025/11/24 14:36:14