Israel’s High-Tech Dark Side

The hidden Costs of Startup Success: A Wake-Up Call for tech Entrepreneurs

Executive coaching gains traction in Israel as it confronts the personal toll of high-pressure tech culture.

August 27, 2024

Executive coaching, a well-established practice in the U.S. and other developed nations,has been instrumental in helping top executives navigate challenges ranging from workforce reductions and workplace politics to burnout induced by unrelenting pressure and the personal sacrifices demanded by an all-consuming career. Now, it’s gaining traction in Israel, where the tech sector’s breakneck pace is creating a unique demand for specialized coaching tailored to the technological-buisness sector.Increasingly, there is a need for collective awareness of the personal costs that come with the “Startup Nation” mentality.

The intense surroundings in Israel, often celebrated for its innovation, is beginning to reveal a darker side: the human cost of constant pressure, long hours, and relentless pursuit of the next big exit. This parallels trends seen in the U.S. tech industry, particularly in Silicon Valley, where the “hustle culture” has been linked to increased rates of burnout, mental health issues, and strained personal relationships.

Alon Huri, co-founder of next Insurance, a company that was recently sold, shared a stark personal story on social media and on a prominent podcast. He recounted suffering a heart attack while driving on an Israeli highway. this crisis was the culmination of years of neglecting routine health checkups, maintaining a poor diet, and foregoing exercise due to the relentless pressures of building a company.Huri’s experience is a cautionary tale resonating with many entrepreneurs who sacrifice their well-being for their ventures.

“Everything glitters in this world, but only on the surface,” observes Gali Bloch-Liran, a prominent executive coach in Israel.She recalls mentoring a brilliant entrepreneur in his twenties, a bachelor, who once confessed, “Gali, I don’t sleep, I don’t eat, I don’t exercise, but it works fine for me.” This sentiment, while seemingly acceptable in the short term, often masks deeper issues.

“So,maybe at certain points in life,and for a very short time,you can get away with that,” she says.“In the startup world, speed and total commitment have value, and they demand extraordinary resources. But at some point, you hit a stop sign in the form of burnout, exhaustion, or your body is simply shutting down, whether in the form of anxiety attacks or as Alon described, a heart attack.”

Photo: Shutterstock

The physical toll is meaningful, but the damage doesn’t stop there. bloch-Liran warns that startup founders often face divorce, social isolation, and even complete mental breakdowns as the price of their all-consuming pursuit of success. This mirrors similar trends in the U.S., where the demanding nature of startup life can put immense strain on personal relationships and mental health.

Shaul Olmert, for exmaple, has spoken candidly about the loneliness, the distancing from his wife and children, and the feeling of losing himself amidst the rapid ascent of his company, Playbuzz, Bloch-Liran notes.

Entrepreneur Jonathan Matus, CEO of Fairmatic, recounted a harrowing experience at a major conference in Las Vegas, where he suddenly collapsed and had to be taken out in a wheelchair. These instances highlight the very real and often hidden consequences of the startup grind.

There are countless examples of the personal, mental, and familial toll exacted by the startup world. “You can’t run blindly and obsessively for a decade without paying a price,” Bloch-Liran cautions.

Many founders operate under the illusion that the eventual “exit” – whether through acquisition or IPO – will allow them to finally rest and recover, believing that the discomfort is merely temporary.

“Even good things can trigger trauma, even the exit itself,” says Bloch-Liran. “If you cash out in a massive deal at a young age, feeling that luck was on your side, and suddenly find yourself managing, say, $20 million, it shifts your entire worldview and changes your relationships. I know several entrepreneurs who made big exits and then fell into depression. The ‘baby’ they nurtured for years is suddenly gone.”

Moreover, not all exits are happy, lucrative, or fulfilling. Some serial entrepreneurs repeatedly navigate the exit process, fully cognizant of the toll it takes on themselves and their loved ones, yet they persist, simply because they lack alternative paths.

The Role of Executive Coaching

Executive coaching is emerging as a critical resource for entrepreneurs facing these challenges. Coaches provide a safe space for founders to discuss their concerns, develop coping mechanisms, and prioritize their well-being without sacrificing their business goals.In the U.S., executive coaching has become a common practice in the tech industry, with many companies offering it as a benefit to their leadership teams.

