Navigating the Highs and Lows: Mental Health on the Founder Journey
Explore mental health challenges and strategies for founders with leading clinicians and tech entrepreneurs.
Date and time
Location
Tampa Bay Wave
501 East Kennedy Boulevard #650 Tampa, FL 33602Agenda
5:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Arrival & Registration
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Panel Discussion with Audience Q&A
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Networking & Happy Hour
About this event
- 2 hours 30 minutes
Join us for a critical discussion at this Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship Tampa Chapter event, hosted generously by Tampa Bay Wave. We'll explore the often-overlooked personal aspects of the founder journey, particularly the mental health challenges and triumphs. With 72% of founders struggling with mental health issues - including anxiety, burnout, and severe stress about business failures, the need for effective support mechanisms is clear. Our panelists will address these challenges head-on, offering insights and strategies from esteemed licensed clinicians and accomplished tech founders dedicated to improving mental health outcomes in demanding environments.
Meet Our Speakers
Moderator: Linda Olson, Founder & CEO, Tampa Bay Wave
Linda Olson is the Founder & CEO of Tampa Bay Wave, where she has successfully raised over $12 million to support tech entrepreneurship in Tampa Bay. With a rich history in tech startups and management, Linda's extensive experience makes her the perfect guide for tonight's discussion on the founder journey in mental health. She holds an MBA from Columbia University and is actively involved in various community and professional boards.
Dr. Laura Bonnemort, Owner & Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Compass Psychological Services
As the founder of Compass Psychological Services, Dr. Laura offers boutique, evidence-based, empathetic care for professionals in Florida. She provides telehealth services throughout the US for those in PsyPact-approved states. Dr. Laura specializes in treating trauma, mood concerns, relationship conflict, identity and confidence issues. She holds Gottman Level 1 certification for couples therapy and integrates principles of Cognitive Behavioral, Interpersonal, and Psychodynamic Therapy within her therapeutic work. When she is not working with her amazing clients, Dr. Laura is the host of MindCandy, a podcast that focuses on the dynamic intersection of professional and personal issues that women face in their daily lives.
Dr. Sh’nai Simmons, Co-Founder & Executive Director, The Community Wellness Institute
Dr. Sh’nai Simmons is the co-founder and visionary leader behind The Collective Wellness Institute, offering innovative mental health services. With an academic foundation anchored by a Master's in Community Counseling and a Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University, Dr. Simmons guides high achievers in harnessing their resilience to foster transformative life changes. Her approach is solution-focused, empowering individuals to break free from detrimental cycles and embrace vibrant, fulfilling lives. Her work in mental wellness, compassion fatigue, and leadership training within human service organizations showcases a unique blend of scholarly knowledge, hands-on experience, and deep empathy.
Dr. Laura Beavin-Yates, Chief Growth Officer, Immersion Neuroscience
Dr. Laura Beavin-Yates is the Chief Growth Officer at Immersion Neuroscience, a neuromarketing SaaS startup that quantifies emotional responses through a proprietary smartwatch app. With a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology, Laura has a deep background in helping brands leverage data for growth and communication strategies. She has been instrumental in developing go-to-market strategies for consumer wellness apps rooted in neuroscience and serves on multiple advisory boards
Event Highlights
Comprehensive Insights: Learn how 37% of founders suffer from anxiety and 36% experience burnout, with many not seeking the help they need due to stigma and the pressures of maintaining a facade of success.
Expert Guidance: Hear from licensed mental health professionals and tech founders who have navigated these waters themselves and now work to support others in the tech ecosystem.
Community Support: Discover how you can build resilience and maintain well-being amidst the challenges of high-stakes entrepreneurship.
About Tampa Bay Wave
Tampa Bay Wave is a leader in supporting tech entrepreneurship in the Tampa Bay area. With a commitment to fostering innovation and business growth, Tampa Bay Wave provides startups with the resources, mentorship, and network needed to succeed. We are grateful for their support in hosting this event.
About Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE)
Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) is at the forefront of the movement to advance women in the realms of technology and entrepreneurship. With a defiant stand against traditional barriers and a commitment to breaking new ground, WTE offers a dynamic platform for education, resource access, and professional growth. Operating in multiple cities with a vibrant virtual hub, we provide a space for networking and innovation without the confines of membership fees.
Join us as we delve into mental health on the founder journey, highlight successful strategies for resilience, and foster a community of support among women tech leaders and entrepreneurs.
Frequently asked questions
Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE) champions the rise of women in tech and entrepreneurship through a distinctive, no-dues model. With local chapters and a central virtual hub, it provides a vibrant space for learning, resources, industry knowledge, and mentorship, to over 2,000 women.
WTE hosts a variety of events, including networking meetups, educational workshops, and mentorship opportunities. The events are designed to encourage knowledge sharing, connection, and growth among members.
WTE offers a range of benefits to its members, including access to a vibrant networking community, opportunities to attend educational workshops led by industry experts, and participation in monthly networking events – all free of charge.
WTE welcomes all women founders, tech workers, venture capitalists, and allies interested in supporting and accelerating women in tech and entrepreneurship. We believe in the power of diverse perspectives and aim to create an inclusive community for all.
Yes, men are welcome to join WTE. We believe in allyship and value the support and contribution of men in our quest to achieve gender equality in the tech and entrepreneurship fields.
Joining WTE is simple. Attend events regularly and actively participate in our virtual community on slack. Our membership is completely free as we aim to ensure accessibility for everyone interested in technology and entrepreneurship.
WTE is funded through a combination of corporate sponsorships, partnerships, and our founder Raechel's personal contributions. These resourceful funding efforts keep WTE dues-free for our members.
WTE is always open to forming partnerships with organizations that align with our mission. If your organization is interested in partnering with us, please reach out to us at raechel@wte.network.
Organized by
Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship is a community of high-performing, non-conforming women working in technology, start-ups, venture capital, entrepreneurship, economic development, & business support organizations. Our mission is to resource women in tech and entrepreneurship with near-peer mentorship, educational opportunities, and a support network. Connect with us for inclusive, dues-free monthly events.