Permission with Dr. Sherry Walling

Do you ever feel like you’re at war with yourself?

One part of you wants to hustle, scale, dominate the market.
Another part wants to sell the business, move to the woods, and sleep 10 hours a night.
And then there’s the voice panicking about churn, cash flow, and that very unhappy customer email you can’t stop thinking about.

You're not broken. You're not alone. You're just... human.

In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Sherry Walling introduces a powerful framework you probably haven’t tried: Internal Family Systems (IFS).

This psychological model helps founders better understand their competing inner voices—and make smarter, more aligned decisions.

Inside this episode: – Why some parts of you want to grow your business—and others want to burn it all down
– The real reason ignoring your “inner child” can lead to burnout
– How to recognize fear-based decision-making before it wrecks your strategy
– A practical exercise to map your Internal Founder System

#FounderLife #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealth #LeadershipDevelopment #InternalFamilySystems #IFS #BusinessGrowth #DecisionMaking #StartupMindset #EmotionalIntelligence

Entrepreneurship is lonely—but it doesn’t have to be.

In this video, Dr. Sherry Walling dives into one of the most overlooked challenges in the entrepreneurial journey: finding your people.

Starting, growing, and even exiting a business can be incredibly isolating. That loneliness can quietly erode both your mental health and your ability to lead. In this episode, you'll learn:

Whether you’re craving deeper connections, wondering why your friendships feel thin, or simply looking to feel less alone in your work—this one’s for you.

Learn more about Sherry’s upcoming Touching Two Worlds: Familia circus show—an original performance about the power of relationships: www.touchingtwoworlds.com/upcoming-shows

Check Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation 2023 report here

Is Traditional Therapy Failing Entrepreneurs?

Therapy is an invaluable tool—but is it always the best fit for high performers, founders, and creatives? In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling shares her honest critique of traditional psychotherapy, highlighting five key concerns:

The Pathology Trap – Why therapy often focuses on diagnosing problems instead of amplifying strengths.
It Takes Too Long – Why conventional therapy can be slow-moving and how alternative approaches, like psychedelics, may be more effective for rapid breakthroughs.
Hyper-Focus on Hurt – How therapy can make people more sensitive to pain without equipping them to move forward.
The Risk of Self-Absorption – When therapy over-validates personal experiences without placing them in a larger context of relationships and responsibilities.
The Blank Slate Issue – Why it’s hard to trust guidance from someone who hasn’t been there—and what to look for in a mentor or therapist.

Therapy is an incredibly valuable resource, and working with a skilled therapist is highly recommended. In this episode, you’ll learn how to make sure you’re getting the most out of your time and financial investment.

If you’ve ever wondered whether therapy is truly helping you grow—or just keeping you stuck—this episode is for you.

Need support from a team that understands the unique mental health challenges of entrepreneurs? Reach out to us at zenfounder.com/contact

#Entrepreneurship #MentalHealth #Therapy #PersonalGrowth #FounderLife

Entrepreneurs thrive on independence, resilience, and figuring things out on their own. But when it comes to launching a book, a product, or a business—going solo can actually hold you back.

Asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a growth strategy.

In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling breaks down why founders struggle to ask for help, how to do it effectively, and why the success of your work depends on it.

You’ve built something incredible. But when it’s time to sell, are you unknowingly making your exit harder than it needs to be?

Most founders focus on the financial side of an exit—negotiating terms, securing the best deal, maximizing their payout. But what about the psychological side? If you’re not prepared, selling your business can feel like losing a piece of yourself—leading to bad deals, self-sabotage, and regret.

In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling, clinical psychologist and entrepreneur, breaks down seven factor that shape how you feel about an exit, including some common self-sabotage situations and how to avoid them.

You’ll learn:
The identity trap: why over-identifying with your business makes letting go so painful
The hidden rebel: how your own psychology could push you to blow up a good deal
Why money mindset matters—and how it shapes your exit experience
The #1 mistake that makes founders rush into the next thing too soon
How to exit with clarity, confidence, and zero regrets

Selling your business isn’t just a financial transaction—it’s a psychological transformation. Make sure you’re ready.

Get the full playbook in Exit Strategy: The Psychology of When, Why & How to Leave Your Business Without Regret.
Grab your copy here: www.exitstrategybook.com

#ExitStrategy #Entrepreneurship #SellingYourBusiness #FounderLife #Scaling #BusinessExit #StartupLife

Dr. Sherry Walling has spent years balancing life as a psychologist, entrepreneur, and parent. She’s married to a tech founder, has been immersed in the startup world for decades, and has raised two kids who’ve never known a traditional 9-to-5 household.

