Loneliness is the part of being a founder that nobody likes to talk about. After more than 35 years building SNP Leadership Communications alongside her husband, Maureen Taylor has worked with some of the most recognised leaders in tech, and she’s seen how isolating the role can be.
Why it feels different at the top
Founders carry a unique weight. Every decision, every offhand comment, every moment of doubt can be amplified by the people around them.
“A lot of leaders are loners, or a little bit afraid of people or shy… and it’s something that you have to be ok with.”
“It is lonely. Everything you say, especially if you’re in charge of something, is taken by the people that work with you in a way that you might not even mean.”
A 2024 report from UCL found that 76 percent of startup founders experience loneliness, which directly impacts their confidence and decision-making.
Building your invisible board
When loneliness creeps in, the answer isn’t to ignore it and hope for the best, Maureen says, but to learn to share the load.
Her advice is to create what she calls an “invisible board of directors”.
“You have to have a board of directors in your mind of people that you can get advice from. That’s not just one person; some people you have lunch with, some people you go running with – just spread it out a little bit, so you’re not putting too much on anybody.”
“You’re still alone, and you have to be okay with that. But it doesn’t have to be where you want to curl up in a fetal position under your pink comforter and cry.”
Just like in romantic relationships, it’s rarely healthy to rely on one person for all our needs. The same applies in business. By sharing the weight across different relationships, you’ll have a range of perspectives to learn from and a broader support system to rely on.
Talking about it helps
One of the most powerful steps, Maureen believes, is simply acknowledging the problem.
“Admitting that it’s lonely and crazy, it’s like these little switches or dials just go on that it’s okay and then you can go further. Don’t be afraid of it.”
This may sound small, but it matters. A 2024 report found that those who build resilience through habits like peer support experience fewer signs of strain and are better able to sustain their performance.
Practical steps founders can take to tackle loneliness
1.Create your own “board of directors”
Spread your support system across different people: peers, mentors, friends, even a therapist. (Although she doesn’t have a therapist because, she says, “I’m a Boomer!”)This reduces the pressure on any one person and gives you a broader range of perspectives.
2. Normalise talking about it
Loneliness loses its sting when it’s acknowledged. Share your experience with other founders or trusted peers. You’ll often find they’re going through the same thing.
3. Join peer groups or networks
Founder communities, accelerators, and leadership circles provide a space where you can be honest without the weight of hierarchy. In fact, it’s the whole reason Follow the Founder exists! Having a space to authentically explore the challenges, achievements, and lifestyles with other entrepreneurs is extremely powerful. Research shows peer support is one of the most effective ways to build resilience.
4. Keep younger or different voices around you
Maureen believes that surrounding yourself with people who see the world differently helps you stay open and curious – and less isolated. She has been criticized for always having 20-somethings in the mix. But it’s the 20-somethings that change the world. She even has a GenZ Advisory Board.
5. Always remain curious and seek out expertise from others
Seek out advice from a whole range of people, of all ages and industries. A 1:1 leadership coach can also help you get people to listen, pay attention, and take action, as well as help solve the problems you have right now and build the strategy to navigate the future.
6. Look after your health
Exercise, sleep, and downtime are often the first things we de-prioritize. In reality, these are what give us the mental stamina we need to lead.
Maureen doesn’t claim there is a neat solution to loneliness. It will come with the role. But you can decide how to live with it: by spreading the load, admitting it out loud, and reminding yourself that it is part of what makes the founder journey different.
Take inspiration from our network of Founders and become a part of a supportive and welcoming community by joining Follow the Founder. You can also find us on Instagram @followthefounder
Want to Keep Reading?
Archetypes Who are You: Caroline Myss
Explores universal archetypes and how understanding them can provide insight into personality, purpose, and personal transformation.