Bloch-Liran launched her executive coaching firm, The Human Founder, in 2018, dedicating it to mentoring entrepreneurs. In 2021, she expanded her reach with a podcast under the same name, hosting in-depth interviews with prominent figures in Israel’s startup ecosystem, including Gigi Levy-Weiss, a founding partner at NFX, and Eynat Guez, CEO of Papaya Global.

Israel’s military-driven culture fosters a strong sense of ego, making entrepreneurs less inclined to discuss emotions. Maybe after October 7, this will start to change.

Alongside her coaching practice, Bloch-Liran has mentored students in Reichman University’s prestigious Zell Entrepreneurship Program, as well as founders participating in Google for Startups programs and accelerator programs for alumni of Mamram, the Israel Defense Forces’ elite technology unit.

Over the years, she has advised startups such as Ludeo, Finout, Agora, and OpenWeb, wich recently achieved significant recognition.

The Way Forward: Prioritizing Well-being in the Startup Ecosystem

Addressing the human cost of the “Startup Nation” mentality requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes fostering a culture of openness and vulnerability, promoting work-life balance, and providing access to mental health resources.Companies can implement policies that encourage employees to take time off,disconnect from work after hours,and prioritize their personal lives. Additionally, investors and mentors can play a crucial role in guiding entrepreneurs to make sustainable choices that support both their business and their well-being.

Examples of similar initiatives in the U.S. include companies offering unlimited vacation time, flexible work arrangements, and on-site mental health services. These programs aim to reduce burnout and promote a healthier work environment.

Challenge	Impact	Solution
Burnout	Decreased productivity, health issues	executive coaching, mandatory vacation
Social Isolation	Strained relationships, loneliness	Networking events, support groups
Mental Health Issues	Anxiety, depression	Therapy, mindfulness programs
Neglected physical Health	Heart problems, exhaustion	Wellness programs, flexible schedule

[End of article]

The Human Founder: Gali Bloch-Liran on Leadership, Loss, and the Evolving Startup Landscape

Published: Current Date

By Archyde News Staff

Gali Bloch-Liran, a seasoned advisor to Israeli startups, shares her insights on fostering emotional intelligence in leadership, navigating the complexities of scaling a business, and the personal tragedies that have shaped her perspective.Her new book, “The Human Founder,” offers a roadmap for entrepreneurs striving to build thriving companies while maintaining their well-being.

Beyond the Balance Sheet: The Human Side of startups

In the high-stakes world of startups, where innovation and rapid growth are prized above all else, it’s easy to overlook the human element. But according to Gali Bloch-Liran, a prominent advisor to Israeli entrepreneurs, fostering emotional intelligence and addressing personal challenges are critical for building sustainable success. Drawing on years of experience guiding founders through the turbulent startup journey, Bloch-liran emphasizes that leadership is not just about strategy and execution, but also about empathy, self-awareness, and resilience.

Bloch-Liran’s work is particularly relevant in today’s environment. According to a 2023 study by the National institutes of health (NIH), entrepreneurs are 30% more likely to experience depression than those employed by established companies. This heightened risk underscores the need for resources and support systems that address the unique stressors faced by founders. Bloch-Liran’s approach, detailed in her new book, “The Human Founder – How to Build a Startup and Stay Alive,” offers a practical guide for navigating these challenges.

Building Trust and fostering Open Interaction

One of the key challenges Bloch-Liran addresses is the difficulty some entrepreneurs have in opening up and seeking guidance. She notes that in Israel, a “military-driven culture fosters a strong sense of ego, making entrepreneurs less inclined to discuss emotions.” This reluctance can be a significant obstacle to growth, as it prevents founders from addressing vulnerabilities and seeking support when needed.

She addresses a delicate balance when referrals come from venture capital (VC) firms.

“Most entrepreneurs come to me through word of mouth. Investment funds sometimes recommend a founder to apply to me, but that can be a delicate issue. If a VC recommends an entrepreneur to come and speak with me, the founder might wonder: ‘Is this mandatory? Is this just a recommendation? Can I really speak openly?'”