In this episode, she shares what she’s learned about raising resilient, adaptable kids in an entrepreneurial home—the good, the hard, and the unexpected.

She talks about:
How kids absorb resilience by watching their parents handle risk and uncertainty
Why getting kids involved in the business builds confidence and independence
The role of financial literacy in raising self-reliant kids
How to instill a growth mindset that helps them tackle challenges head-on

Growing up in an entrepreneurial household can be a gift—not something kids have to navigate. When done well, it helps them think creatively, solve problems, and develop confidence in themselves.

Watch now to hear her insights, stories, and practical tips for raising kids in an entrepreneurial world. And don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations on business, mental health, and family life!

In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling dives into how physically demanding hobbies can revolutionize the way you approach your business and life. Whether it’s aerial arts, rock climbing, kite surfing, or long-distance running, these activities offer more than just physical benefits—they reshape your mindset.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
How embodied learning fosters better intuitive decision-making.
Why rapid feedback cycles in hobbies teach resilience and adaptability.
How to use physical challenges to master stress regulation.

From building confidence to navigating setbacks, physically demanding hobbies can profoundly influence your entrepreneurial journey, giving you tools to stay sharp, resilient, and energized.

Looking to add some physical play to your life?

Join us on May 23rd and 24th, 2025, for the Touching Two Worlds Circus Show—an awe-inspiring performance you won't forget.

And don’t miss the Circus Day Adventure on May 25th!
Experience the thrill of flying trapeze, acrobatics, and even circus horse riding. Learn more and sign up at touchingtwoworlds.com

Are you stuck in the gap between where you are and where you want to be?
You sense the next chapter of your life, business, or relationships calling to you—but the path forward feels unclear.

Fear of disruption, lack of mastery, and the weight of commitments often hold us back from stepping into our fullest selves.

In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling shares how to navigate the space between where you are and where you want to be. She challenges you to move past fear and embrace a life of bold, embodied aliveness.

Learn how fear keeps us small—and what you can do about it.
Discover why the "perfect time" for change doesn’t exist—and how strategy and courage can bridge the gap.
Find out how to balance soul-level growth while honoring your commitments.

This episode is a must-watch if you're ready to stop holding back and step fully into who you’re meant to be.

Listen now and learn how to bridge the possibility gap.

The Poem read by Dr. Walling is "If You're Alive, Then Act Alive" by L.E. Bowman (@l.e.bowman.poetry)

#PersonalGrowth #EmbraceChange #OvercomingFear #LiveFullOut #Entrepreneurship #SelfLeadership #MindsetShift

Do you ever feel like your work is pulling you away from your family?

For entrepreneurs and high performers, busy seasons are inevitable—whether you’re scaling a business, traveling for work, or navigating a major life transition. But maintaining deep, meaningful connections with your family doesn’t have to fall by the wayside.

In this episode, I share insights into:

The power of micro-moments
How shared rituals and hobbies can create lasting memories
Strategies for involving your family in your entrepreneurial vision—and why it matters.
Practical tools like shared calendars and outsourcing to make room for quality time.

Learn how to stay present and intentional with the people who matter most, even in the busiest of seasons. If you’ve ever felt the tension between your personal and professional lives, this episode will inspire you to build a bridge between them.

#EntrepreneurLife #FamilyFirst #WorkLifeBalance #ParentingTips #Entrepreneurship #MindfulLiving

What does it mean to be "selfish"? For many, the word carries a negative connotation—one of neglecting others for personal gain. But what if being "selfish" was seen as a necessary part of self-care, self-development, and living a deeply fulfilling life?

In this episode, Dr. Sherry Walling, clinical psychologist and mental health advocate for entrepreneurs and high performers, explores the complex relationship we have with selfishness. 

She dives into:
How self-care, boundaries, and joy can fuel meaningful service to others.
The sacred responsibility we all have to craft and care for our “selves.”
Why prioritizing your own needs doesn’t diminish others—it creates abundance.

Learn why self-care is not just a personal luxury but a foundational act of love for those around you. If you’re ready to rethink what it means to be “selfish” and craft a life of intentionality and joy, this episode is for you.

Explore More:
Subscribe to Dr. Sherry’s newsletter at zenfounder.com for additional resources, programs, and updates.

#SelfCare #MentalHealth #EntrepreneurWellness #HighPerformers #Boundaries #JoyfulLiving #PersonalGrowth #Psychology