Dropbox CEO Drew Houston said he learned a valuable lesson about mental health after navigating a challenging time for the startup in 2015. The company faced competition from major players like Google and Microsoft, as well as internal challenges such as struggling to hire personnel and build infrastructure. Houston's identity became "fused" with the company, causing him emotional distress. To break out of this cycle, he turned inward, adopting a meditation practice and leaning on his founder friends and mentors. This allowed him to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and address larger questions about Dropbox's focus. He took full accountability for the company's struggles, recognizing that he had driven it towards these challenges. As a result, Houston advised founders to develop coping mechanisms and avoid burnout, which is common among startup founders.
https://www.insider.com/dropbox-ceo-burnout-importance-of-mental-health-2025-1