Eagle's Vision /  by Alexander Lyadov

A true entrepreneur has what I call the eagle's vision.

It's the ability to soar above the bustling currents of your life.

I'm talking about freeing yourself from your current beliefs. Thank them, for they aided in survival and achieving all that he (or she) has now. But at the same time, some of these beliefs hinder the founder from leveling up in the business game. This sets up an internal conflict. You must part ways with what you cannot let go of. Some people remain in this struggle for years. This state infects the company. As a result, it neither crumbles nor grows. It's stagnation, like still water, if we translate from Latin, "stagnum."

The solution is to take a quantum leap, not in the physical world, but within your own mind first. In other words, imagine your microcosm with no current restrictions at all. It sounds simple, but in my observation, very few can execute this "dead loop" on their own. Beliefs keep a person tied to the mundane earth like a kite to a nylon string.

That's why one of my goals in business therapy is to help founders swiftly spread their wings and reach the heights they've long desired. Even though it's just a mental exercise, when founders return to the ground, they've transformed. Now, they have an answer to the question: 'What for?' New ideas flow naturally, and their desire to bring them to life grows stronger.

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.

The Impulse To Live And Create /  by Alexander Lyadov

I regularly meet founders who are puzzled by a strange problem. Their businesses are stable, their health and family life are in order, but something essential is missing. They even feel awkward describing their issue because, because it seems that it is a sin to complain.

These entrepreneurs change hobbies, dabble in the stock market, attend business clubs, and so on. For a while, this entertains them. However, in the basements of their souls, the truth flickers like neon: "It's not that."

Their plane isn't flying; it's just hovering inertially. Why? The engine is silent; there's no spark in it.

The energy of life, vitality, mana, chi, or prana has disappeared.

I prefer a more practical term: curiosity.

It provides you with direction, signs, and support on your journey.

But remove it, and the most rapid growth will come to a halt.

Because without curiosity, a person doesn't live, they merely exist.

Fortunately, this power cannot be lost. At any moment, you can rediscover it within yourself. Confusing curiosity with anything else is impossible. By following it, personal meaning inevitably grows.

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.

Step into discomfort /  by Alexander Lyadov

We constantly worry about the possibility of something going wrong. All this is implicit, in the background, as if, among other things.

But ask a person directly, "What's the worst that will happen to you if you leave everything as it is?" and they'll find plenty of ways to dodge that question. The paradox is that consciously thinking about the negative isn't something anyone wants to do.

Maybe someone believes it's best not to invite trouble into their life. Like, don't trouble trouble until trouble troubles you. This is similar to a child's magical thinking: If you hide under the blanket, the danger will disappear.

An adult knows that in reality, it's the opposite. The only way to protect yourself from inevitable chaos is to step towards it. Of course, not impulsively, but on your own terms. The better you understand the thing that scares you, the more likely it is that it won't hurt you, it will pass you by. Such knowledge serves as road sign, warning that there's a sharp turn ahead in 100 meters.

Most of us will read this, nod in agreement, and... do nothing about it. We need someone who can help us navigate this uncomfortable path. It's not about listing risks formally; it's about honestly living out the answers to the questions. For this, you need both gentleness and firmness. The former creates safety, the latter keeps you from veering off track. A psychotherapist, guide, or coach can serve as a catalyst for you if they are: a) professional, b) focused on finding the truth, and c) genuinely care about 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.

Adapting to Water /  by Alexander Lyadov

For my workout, I usually swim 2 kilometers. But in the first 100-200 meters, there's always discomfort. My breath gets uneven, my shoulders start to burn, and fatigue fills my body. Maybe a fish thrown onto the shore feels the same way.

Water vividly illustrates the universal effect of entering an unfamiliar environment. It takes time to adapt and know the technique to do it quickly. After all, our bodies know that one mistake in the water can be deadly. So when you inhale wrongly and choke, panic sets in for real. Breathing, and therefore living fully underwater, isn't possible for humans. But the ability to dive rhythmically for a short time solves this problem. And if a beginner nearly drowns in every training session, an experienced swimmer moves as if born with gills. How's that possible?

The master has thoroughly conquered the hostile environment. It's become, if not native, at least familiar to them. And when the risk is reduced to zero, what's left? Chaos turns towards you in a different way, bringing joy, benefits, and health. Your interaction with any novelty, whether in business, education, or personal life, goes the same way. At first, it tries to drown you. But with each immersion, your adaptation to it accelerates.

In the end, you're grateful to fate for pushing you into the "water." Now, not only do you outperform others and feel comfortable in 'danger', but you are more confident that you can succeed at anything new.

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.

Inner journey /  by Alexander Lyadov

I know that look very well. It's directed inward, not outward. The whole world freezes as you watch your own movie. It could be a drama, a detective story, or even a thriller. Where you're both the popcorn-munching spectator and the main character. On the screen, a stream of feelings, memories, and thoughts flows. Or it's a labyrinth, from which you must find a way out at any cost.

The expedition to the edge of Oikoumene can drain all your strength. Especially if you get lost, go in circles, or keep repeating the same old words. But if the hunt goes well, you return home with a bountiful game. Those insights you've gathered can now be slowly prepared and used over weeks, months, or even years. For instance, in 2017, I ventured to Peru, where I went through 11 ayahuasca ceremonies. The experience turned out to be so rich and multi-faceted that I'm still unpacking that gift to this day.

Reflection is a journey everyone must undertake on their own. Yet, the benefits are significantly greater when someone else is by your side. For instance, in a ​recent episode​, Professor Andrew Huberman discussed research on treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using MDMA. It was proven that MDMA alone doesn't cure PTSD. However, when combined with talk therapy, it led to ​67% of people​ no longer meeting the criteria for PTSD after treatment. It's no wonder that in 2017, the FDA granted MDMA-assisted psychotherapy the status of a "breakthrough therapy" for PTSD.

So, what does another person bring to your reflection, whether it's a doctor, shaman, or psychoanalyst? Among other things, their primary function is to create a safe environment for your boldest experiments. This way, you achieve a favorable optionality when encountering novelty. In other words, your risks decrease, and the gifts you receive are more than you can carry.

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.

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?"
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.

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?"
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.

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.