At just 24, Matt Lesser found himself at the helm of his family's ailing business, facing crushing debt, environmental problems, and tax issues that left him battling severe anxiety and depression. His candid recount of this period reveals not just the immense pressure of such responsibility but also the profound support that emerged from his community. This episode uncovers how resilience, empathy, and the willingness to accept help can make a world of difference during personal and professional hardships.

We then shift our focus to the silent struggle of mental health within family businesses. The weight of stigma, especially for men dealing with cultural expectations around work and success, often exacerbates feelings of failure and depression. By sharing his story, Matt sheds light on the contrasting reactions from those who have faced similar challenges and those who haven't, emphasizing the transformative power of vulnerability and the importance of seeking help.

The journey doesn't end there. We discuss the pivotal moment when Matt realized the need to distinguish his identity from his professional achievements, leading him to create a personal board of directors. This shift towards self-awareness and 'soul work' inspired Matt to launch Uniquely Normal and write "Unsatisfied: When Less Is More." We dive into the practical steps to achieving a balanced life and how flourishing leaders foster flourishing organizations. Through personal anecdotes and actionable advice, this episode offers a roadmap for small business owners to prioritize well-being and lead with purpose.

Highlight Time Stamps:

• (02:40 - 04:12) Family Business Succession and Resilience
• (05:23 - 06:35) Surviving a Deep Depression
• (08:48 - 09:20) Life Insurance Agent Saves Man
• (13:31 - 14:51) Gratitude for Sharing Mental Health Story
• (16:51 - 18:57) Sharing Stories of Mental Health Struggles
• (23:02 - 24:07) Journey of Discovering Identity
• (27:08 - 28:22) Sacrificing Everything for Success
• (31:53 - 33:15) Passion and Growth in Business
• (39:43 - 40:56) Importance of Building a Support System
• (45:02 - 45:26) Building Trust in Business Leadership

Connect with Matt Lesser:

www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-lesser

Learn more about Matt's Company, Uniquely Normal:

www.uniquelynormal.com

Pick up your copy of Matt’s books:

unEngaged: Building Flourishing Organizations

UnSatisfied: When Less Is More

Matt’s Bio: 

Matt Lesser started his career leading his family’s struggling business. It quickly failed, and Matt experienced a suicidal depression. Out of the ashes, a new business emerged and grew from three people to nearly two hundred while experiencing a twenty-fold increase in revenue, before selling to trusted competitors. Matt then served in a C-Suite role in private equity for 12 years, before serving transitional C-Suite roles in banking and commercial uniforms. 

Matt founded Uniquely Normal, LLC in 2021 to equip leaders to solve their costly people-related challenges by building flourishing organizations on the pillars of Empathy, Empowerment, and Excellence, which is the focus of Matt’s second book, unEngaged: Building Flourishing Organizations. Matt is the best-selling author of unSatisfied: When Less is More and has served as a keynote speaker as well as a facilitator of rooms packed with leaders around the world for more than twenty years now. In addition, Matt is a certified executive coach as well as certified in nearly twenty personality, preference, and leadership assessments. Matt married his elementary school sweetheart in 1996 and lives in northeast Indiana with his family.

Connect with Dr. Donna:

LinkedIn | https://www.drdonnamarino.com/

Learn more about Dr. Donna’s Executive Coaching:

• Pickup your copy of Dr. Donna’s book, Unleash the Wise Leader in You! on Amazon.
• Learn more about Leadership & Team Trainings for Family Businesses

Podcast Artist Name: Dr. Donna Marino

Show Email: [email protected]

Show Website URL: https://www.drdonnamarino.com/