To overcome this, Bloch-Liran emphasizes the importance of building trust and creating a safe space for founders to share their concerns.She believes that the recent events might spark a change:

“Maybe after October 7, this will start to change. We might finally recognize that empathy and soft skills are essential for leadership, both in business and beyond.”

Some founders question her ability to understand their struggles, given she hasn’t built a startup herself. Bloch-Liran responds with a compelling analogy:

“A male gynecologist has never given birth either, but experience and knowledge make all the difference.”

this analogy underscores that expertise and insight, gained through extensive work with numerous startups, can be just as valuable as firsthand experience.

Navigating the Growing Pains: From Garage Startup to Global Enterprise

Bloch-Liran highlights that a crucial moment for entrepreneurs is when their company transitions from a small,scrappy operation to a larger,more structured association. “One of the key moments when entrepreneurs turn to Bloch-Liran is during their company’s growth phase, when they must also grow as leaders. A startup that began in a garage with five employees operates very differently from a global company with thousands of employees.” This transition requires founders to adapt their leadership style, delegate effectively, and build a strong management team.

One notable example is Monday.com, co-founded by Eran Zinman and Roy mann in 2012. As the company scaled, they recognized the need to evolve their leadership structure. Bloch-Liran explains:

“As the company expanded, they realized they needed to adjust their leadership structure. Rather of the traditional founder dynamic of CEO and CTO or CPO, they transitioned into a co-CEO model, overseeing all aspects of the business together.”

This innovative approach allowed them to share the responsibilities of leading a publicly traded company with over 2,000 employees.This example highlights the importance of flexibility and adaptability in leadership as a company grows.

She encapsulates the spirit of entrepreneurial growth:

“That’s also the magic of entrepreneurship, it’s a constant journey of learning and growth. the sense of vitality it gives you is incredible.”

Monday.com co-founders Eran Zinman and Roy Mann transitioned into a co-CEO model (Photo: Netanel Tobias)

Personal Loss and Finding strength

Bloch-Liran’s insights are not solely based on professional experience; they are also informed by personal tragedy. She shares the story of her father’s suicide, an event that profoundly impacted her life and shaped her understanding of resilience and the importance of mental health.

She recalls the moment she learned of her father’s death:

“I remember exactly where I was.I was sitting at a café in Tel Aviv’s Basel Square, a place where all the mothers push strollers and sip coffee, just going about their day.I was there with a friend when suddenly my husband showed up and said, ‘Gali, we have to go’.”

The sudden loss shattered her world:

“I always need to know what’s going on, but he couldn’t bring himself to tell me. So, I stood up and called my mom. I never could have imagined what she was about to say, because how could you? She just said, ‘Gali, dad committed suicide.’ As simple as that.”

The impact of her father’s suicide continues to resonate with her:

“It changed the story of everything. I was the one with the most ‘normal’ family, growing up in Zikhron Ya’akov, with a view of the sea, a father who was an engineer, and a mother who was a school principal. And then suddenly, a shadow was cast over everything.”

This experience instilled in her a deep recognition for the fragility of life and the importance of addressing mental health challenges, both in her own life and in the lives of the entrepreneurs she advises.

She reflects on the lingering questions and emotions:

“It forced me to confront death, loss, and the understanding that he made the choice himself. It was an unnatural death. I stayed with so many questions unanswered. There was confusion, anger, but how can you be angry at someone who isn’t here anymore? And guilt – how did we not see it? And there was also compassion, because you try to imagine the kind of pain that makes people take their own lives. He truly must have felt there was no light at the end of the tunnel.”

The weight of her father’s experiences as a combat officer also became clearer after his death:

“Only after his death did I understand the depths of the sadness that was reflected in his eyes, and that he wasn’t just handsome and a hero. He was appointed IDF company commander after his predecessor was killed in action, and then the comrades around him were also killed. He felt he had to hold everything together. As the son of Holocaust survivors, he grew up with the ethos of enduring hardship without showing weakness.”

