Recipe for Mental Health /  by Alexander Lyadov

"A healthy self approaches life through the lenses of agency and gratitude," said psychiatrist Dr. Paul Conti in a recent ​interview​. In other words, regardless of age, status, or the complexity of circumstances, people tend to be happier with their lives when they can shape their circumstances and appreciate what they have. Agency is a powerful concept, which can also mean autonomy, independence, self-inclusion, and self-relatability. Dr. Conti emphasizes that agency and gratitude should not be seen as mere emotional states but as "verbs." You need to build your 'muscles' of empowerment and thankfulness by practicing them every day. Why?

Otherwise, a person becomes a passive victim. Life happens to him (or her), and he doesn't shape it. This powerlessness leads to resentment, jealousy, hatred, and a desire for revenge against those who seem luckier. Thus an inert person turns an objectively bad situation into an unbearable hell for everyone, including himself.. On the contrary, every inch of freedom taken from circumstance fills his life with precious meaning.

The problem with ingratitude isn't just that a person cuts off their support network with others. They deprive themselves of fortunate opportunities because they devalue everything that fate has given them. Moreover, gratitude helps shift the focus away from oneself and onto others, fostering collaborative creativity. Cicero wisely said, "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others." By the way, Dr. Conti's recipe for mental health (agency and gratitude) echoes another wise person's recipe that I ​recently shared​: to labor and to love.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

Speak Up /  by Alexander Lyadov

 

The democratization of media has handed each of us a super lever.

It doesn't require anyone's permission, and it's absolutely free.

It would seem, build your expert brand and promote your business.

But some founders hesitate to speak and write publicly.

They say, "I'm not wise, famous, or successful enough yet."

The subtext: "My publications won't be of much value to people."

I reply, "That's not for you to decide. Let Mr. Market figure it out."

The problem here is that people are excessively focused on themselves

It's a subtle form of pride when the ego demands guarantees and control.

They believe their ideas are both brilliant and insignificant at the same time.

Silence is a way to preserve the first without risking the second.

Of course, it's all a mind game; reality is quite different.

First of all, every founder already has something to say.

Entrepreneurship offers a unique perspective on people and business.

Secondly, lessons of failure are more valuable than success stories.

If there's one thing every founder has in abundance, it's that.

Thirdly, no one can predict how your words will resonate.

Your job is to sow seeds honestly, avoiding rocky soil.

If you've done everything you should, one day, there will be a harvest.

Isn't that how your business once emerged and prospered?

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
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"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

Meaningful Sacrifice /  by Alexander Lyadov

 


In a noble endeavor, you invest a lot, and your soul sings along.

But if there’s no benefit, it’s painful to lose even a few cents.

The worst is when scammers take advantage of your kindness.

Here, the meaning doesn’t just vanish; it gets a negative sign.

Hence, the sum of your expenses is not that important.

What truly matters is the answer to the question: “For what purpose?”

Friends, family, and authorities won’t help you here.

Why? Because meaning is inherently personal.

Remember this if you’re unsure about parting with something of value.

That something could be your effort, time, money, or assumptions.

The sacrifice must be worth it, your doubts suggest.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

P.S. What do you not regret, even though you paid a high price for it?

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
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"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

Solidifying Transformation /  by Alexander Lyadov

"Thank you. You're absolutely right. Your reports are like fine brandy. A year or two down the road, they only get more valuable," a client replied to my analytical report. It's heartening to hear that because I've poured a lot of effort into it. If a transformation session lasts a day, writing the report takes up to two, or even three days.

You'd think the main action happens when we work on the client's request together. During the session, we jot down insights on the whiteboard and in notebooks, capture successful graphs and diagrams in photos. As the name suggests, a transformation occurs during the session with the client. At the very least, we manage to loosen his (or her) familiar worldview. That's when the seeds of new ideas find fertile ground. Ideally, the founder starts seeing himself and his business in an entirely different light. Even if he attempts to go back to their old ways, he can't unsee this new perspective. It's like briefly turning on the light in a dark room – now sooner or later, you'll find your way out.

However, the more significant the transformation, the harder it is to grasp what exactly has happened to you. You need to build a conceptual bridge between your old and new states. That's why, for instance, we want to rewatch videos of remarkable events over and over again. And I revisit notes from books that blew my mind every year. Each time, the resolution improves, much like loading a large image file on a computer.

