Entrepreneurship is tough. I know that firsthand. There’s this constant grind that we push through, and we often think we can just power through any struggle if we work hard enough. But what happens when you can’t power through anymore? What happens when you hit a wall?
That’s exactly what Greg Shanken, founder of Gloss, experienced. I had the chance to sit down with him on Never Been Promoted, and his story was more than just a tale of business success. It was a story about mental wellness, vulnerability, and finding your way when you’ve lost your footing.
His experience resonated with me, not just because I’ve seen other entrepreneurs go through this but because I’ve felt those same pressures myself.
When the Passion Fades: Finding a New Path
Greg’s story took a big turn when he hit a personal and professional brick wall. He’d been running his agency for over 12 years, and like a lot of us, he reached a point where the passion just wasn’t there anymore. He was going through the motions, dealing with anxiety, depression, and a sense of being stuck. And let’s be honest, we’ve all been there at some point—wondering why we even started this in the first place.
Greg didn’t just sit with that feeling, though. He took a completely different approach to get out of his rut. He turned to psychedelic healing, something that’s not exactly mainstream but made a world of difference for him.
“I hit a wall in my life and career. Therapy helped, but it wasn’t until I tried psychedelic healing that I truly started to understand myself and my purpose again.”
It wasn’t an easy journey. He got off the prescription meds he’d been on for over 10 years and embarked on a healing process that challenged everything he thought he knew about mental wellness.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Your mental health is non-negotiable: Greg’s experience with therapy and psychedelics wasn’t about quick fixes but real healing. It changed his life—and his business.
- Explore new avenues for healing: Whether it’s therapy, breathwork, or psychedelics like Ayahuasca, Greg found what worked for him through trial and error. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health.
- Embrace vulnerability: By being open about his struggles, Greg didn’t just help himself—he connected more deeply with others. Being vulnerable can feel scary, but it’s one of the most powerful tools we have.
Entrepreneurial ADD: Juggling the Chaos
I think every entrepreneur out there has felt this—what Greg called “entrepreneurial ADD.” The constant bouncing from one idea to the next, the distractions, the procrastination… it’s part of the hustle, but if you don’t manage it, it can drive you nuts.
Greg and I talked about how this entrepreneurial ADD can make or break you. He shared how he used different methods to help him focus, from breathwork to cold plunges. For Greg, it was about finding ways to manage the chaos rather than trying to eliminate it completely.
“I still struggle with it,” he admitted. “But I’ve learned to create structure around my distractions. It’s not perfect, but it helps me stay on track.”
For him, part of the solution was creating multiple projects that allowed his brain to jump around without losing focus—his agency, his podcast, and even two nonprofits he co-founded.
What I Learned from His Experience:
- Find what works for you: Greg uses breathwork to re-center himself throughout the day. It’s simple but effective, and it’s something anyone can try. He mentioned box breathing, where you inhale for four counts, hold, exhale for four, and repeat.
- Take intentional breaks: Entrepreneurs are notorious for not taking breaks. Greg shared how stepping away from work, even for a few minutes, made the time he spent working more productive.
- Structure your chaos: Instead of trying to eliminate distractions, Greg embraced them by creating multiple projects that kept him interested while still focusing on his larger goals.
Reflections from the Interview
What really struck me during my conversation with Greg was how open he was about the ongoing nature of his struggles. It wasn’t a story with a neat, tidy ending where everything’s perfectly fixed. It was real, messy, and human. That’s what made it so powerful.
“I still have tough days,” he said, “but my life is so much better than it was before. The graph of healing is never a straight line, but it’s moving upward.”
He talked about how this journey changed not just his personal life but also how he approached his business. His agency, Gloss, started focusing more on empathy—not just in how they interacted with clients but in how they designed their services. This shift wasn’t just good for business; it was a reflection of Greg’s own transformation.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Healing isn’t linear: Greg’s journey wasn’t smooth, but the trajectory was upward. It’s okay to have setbacks along the way.
- Your business reflects your personal growth: As Greg healed, his business evolved too. The more aligned he became with his personal values, the stronger his agency grew.
- You can’t do it all: Greg emphasized the importance of delegation and using tools like breathwork to manage stress. We’re not superhuman, and we can’t do everything ourselves.
- Empathy is good for business: One of the biggest lessons Greg learned was that empathy is key—not just in personal relationships but in business as well. It’s about truly understanding your clients and delivering what they need.
- It’s okay to still struggle: Even though Greg is in a much better place now, he’s upfront about the fact that the struggle isn’t over. And that’s okay.
Final Thoughts
Greg’s story is a powerful reminder that mental health and entrepreneurship go hand in hand. It’s not just about pushing through the hard times—it’s about actively taking care of yourself, mentally and physically. We all need to take breaks, refocus, and sometimes, try new things to get back on track.
If you’re feeling stuck, remember that it’s okay to step back and explore what works for you. Whether it’s therapy, breathwork, or just taking a break to clear your mind, the most important thing is to prioritize your wellness.
Check out Greg’s full episode of Never Been Promoted to dive deeper into his journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way: STOP Ignoring the Power of Empathy in Your Business with Greg Shanken
CONNECT WITH GREG SHANKEN:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregshanken/
Website: https://glosstech.io/