How does self-doubt affect your ability to lead, and what role does your team play in lifting you through it? In this honest and raw episode, Angel and Andy McMullen reflect on the emotional ups and downs of raising capital, the importance of transparency in leadership, and the mental health challenges that many entrepreneurs silently face. The conversation covers how supportive teammates can shift momentum, why honesty about burnout and setbacks is critical, and what it really takes to keep going when success doesn’t feel like success. This is a conversation about identity, self-worth, and finding strength in community—far from the highlight reels on social media.

 

 

[00:01 - 06:44] The Power of a Confident Team

• How the presence of a strong team member can change the tone of capital raising
• Why confidence in your pitch is heard more than the pitch itself
• The significance of turning competition into motivation and momentum

 

[06:45 - 12:53] When Roles Shift and Reality Hits

• The need to recognize when you’re not in the right role—and why that’s not failure
• How reframing responsibilities can restore purpose and performance
• The importance of self-reflection during stressful periods

 

[12:54 - 18:29] Leading With Transparency

• Why the need to appear “strong” can hold teams back
• The importance of believing that asking for help is a sign of leadership, not weakness
• What the team must believe about each other for the organization to work well

 

[18:30 - 24:14] Mental Health and the Myth of the Finish Line

• The significance of acknowledging burnout and depressive cycles in entrepreneurship
• Why hitting goals often doesn’t bring the fulfillment people expect
• How leaders can build space to celebrate and rest consciously

 

[24:15 - 31:51] Embracing Authenticity and Letting Teams Evolve

• What happens when leaders decide to stop hiding their personal truths
• The need for transparency when team goals start to diverge
• Why letting team members grow elsewhere can still be a win for everyone

 

 

 

Connect with Andy:

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymcmullen/

 

 

 

Key Quotes:

 

“Asking for help makes you strong.” – Angel Williams

 

“You’re delusional until it works… and then you’re a visionary.” – Andy McMull

 

 

 

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