There's a version of running your own business that looks great from the outside. Freedom, flexibility, being your own boss. And then there's what it actually feels like at 2am when you can't switch your brain off, surrounded by people you can't be honest with because they're either competition or clients or colleagues you need to look capable in front of.

Reflective Rebels community member Abigail asked the question 'why the f*ck is running a business so lonely?'. In this experimental solo episode, Ben weaves in Abigail's raw voice notes (recorded on a dog walk!) and reflects on what she's bravely sharing.

Listen if you...

• Feel like you're performing a version of yourself every time you show up to a networking event
• Have had a nightmare client and had absolutely nobody to vent to about it
• Know you're winging it as a leader but can't admit that to anyone
• Feel lonelier running your own business than you ever did working for someone else
• Are exhausted by maintaining the "it's going really well" version of yourself
• Wonder if everyone else has got it more together than you do

Keywords

business owner loneliness, entrepreneur isolation, imposter syndrome, leadership loneliness, self-employed mental health, business owner burnout, vulnerable leadership, belonging vs fitting in, small business owner struggles, people pleasing business owner, self-employed overwhelm, authentic leadership

About Ben

Ben Hickman is an ILM Level 7 qualified executive coach based in Carlisle, Cumbria. reflectiverebels.co.uk

Support the Podcast

The best thing you can do is share this episode with one person you think needs to hear it.

Get in Touch

reflectiverebels.co.uk