Low Self-Esteem in Entrepreneurs / founders

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? NE
Is it more common among entrepreneurs / founders? Founder identity can make business performance unusually central to self-worth; no population prevalence evidence
Are entrepreneurs / founders at higher risk? #N/A
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? #N/A
Does it show up differently among entrepreneurs / founders? Strong Yes
How might it look different? Company performance, funding, valuation and investor feedback can become fused with personal identity: “startup failed = I failed”
What commonly occurs alongside it? #N/A
What can it be confused with? Imposter syndrome; perfectionism; failure-related adjustment; depression
Common screening tool RSES — Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
Separate screening tool for entrepreneurs / founders None
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