A compelling personal story published by entrepreneur, journalist and CEO, Tessa Parry-Wingfield, highlights the critical role resilience plays in entrepreneurship, but also the burden it can place on founders, particularly during times of personal crisis. 

In her article, Parry-Wingfield recounts how running her global communications consultancy, The Power of Words, helped her cope with the trauma of a rare eye cancer diagnosis and life-changing surgery.

In her reflections she cites findings from the Founder Resilience Research Report 2024, led by Christina Richardson, founder of Foundology and Associate Professor at the UCL School of Management.

The report, based on insights from nearly 400 entrepreneurs worldwide, reveals that 92% of founders rank resilience as the number one requirement for entrepreneurship, above problem-solving and communication skills.

But Christina Richardson’s research also uncovers the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, with 93% of founders showing signs of mental health strain and 76% reporting loneliness, figures that underscore the darker side of founder pressures.

Parry-Wingfield’s story brings these statistics to life, showing how resilience can be both a tool for success and a burden. Her experience illustrates a duality inherent to entrepreneurial drive, the power to push through adversity, but also the personal need to heal from it.

This intersection of lived experience and academic insight reinforces the importance of supporting founders holistically, something that Christina Richardson’s research aims to address through practical strategies.

Responding to the article, Christina said:

“Founder life can be hugely exhilarating but also anxiety inducing in equal measure, which is why it demands such resilience. 

“It is always heart-warming that our work at Foundology and the research that we’ve led has helped other founders to normalise their experience, make sense of it and find practical ways to navigate the journey.” 

Read the article: https://startupsmagazine.co.uk/article-my-business-helped-me-through-can…

Read Christina Richardson’s report: https://foundology.org/founder-resilience-research/