The process resembles analog photography, where, after developing the photographic materials, you need a fixing solution. Otherwise, under visible light after a while, the image turns entirely black. In business therapy, the report plays the role of the fixer. It describes how and why you've transformed from state A to state B, and whaе held you back. So, it doesn't surprise me when clients say, "You know, I read your report from last year, and suddenly I realized that...". The seed planted long ago not only grew into a tree but continues to bear fruit.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

Empathy's Paradox /  by Alexander Lyadov

To empathetic folks, talking about safeguarding their boundaries can be tough.

When they say "No," it's as if they're castrating another person.

Their caring hearts naturally want to embrace, understand, and warm everyone.

The issue is that there's just one heart, and millions crave its warmth.

Without sensing their own limits, empaths burn out, slowly but surely.

But this isn't the end of the story.

Inevitably, resentment simmers in their hearts due to injustice.

All this time, he (or she) secretly hoped someone would notice his pain.

Unfortunately, no one cried out, "You're ruining him. Leave him in peace!"

So gradually, the kind heart transforms into something quite bitter.

This bewilders him because he never saw himself as mean.

The misconception lies in believing in pure goodness without a hint of evil.

In the Yin and Yang symbol, they'd paint all the black completely white.

But without contrast, white blends into the background and loses its meaning.

Without maintained boundaries, one's identity dissolves like a jellyfish in the sun.

The paradox is that a drop of evil allows good to exist.

For instance, a fierce guard dog successfully protects the sheep from wolves.

Distrust and aggression towards enemies, but obedience to the owner.

Without the shepherd dog, the owner's kind heart becomes a delicacy

So what happens when there's a strong boundary defender within?

Love for deserving people becomes more genuine and profound.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

Maturity Over Metrics /  by Alexander Lyadov

When I meet a client, one thing matters most to me.

It's not the size of the business.

Not the industry.

Not the growth potential.

Not the fame of the founder.

And not his (or her) willingness to pay for my work.

The main thing is the maturity of his request on a scale from 1 to 10.

From 1 to 5 – it's a waste of time, nerves, and energy for both of us.

You can pick an unripe green fruit from the tree, but why bother?

A request from 6 to 8 must be kindled like a fire in a damp forest.

Real work only happens with a request from 9 to 10.

The client turned to me because he has nowhere else to go.

He's been wrestling with a stubborn problem for so long that he eventually merged with it.

The paradox is that feeling at the bottom, he is just a step away from the heavens.

We don't care about conventions because we're concerned with function, not form.

We are so in sync that the efficiency of our work approaches 100%.

In that moment, everything is at its peak: trust, value, and meaning.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

Founder's Transformation /  by Alexander Lyadov

Business is always a reflection of its founder. It's not for nothing that the word "Corporate" comes from the Latin "Corpus," which means the human body. To improve his (or her) business, the founder must literally or symbolically transform. In the first case, a change of ownership occurs. In the second case, the person changes from within.

False beliefs that hinder growth must disappear. But why are they so hard to notice, let alone uproot? Once upon a time, these very beliefs helped a person survive and become successful. But, since then, everything around him – the world, the market, society – has changed.

Like the symbol of chaos, the Ouroboros, a person holds onto himself. It seems like he should let go and be free. Unfortunately, parting with cherished beliefs is often seen as a collapse of one's worldview or a loss of self.

Something extraordinary must happen to break this vicious cycle. For instance, the shadow of bankruptcy looms. The anchor client sails away. Top managers stage a revolt. A trusted business partner betrays. Under the weight of prolonged internal tension, the founder himself burns out.

An alternative is to begin your inner work when you first sense boredom or anxiety, when peculiar challenges surface, and when business growth begins to falter. If you feel that something isn't right, chances are it isn't. Your aim is to grasp control from the hands of destiny, ensuring you're not a passive victim of circumstances but a proactive agent of change.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

Uncomfortable Truth /  by Alexander Lyadov

Thinking, speaking, writing, and simply living honestly can be incredibly challenging. The consequences can be unpredictably immense. When you point out the falsehood of something, you expose the vulnerability of those who haven't acknowledged it yet. Out of fear, they may attempt to silence you, strip you of resources, or even destroy you. It might seem like you're just describing reality, but how can they go on living when their microcosm is 90% built on lies? They might not survive the fire of truth. If something significant is at stake, sure. But it's hardly the case every single time.

