Female founders “in toxic relationships” with their businesses
Why women entrepreneurs need to stop doing it all to have a real chance at scale. For many women, their relationship with their business has quietly turned unhealthy. The startup they love so much is harming their mental, emotional and even physical wellbeing, but they feel trapped caring 24/7 for the thing they have created. [...]
At SCALE London 2026, a panel discussion took place titled "Healthy Hustle," featuring female business leaders. The panelists shared insight into the often toxic relationship female entrepreneurs can have with their businesses. The founder of Jessamy Care Group, Pauline Vuyelwa Muswere-Enagbonma, argued that many women find themselves in unhealthy relationships with their companies, harming their well-being.
Ambition is not the limiting factor when it comes to scaling a business, but rather a founder's inability to let go. The key to growth is building a team that can handle the demands of the business, rather than solely relying on the founder. Pauline emphasized that being a CEO does not always mean being hands-on in every decision.
She shared her own experience of having a visual impairment and epilepsy, and how she had to prioritize letting go to ensure the business remained stable even when she could not be present. Julia Spencer, Accelerator Community Manager for Universities at NatWest, shared that women's caring instincts can often lead to them taking on the full burden of responsibility, both in their businesses and at home.
Julia suggested that founders should question whether their business is simply becoming more demanding or is truly growing. Pauline advised founders to consider the potential of their business, not just as a hobby, but as an asset of value that can outlive them.
Written by urgent.news from City AM's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