“The Human Founder”: A Guide to Building a Startup and Staying Alive

Bloch-liran’s book, “The Human Founder,” encapsulates the insights she has gleaned from her work with entrepreneurs, offering a practical guide to building a triumphant startup while prioritizing well-being. The book addresses key topics such as:

• Developing emotional intelligence and self-awareness
• Building a strong support network
• Managing stress and preventing burnout
• Creating a healthy work-life balance
• Navigating the challenges of scaling a company

According to early reviews,”The Human Founder” is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. It provides actionable strategies and real-world examples that can help founders build thriving businesses while maintaining their mental and emotional health. As the startup ecosystem continues to evolve, Bloch-Liran’s message of prioritizing the human element is more important than ever.

the Startup Shrink: From Battlefield Trauma to Boardroom Breakthroughs

One woman’s journey from understanding her father’s PTSD to counseling startup founders on the brink.

January 26, 2024

The Unseen Battles of startup Life

Startup life, with its inherent pressures and high stakes, often mirrors the intensity of a battlefield. the relentless pursuit of funding, the constant pressure to innovate, and the sheer exhaustion can take a heavy toll on founders. But what happens when the emotional toll becomes too much?

Enter Dr. Adit Bloch-Liran, a clinical psychologist who has found herself applying lessons learned from understanding her father’s post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the volatile world of startup co-founders. her unique approach offers a lifeline to those struggling to navigate the emotional minefield of building a company.

A Daughter’s Discovery: Unveiling the Scars of War

dr. Bloch-Liran’s journey began with a personal quest to understand the silent struggles of her father, a war veteran. It wasn’t until years after his death that the full extent of his trauma became clear.

“A decade after his death, we held a gathering with all of my father’s closest friends from the army. I entirely broke down hearing stories about what he had to carry within him all those years,” Bloch-Liran recalls. The weight of untold stories and the recognition of her father’s hidden pain fueled her desire to help others.

That gathering of veterans, decades after their service, proved to be a pivotal moment. “The event brought together 40 veterans, all in their 70s, who suddenly opened up to each other about their private struggles with post-trauma. But their stories about their pain and emotions stayed with me long after.”

This experience ignited a passion within her. “I couldn’t save my father, but I wanted to take what I’ve learned and use it to help others.” This mission lead her to apply her psychological expertise to an unexpected arena: the high-pressure world of startups.

Startups as Couples Therapy: Decoding the Founder Dynamic

Transitioning from understanding PTSD to counseling startup founders might seem like a leap, but Dr. Bloch-Liran sees striking similarities. She likens the emotional dynamics between co-founders to those of couples therapy, highlighting the intense pressure and potential for conflict inherent in both relationships.

The issues that surface – money, family, self-esteem – are all magnified by the startup environment. “It really is like couples therapy,” she explains. “The first thing I ask them is: ‘Are you willing to do whatever it takes to make this work? Are you ready to invest time,money,and energy in this process? As if not,there’s no point’.” This direct approach forces founders to confront the realities of their commitment and the potential sacrifices required.

The stakes are undeniably high.”Do you realize that if one of you leaves, the startup might not survive, or at the very least, it could spiral and be delayed?” she asks, highlighting the fragile nature of early-stage ventures and the devastating impact of founder conflict.

Consider the case of a Bay Area tech startup where two co-founders, a seasoned engineer and a charismatic marketer, clashed over the company’s direction. The engineer, deeply invested in the technology, wanted to prioritize long-term development, while the marketer, focused on rapid growth, pushed for immediate market penetration. their constant disagreements created a toxic work environment, leading to employee attrition and ultimately threatening the company’s survival. Dr. Bloch-Liran’s approach would likely involve facilitating open communication and helping them find a compromise that aligned with their shared goals.

Key Divides Among Founders: Money, Motivations, and Management Styles

Dr. Bloch-Liran identifies several key areas that commonly divide founders.These include differing financial backgrounds, conflicting motivations, and incompatible management styles. Understanding these potential fault lines is crucial for preventing irreparable damage to the partnership and the company.

“The challenges frequently enough stem from fundamental differences. For example,one founder may come from a stable background and have the patience to build a company gradually,while the other might not have that luxury. I always ask: How long can you afford to live the all-in startup fantasy? Or do you have mortgage obligations and financial pressure?”

The pressure to succeed can be particularly acute for founders with significant financial obligations. This disparity in financial security can lead to resentment and conflicting priorities, potentially jeopardizing the long-term vision of the company.