Furthermore, you can also fall into the trap of self-deception. How much suffering has been caused throughout history by those convinced of their righteousness? Feeling like the bearer of truth is extraordinarily satisfying. It's a guaranteed way to give meaning to your existence, looking down on lost souls who need awakening. So, justifying some violence against the "unbelievers" is easy, all in the name of their well-being, of course. Sacrificing for it is a small price to pay (by them, not you).

How can you avoid getting lost in the games of the mind and ego? I see no other way than working on yourself. Truth isn't some virtuous absolute idea; it's the intention to seek and find it in every moment. Yes, this path is tougher because it's filled with uncertainty and doubt. Mistakes are inevitable too. But being honest with yourself will help you apologize and correct your course in time, avoiding catastrophes. The question is, why would you be able to burn the lies into yourself, given how uncomfortable it is? Someone must love you unconditionally first. And then teach you to accept yourself as you are.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

Foundation of Life /  by Alexander Lyadov

We choose different types of coffee brewing to wake ourselves up in the morning. In the evening we take pills to calm our racing thoughts and fall asleep. A massage chair is a must to loosen up our stiff muscles after a day's work. Without a knee brace, we can't walk. Various supplements help us focus, relax, or boost our creative process. Another superfood promises to quickly flush out "toxins" and shed extra weight. And if something in our bodies bothers us, therapists or surgeons are always at our service.

In other words, we invest significant resources to ensure the functionality of our bodies, mental health, and clarity of mind. However, all of this is not obligatory because it's secondary. There are a few things that fundamentally impact our lives. Granted, it will require revising our habits, which for many is more challenging than going under the knife.

According to Andrew Huberman, professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford University, there are ​five pillars​ of mental and physical health:

  1. Sleep (quality, timing, and duration).

  2. Sunlight (2-10 minutes of watching sunrise and sunset).

  3. Movement (cardio, mobility, and resistance training).

  4. Nutrition (content, quality, amount).

  5. Social connection (including with oneself).

It's interesting how this aligns with the perspective of 102-year-old practicing physician Gladys McGarey. She believes in ​three essentials​: love, movement, and a sense of purpose.

Recently, a kind and wise individual described to me the essence of a fulfilling life in just two words: labor and love.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

More Than Words /  by Alexander Lyadov

"I enjoy your texts as much as your images. Where do you find them all the time?" a reader asked me. "You really need to share the secret of where you find these pics," another one wrote. Hearing this warms my heart because the illustrations I discover for articles often exhilarate me too. But there's this nagging thought that no one else cares about this except me. Turns out, that's not true; readers do notice and appreciate it, they just don't often share their thoughts.

An author always strives to convey more than mere words can. That's because the implied meaning goes beyond any form. Engraving, drawing, or a photograph help reveal another facet of meaning. If it were up to me, I'd also incorporate sound, touch, and scent into each post. A talented musician can play a complex piece on a single violin. But imagine the difference when a symphony orchestra joins in.

Moreover, some words lose their impact due to frequent use, and their meaning gets altered by personal history or societal context. Art communicates directly with a viewer's soul, bypassing the biases of the mind. If your goal is to be understood in your attempt to see things as they are, you can't do without the language of diverse symbols, images, and metaphors.

As for the question of where and how I find these visual treasures, I'll gladly reveal my secrets in new articles. Just reach out to me about why it matters to you and sparks your interest.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

Beyond Body /  by Alexander Lyadov

In today's world, there's a true obsession with the body. It's either a fixation on a specific physical aspect, like Instagram influencers' 6-packs or butts. Or a person's "body" extends to business, Ferrari, personal brand, and written books. The body must stay young, firm, and healthy, in other words, everlasting. The slightest signs of wilting must be eradicated at any cost. That's why there are multi-billion-dollar industries whose goal is to whiten, pump, or tighten.

