1867 – Human Behavior and Entrepreneurship with Peter Sorgenfrei

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the CEO & Founder Coach of Sorgenfrei ApS, Peter Sorgenfrei.

Peter Sorgenfrei is a seasoned entrepreneur and coach intimately familiar with the solitary path of a founder. With six companies and clients in seven countries, Peter's extensive experience ranges from a plastic bag manufacturer in Romania to a tech startup in California, where he has been instrumental in guiding CEOs and founders through business complexities.

Peter Sorgenfrei specializes in human behavior and the personal challenges that founders encounter. He recognizes the stressful nature of entrepreneurship and offers his services as a psychologist, motivator, and strategic partner, tailoring his approach to meet the unique needs of each founder.

Peter has observed common patterns among entrepreneurs, such as imposter syndrome, co-founder relationships, and the management of boards and investors. His coaching is customized to confront these challenges directly, equipping founders with the necessary tools for success.

Peter strongly emphasizes founders' mental and emotional well-being, stressing the importance of distinguishing personal identity from professional roles. He offers practical advice for stress management, including exercise, meditation, diet, and sleep, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy mindset and improving business performance.

Key Points from the Episode:

Sales strategies for agency owners, consultants, coaches, and B2B service providers
The role of a founder and CEO in navigating business challenges
Specialization in human behavior and personal development for founders and CEOs
Common patterns and challenges faced by founders and CEOs
Managing mental health and stress in the entrepreneurial role
Strategies for managing anxiety and depression in the business world
Addressing substance abuse and addiction among CEOs
The impact of online content and social media on entrepreneurs

About Peter Sorgenfrei:

Peter Sorgenfrei is a seasoned coach assisting CEOs and founders with personal and professional development. With over 43,000 followers on LinkedIn and recognition as a LinkedIn Top Voice, Sorgenfrei has established a significant online presence. He also runs a popular weekly newsletter, "Intentional Leadership," with over 10,000 subscribers.

Peter's career spans 15 years of founding and leading companies in the US, UK, and Denmark, experiencing both small-scale and sizeable multi-country team leadership. Sorgenfrei's journey includes overcoming a personal crisis, leading him to advocate for the Whole Human Approach.

This philosophy emphasizes a balanced life, integrating professional ambitions with mental, physical, and relational well-being. Sorgenfrei's extensive international experience and personal insights equip him to offer valuable advice and strategies to his clients, promoting both professional success and personal harmony.

About Sorgenfrei ApS:

Sorgenfrei ApS is a personal and professional development consultancy that supports CEOs and founders through professional challenges and personal growth. The service offers comprehensive support, whether clients face tactical dilemmas or strategic decision-making, regardless of their perceived need for guidance.

The core mission is to assist leaders in navigating the complexities of running a company while maintaining a balanced, healthy, and fulfilling life. This involves managing the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and addressing internal struggles and interpersonal dynamics. The consultancy's hands-on approach involves regular meetings, written communications, and discussions as needed, emphasizing a commitment to rigorous, serious, and intense engagement.

Clients are encouraged to commit fully to their development path, including personalized homework assignments aimed at behavior change and recommendations for reading and listening to foster growth. Sorgenfrei ApS distinguishes itself through radical transparency and constructive candor, guiding clients to find and trust their inner answers rather than providing direct solutions.

Tweetable Moments:

03:50 - "There's a disproportionate amount of founders and CEOs who are actually battling anxiety and depression because of the stresses of the role and of the job."

17:34 - "People need to have a life outside of work. They know it, similar to how they know they need to diet and exercise; they just don't do it."