Founder Mental Health

About this event

Join us for a workshop focused on the mental health of founders. Let’s be honest; entrepreneurship is hard. It’s hard to disconnect. It’s hard to feel alone. It’s hard when you’re on a constant roller coaster.

In this session, we’ll explore practical strategies for managing stress, overcoming burnout, and fostering resilience in the face of challenges. Led by an experienced mental health professional, wellness and leadership speaker and coach and seasoned entrepreneurs, this workshop offers a safe space to discuss common struggles, share coping mechanisms, and build a supportive community. Whether you’re a startup founder, small business owner, or aspiring entrepreneur, prioritize your mental health and join us for an empowering session of self-care and growth.

May 16th, 9 – 11am
@ NEXT Innovation Center

Meet our moderators:

Jennifer Watson, Executive Coach & Speaker
Owner of Jennifer Watson Leadership and Watson Wellness, Jennifer is a speaker, agent of change, vitality and high-performance leadership coach, and integrative practitioner dedicated to guiding ambitious and conscious leaders towards true wellness and expanded leadership. With over 20 years of experience as an integrative physical therapist, Jennifer’s journey in health led her to question conventional approaches to chronic health problems. Despite her achievements as an All-American track runner and successful business owner, Jennifer faced severe depression, realizing that “over-achieving” served as a temporary bandage for deeper struggles. Confronting her fear of sharing her story and the fear of imperfection became pivotal in her healing journey, leading her to integrate mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical wellness into her approach. Jennifer is committed to empowering individuals to break free from old narratives, embrace their potential, and create the life and legacy they desire through her unique programs and services.

Elizabeth Willingham, Co-Founder, Gift Counseling Center for Wellness
Elizabeth brings over 25 years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPCS), Energy Medicine Practitioner (HTCP), and Integrative Health Coach (IHC) specializing in stress reduction and trauma across various age groups and settings. With a background in child development, attachment, parenting, play therapy, grief and loss, and trauma, Elizabeth’s holistic approach integrates neuroscience, quantum physics, energy medicine, mindfulness, and embodied contemplative practice. Her relational and compassionate style fosters a safe space for clients to explore their strengths, navigate stressors, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Utilizing evidence-based practices such as Mind-Body-Medicine, Play Therapy/Expressive Arts, EMDR, EFT, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Elizabeth also incorporates complementary approaches like Healing Touch, Dancing Mindfulness, trauma-informed yoga, and Reiki to promote healing and self-care.

Pierce Wylie, Co-Founder of Rebel Rabbit
Before helping launch Rebel Rabbit and Upstate Beverage Consultants, Pierce spent 8 years with Crossroads Treatment Centers, where he saw the effects of substance abuse. This experience has fed into his passion for rebelling against alcohol culture. Rebel Rabbit’s line of beverages, which the company calls “high seltzers,” contain hemp-derived Delta-9 THC. The beverages are alcohol-free, but provide a similar feeling of relaxation and enjoyment without the dehydrating effects or next-day hangover of alcohol. Founded in Greenville, South Carolina, Rebel Rabbit has remained steadfast in their passion for providing consumers with choices that lead to healthier living, harm reduction, and improved mental health.

NextGEN takes a measured and focused approach to fostering high-growth entrepreneurship in the Upstate. Our clients are scalable ventures that are past the earliest stages of their journey and beginning to enter their growth phase, for which we want to provide a network of fellow founders to maximize impact and shared learning opportunities.