Yet, body positivity isn't any better, as it's also fixated on the body, demanding it be endlessly indulged and then accepted no matter what. Some individuals completely reject their bodies. Like Sheldon Cooper, they focus solely on polishing their brilliant minds. In the pursuit of personal growth, more and more people are drawn to psychology, meditation, yoga, and so on. The one thing that's hardly ever heard of today is the soul.

I heard about a nun who turned 114. She could barely see and it was almost impossible to have a conversation with her. All day long, she sat motionless in a chair, her fingers working the beads of a rosary as she prayed. And that was it. It seemed like the nun's body had withered away, and her personality had dissolved. However, anyone who sat beside her suddenly felt deep serenity, quiet joy, and an inexplicable calmness. You can explain this phenomenon in various ways. One thing is certain - the life of the soul flourished within the nun. Have you ever met such people?

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

Enduring the Unendurable /  by Alexander Lyadov

"What really makes the submission holds work in practice is pressure over time that breaks down an opponents mental will to resist and physical ability to resist through fatigue." This advice from Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion coach John Danaher applies directly to you, even if you're miles away from the dojo.

You can endure extra load, discomfort, or pain for a short while. You just need to muster all your determination. The countdown of hours or nearing the finish line motivates us: "Push a little harder. Just a bit left. Then you can rest." It's a different story when the weight bears down on your shoulders or on your mind constantly, and there's no end in sight to this torment. The mind panics: "What if this is forever?" After all, if you multiply even moderate discomfort by infinity, it becomes unbearable.

Luckily, jiu-jitsu not only poses challenges but also provides answers. First, in a grappling match without time limits, it's crucial to find the right pace. You can gauge this by your breath - as long as it's steady, not erratic, you're doing fine. Second, you should seize every opportunity to regain strength, posture, and balance. Third, it's useful to remember that nothing is eternal, and the only constant is change. Sooner or later, any power will shift direction or exhaust itself. Your task is simply to keep the right to take part in this game. Fourth, if the pressure comes from an objective force, it's likely your opponent or competitor is just as tired as you. Maybe in a minute, their patience will snap, and they'll surrender. Fifth, even if the opponent is strong, with each passing hour, your "unusual" resistance demoralizes them more and more. They realize that if you can endure almost anything, then you have a more significant reason why. So, you're ready to go all the way to the very end.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

Entrepreneur and Analyst /  by Alexander Lyadov

I don't see myself as a true entrepreneur. Especially when I think of the business founders I've worked alongside or assisted as a business therapist. Yes, I've been involved in co-founding several companies in the past. This experience has simply helped me understand the core of entrepreneurship. The distinction between us lies in where we find meaning.

Of course, every entrepreneur dreams, reflects, and plans. But ultimately, it's their actions that transform the world. Like a blacksmith shaping heated iron with a hammer's strike, giving it the desired form. In other words, even the most brilliant idea falls short. Action is needed to bring its "Wow" potential to life. It's distressing for a founder when a unique market opportunity goes to waste, lying untouched. Yet, it's a different scenario when, in the quiet of the night, they realize they've done everything for the business's growth. Then, a personal purpose fills their soul with profound satisfaction.

As for me, I'm inherently an analyst. I search for complex problems rooted in seemingly unsolvable conflicts. The process of hunting captivates me most—the pursuit, the chase, and hitting the mark. I hardly worry about how succulent a chef could make the steaks from the game or which wall will display the impressive antlers. Put simply, my goal is insight, illuminating the darkness of chaos with the light of order. The ultimate delight is when a puzzling conflict unravels with just a touch. However, I can't compel myself to integrate insights into business to earn $XX million in Y years. My mind instantly sets free the hounds of curiosity to track new problems.

Each of us creates value uniquely. Yet, it's because of our distinct differences that a fruitful alliance develops between me and entrepreneurs.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

Justice or Truth /  by Alexander Lyadov

Everything can change dramatically in the last moment. In the photo, the world champion in the 400m relay is outpacing her competitor. Yet, a few meters before the finish line, she stumbles and falls, dropping the relay baton, and thus letting go of the gold medal from her hands. Frustrating? Definitely. Cruel? Yes. Unfair? No. Instead of a word starting with "j," it's more fitting to use a word starting with "t." Truth is what objectively exists, regardless of our desires.

