Sixteen years ago, driven by a vision and fuelled by passion, I embarked on a journey many might dream of – founding a non-profit organisation. But the reality of leading an organisation soon unveiled a truth often hidden, what I like to call the founder’s burden. 

The weight of responsibility is immense. Every decision, every setback, every success ultimately rests on the founder’s shoulders. There have been countless sleepless nights over the constant pressure to keep the organisation afloat, and the fear of letting down those who believed in me and the organisation’s mission.

The Founder’s lonely high wire act
My experience is far from unique. A study by the Kauffman Foundation revealed that a staggering 70% of founders experience moderate to high levels of stress, with feelings of isolation and loneliness looming large.

Why the silence?
The image of the fearless leader is deeply ingrained in the founder narrative. Yet, admitting vulnerability can be seen as a sign of weakness. This fosters a culture of isolation that hinders growth and well-being.

Enter the unexpected ally: the Power of Mentoring
SAYes Mentoring, the nonprofit organisation that I founded 16 years ago, connects individuals with aspiring but underserved youth. However, the benefits extend far beyond providing guidance to the next generation.

The upside you didn’t see coming: Why mentors thrive
Research by the University of California, Berkeley, found that mentors reported experiencing:

• Boosted Confidence: Guiding others reaffirms mentors’ own leadership skills and decision-making processes.
• Fresh Perspective: Helping others forces mentors to re-evaluate their approaches, leading to renewed creativity.
• Rekindled Passion: Witnessing the enthusiasm of their mentees reignites the spark that ignited their own start up journeys.

Rediscovering my own mentor spark
After a four-year hiatus, I am mentoring at SAYes again. It’s essential for me to stay connected to our work firsthand, to truly understand the challenges and triumphs experienced by our mentees, mentors, and team.

One-to-one mentoring is an incredible journey. Mentees who have had previous mentors – often five or six – are natural leaders, guiding their new mentors while receiving invaluable support in return. Mentors provide perspective, active listening, Socratic Questioning, compassion, and network opportunities – all crucial for a mentee’s growth and well-being.

Witnessing a mentee overcome obstacles is truly inspiring. However, the most significant changes are often subtle, only revealed at the end of the nine-month programme when they share their experiences.

The Takeaway: It’s mutually beneficial for Founders and the future
Building a successful organisation is a marathon, not a sprint. Founders need both grit and a support system to navigate the journey.

• Partnering with SAYes allows you to:
• Connect with a supportive network.
• Advocate for the next generation of leaders, many of whom may be founders.
• Reignite your own passion and sharpen your leadership skills.

Don’t go it alone. Celebrate 16 years of SAYes with us! 
As we celebrate SAYes Mentoring’s 16th birthday, this is the perfect time to join a community that understands and supports the weight of the founder’s vision.

Visit SAYes Mentoring (www.sayesmentoring.org) to learn how you can get involved and contribute to building a brighter future for both you and our next generation of leaders.

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and insights, or to become a mentor, email: volunteer@sayesmentoring.org