Olga Skipper on Burnout in Tech: How Founders Can Lead Better, Stay Balanced, and Build Resilient Teams

Show Notes:

In this insightful conversation, I’m joined by executive coach and cross-cultural advisor Olga, who works closely with tech leaders and entrepreneurs navigating high-pressure environments. Together, we unpack the intense demands of the tech industry—where innovation races ahead at lightning speed, but personal well-being often gets left behind. Olga highlights the unique tension of building groundbreaking technologies while maintaining a healthy life outside of work. I chimed in with what I see far too often: burnout is rampant in the tech sector, and without prioritizing self-care, decision-making—and company longevity—suffers.

We also dove deep into the entrepreneurial journey. Olga and I explored the emotional and psychological toll founders face—especially around identity, self-worth, and navigating interpersonal conflict within founding teams. It's not just about scaling a business; it's about sustaining the human behind it. Effective communication, conflict resolution, and staying grounded during turbulent times are non-negotiables for any founder.

The conversation turned toward a recurring theme in my work: leadership. I shared my concerns about poor leadership styles that, despite producing short-term success, damage team morale and engagement. When top talent walks out the door due to burnout or toxic management, entire industries suffer. Strong, people-first leadership isn’t optional—it’s foundational to innovation and impact.

Finally, we discussed the importance of addressing the real issues holding teams and organizations back. Growth doesn’t come from ignoring problems; it comes from facing them head-on with clarity and humility. Olga shared her coaching philosophy, focused on healing systems by identifying and amplifying what is working, and slowly transforming the rest.

This episode is a must-listen for tech leaders, founders, and anyone navigating leadership in high-pressure spaces. Be sure to connect with Olga to learn more about her transformative coaching work.

About

As a former CEO, startup executive, and investor, I’ve navigated every stage of company growth— from inception to IPO— as both a founder, business owner, and corporate executive. Early in my career, I achieved “success” and became well-known, gaining a deep understanding of the rapid and often unstructured journey of building a business.

Today, I coach and advise startup CEOs, serial founders, and ambitious tech leaders who are navigating high complexity and uncertainty. I’ve mentored, advised, and coached over 200 CEOs and their teams through various stages of transformation and growth, including even pandemics, wars, and natural disasters. My mission is to help leaders walk this path consciously with a bigger life vision in mind.

The benefit of working with me is having someone by your side who has seen the entire journey multiple times. Whether you're starting from scratch or scaling an established company, I can help guide you toward a successful and sustainable future.

🔹 Specialized Areas

- CEO Coaching
- Executive and Transition Coaching
- Global Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
- Tech Leaders Transition

🔹 Fun Facts

- 🌐 Multilingual: I live, think, and feel in three languages: English, German, and Russian.
- ✈️ Global Citizen: I am a serial foreigner, calling Berlin, Vienna, San Francisco, Singapore, New York, and Zurich home.
- 💻 Tech Enthusiast: With a background in mobile hardware and software, I have a strong passion for technology and innovation and a knack for fixing my husband’s computer.
- 💡 Advocate: Diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, I know how it feels to be different and "not enough." I've learned to love myself despite it and achieve from a place of self-acceptance.

Olga Skipper on Burnout in Tech: How Founders Can Lead Better, Stay Balanced, and Build Resilient Teams

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