People craving justice sets themselves up for suffering. Reality will find a way to deeply disappoint them. Their perfect plan will be crushed, their contribution unappreciated, and the result of their hard work turned to dust. This is when envy, hatred, and resentment for the supposedly unjust world arise in the heart. In a biblical sense, this is the story of Cain. Here, there's just one step to violence.

An entrepreneur relies on truth, not fairness. This is significantly more challenging because the hidden pleasure of shedding responsibility for failures disappears. Fortunately, in exchange, there's the opportunity to understand the force that attempts to destroy your business. And that means not only finding ways to protect it in the future, but also turning every poison into medicine and nectar.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

Authentic Connection /  by Alexander Lyadov

Having a weekly group therapy session has been one of the best decisions I made 4.5 years ago. Throughout this time, I've only missed or been late to it once or twice, so you can tell how important it is to me. Based on what the other participants confess, they also eagerly await our meeting. Now, you might ask: 'What can you talk about for two hours straight? What's the benefit in that?'

In regular social interactions, people usually want something from each other. It's not always a direct manipulation or a desire to sell something. They might not even realize it when they use you as a prop in the drama of their theater. In our group, participants come together to work on themselves. This is why all the usual tricks are immediately recognized and put under analysis. This creates a chance, without my distortions, to truly understand what the speaker meant. In other words, I'm finally encountering a real person, not an imagined one.

The shared pursuit of truth creates an environment that encourages experimentation. You can reveal your vulnerabilities a bit or ask a 'too direct' question. And, miraculously, this doesn't break either you or the conversation partner. This is how the staircase of trust is built, leading upwards. We move from everyday discourse to scientific, philosophical, and even religious discussions. There, on the floor of symbols and ideas, it's so much easier to be yourself because you left all the unnecessary baggage on the steps below. But the essence lies elsewhere. As we free ourselves from lies, it becomes easier to feel love for other people and for yourself. This unfamiliar state is something you want to return to again and again. If it were up to me, I'd turn these 2 hours per week into 112, or even 168.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

What You Can Be /  by Alexander Lyadov

Today, I did 1,000 squats in 15 minutes. That's 4 minutes less than the "​healthy person's norm​" that shocked me seven weeks ago from the rehab specialist at FC "Dynamo." Back then, after my knee surgery, I could barely manage to do 200 squats. He also challenged me to do wall sits for 15 minutes, but I could only handle a couple of minutes. The day before yesterday, I even surpassed that challenge.

Seeing such progress, the rehab specialist significantly upped my workout intensity. Today, I didn't just leave the gym, I crawled out. Some might see this as tough treatment, but I'm thankful to him. He's restored countless joints and ligaments for professional athletes. That's why he knows better than me what workload I can handle and what I can't. His new challenge to me isn't cruelty; on the contrary, it's a sign of trust. He sees my potential – not who I am, but who I can become.

It makes you wonder, isn't it somewhat similar in business? Like when the market takes a sharp turn and your company is heading downhill. Or when a long-time business partner files a criminal case against you, trying to snatch your common business. It seems like your familiar world suddenly, entirely, and unfairly shatters into pieces. It's easy to feel like a victim, cornered. But what if fate is actually showing respect for your character and trust that you can overcome this trial too? You might not know your potential, but fate sees through you.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

Danger of Inward Fixation /  by Alexander Lyadov

When we forget about ourselves, we become better. Back in my motorcycle days, the relationship between safety and speed was linked to the number of thoughts in my head. The more I dwelled on personal issues, the more I veered off the optimal path or lost control of the wheels. Similarly, in a jiu-jitsu match, even the slightest distraction from the action increases the risk of being caught in a submission hold. In business, I offer clients the most benefit when I'm formally present during a session, but essentially absent. The client's question engulfs my attention completely. I transform into an efficient tool.

Likewise, entrepreneurs often suffer from problems caused by none other than themselves. Their focus is excessively directed inward, within the company. If we view a business as a reflection of the founder's personality, it's safe to say they are fixated on themselves. Arguments with partners, status meetings, micromanagement, hyper-control, and so forth. All this seems crucial and devours the founders' energy resources. Ultimately, they begin seeking relief on the side.