“One founder might come from a corporate environment, while the other operates with a more flexible mindset. Sometimes these differences can be bridged, and sometimes they can’t.” this clash in management styles can manifest in disagreements over everything from hiring practices to decision-making processes,creating friction within the team.

“Conflicts often stem from differing motivations,” bloch-Liran explains. “One founder might want a quick exit, while the other is resolute to build the company for the long haul. There are also teams with imbalanced dynamics where one founder, frequently enough the idea’s originator, is more dominant, or one has a larger equity stake than the other.” These power imbalances, whether real or perceived, can fuel resentment and undermine collaboration.

Parenting and the Startup grind: Finding the Elusive Balance

For founders who are also parents, the challenges are compounded. Juggling the demands of a startup with the responsibilities of raising a family requires careful planning and realistic expectations. The myth of “work-life balance” frequently enough crumbles under the weight of startup pressures.

“For founders who are also parents, I would advise not to aim for daily balance but rather a weekly one. Over the course of a week, it’s easier to map out time for the kids, the board meetings, and the team. On any given day, you might not fit everything in, but across a week, you can.” This pragmatic approach acknowledges the inherent unpredictability of startup life and encourages parents to focus on longer-term equilibrium rather than daily perfection.

Practical Applications and Recent Developments

Dr. Bloch-Liran’s work highlights the growing recognition of mental health in the startup ecosystem. In recent years,there has been a push to provide founders with more resources and support to address the unique stressors they face. This includes access to therapists, coaches, and peer support groups.

For example, some venture capital firms are now offering mental health benefits to their portfolio companies, recognizing that a founder’s well-being is directly linked to the company’s success. Additionally, online platforms are emerging that connect founders with mental health professionals who specialize in the challenges of startup life.

The lessons from her experiences can be applied in various settings, including:

• team Building Workshops: Implementing exercises that foster open communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Founder retreats: Creating spaces for founders to disconnect from the daily grind and focus on their personal well-being.
• Mentorship Programs: Pairing experienced entrepreneurs with early-stage founders to provide guidance and support.

How does Gali Bloch-Liran’s approach too executive coaching differ from traditional methods, especially in addressing the emotional needs of startup founders?

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Archyde Interviews: Gali Bloch-Liran on Startup Well-being in the Israeli Tech scene

An Exclusive Interview with The Human Founder herself, navigating the emotional landscape of high-pressure tech startups.

August 28, 2024

Introduction: Setting the Stage for Startup Mental Wellness

Archyde News: Gali, welcome! It’s a pleasure to have you. Your work with The Human Founder is resonating deeply within the Israeli tech scene. For our readers unfamiliar with your work, can you briefly explain your approach to executive coaching, particularly focused on the unique challenges faced by startup founders?

Gali Bloch-Liran: Thank you for having me.My core focus is on the *human* element within the startup world. Building a company is incredibly demanding, frequently enough pushing founders to their limits. I work with them to develop emotional intelligence, manage stress, and cultivate resilience – all essential for sustained success and, crucially, *well-being*.

the Israeli ‘Startup Nation’ Mentality: A Double-Edged Sword?

Archyde News: The “Startup Nation” label for Israel carries a lot of weight. The drive for innovation and rapid growth is intense. From your outlook, how does this environment impact the mental health of entrepreneurs?

Gali Bloch-Liran: The speed of the Israeli tech scene is exhilarating, but it comes at a cost. The pressure to constantly perform,the long hours,and the fear of failure – it can be overwhelming. This environment often creates a culture where prioritizing well-being is seen as a weakness, which is a concern. We see this reflected in the data, the NIH study shows a higher risk of depression in entrepreneurs.

Lessons from Personal Loss: shaping a Unique Approach

Archyde News: Your own experiences, particularly the story of your father’s suicide, certainly inform your work. How has this personal loss shaped your understanding of the pressures and vulnerabilities of leadership?

Gali Bloch-Liran: This experience dramatically changed my life. In the startup world, many founders come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some are like me,and my father,whose emotional pain became clear over time,after his death. The truth is, no one thinks they’ll fail but no one thinks they’ll break. the fragility of life, the hidden struggles – these are all things I bring to my work with founders. This is why I emphasize self-awareness and building a support system. Because sometimes we need to look beyond ourselves.