Liberation from these problems is paradoxical. For a company to heal and grow, it's necessary to think about it less. Priority number one should be understanding customer problems. Not in slogans, but in concrete actions. Transformation shouldn't start with team training, but with changing the founder's behavior. As founders delve into customer struggles, their own business issues untangle.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

Look For Patterns /  by Alexander Lyadov

For many years, I've been my own boss. So the line between work and leisure has become arbitrary. I can grind through weekends when a client urgently needs help. Or I can take a few days off when my creative tank is running on empty. Still, when Friday evening rolls around, my spirits take flight. Why, you ask? Kindergarten, school, university, and employment etched a certain neural pathway in my mind. By inertia, my body and mind think that for five days I'm not my own person, but come the weekend, I'm free as the wind.

A similar pattern emerges as September approaches. Suddenly, businessmen remember their ambitious goals or get spooked by disputes that have been brewing since spring. Everyone gets filled with the energy to buy, market, or sell something—be it a grain contract, options, or their own brand. The cycle of autumnal activity is unstoppable. It's like a circadian rhythm, powerfully regulating biological processes.

Remembering patterns is crucial—not to fight or suffer from them, but to leverage their power. A potent pattern only disappoints if it catches you off guard. Yet, if you've frequently witnessed Pattern X in the past, its might is at your disposal. Essentially, the only thing standing in your way in business is high risk, meaning the uncertainty of outcomes. Familiarity with any patterns, especially social and individual ones, reduces entrepreneurial risk. What once threatened to destroy you transforms into your provider, friend, and protector.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

Decoding Serial Entrepreneurship /  by Alexander Lyadov

 

I thought I was swimming fast. Suddenly, with my peripheral vision, I noticed someone passing me on the left. A skinny fifteen-year-old kid was moving in the water like a seal. I had to kick into turbo mode to still finish first. Although over a long distance, this swimmer would have beaten me. All else being equal, strength, endurance, and experience give the upper hand. But when a person dives into a different environment, all their advantages melt away.

Similarly, a powerlifter might bench press 440 pounds, but on the tatami, he might lose to a nerd who has earned his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. American rock climber Alex Honnold, famous for his solo ascents of Big Walls, showed a modest result on the grip strength dynamometer. Yet, besides Alex, no one in the world can ascend solo (!) without safety ropes (!!) on El Capitan rock. The thing is, expertise is usually specific to a narrow domain and doesn't transfer well to another.

In this sense, serial entrepreneurship intrigues me as a phenomenon. A person creates a series of successful companies in unrelated industries. Clearly, it's not about knowing the nuances, accumulated experience, or having connections. I believe serial entrepreneurs don't just build a business each time, but extract a meta-pattern. It's a kind of business equivalent of biblical knowledge of good and evil, the ability to distinguish the essential from the secondary, function from form.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.

Truth and Lies /  by Alexander Lyadov

Being closer to the truth is really tough. The difficulty is, for example, the need to engage in argument or conflict more often, as many relationships are woven with threads of lies. There is also the concern of accidentally scratching or bruising someone, as one can deeply err even in their 'rightness.' But even if there is no miss, not everyone can bear the weight of truth. It is also interesting how speech changes. Sincerity compels one to choose words slowly and with significant effort. Meanwhile, clichés and formalities effortlessly flow.

Yet, apart from these and other inconveniences, proximity to the truth holds its benefits. Primarily, there is a kind of fundamental stability, as if you are emerging onto the shore of an island from tumultuous waves. Yes, while the bonfire of truth incinerates heaps of lies, you might sweat and perhaps incur burns. But afterward, your feet stand on solid ground, revealing boundless horizons. For a time there is equanimity, tranquillity, and clarity in your soul.

From this state, making decisions and taking action becomes surprisingly easy. It is like a tightrope walker in the fog; your priority is simple - step forward while maintaining your balance. Concerns about the uncertain future wane. After all, the desired destination is undeniably there when the rope is anchored on the other side.

Sincerely yours,

-Alexander

You can help Ukraine defend itself and the World from Russian aggression here.

”Who are you and what do you do?"
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.

"I have an important business decision to make. Can you help me?
Reserve a time on my calendar that is convenient for you to meet with me. We'll clarify your request and discuss options for how you can help.