What happens if the company suddenly leaves? Mawave founder Jason Modemann explains why entrepreneurs should think about their identity outside of business early on.
Founders are inextricably linked to their company. But what happens if the company suddenly disappears? Jason Modemann, founder and CEO of Mawave, on why this question is uncomfortable but essential.
At events I’m occasionally approached with: “Hey, aren’t you Jason from Mawave?” And yes, sure. That’s me. But it’s exactly this sentence that sometimes gives me pause. Who would I actually be without my company? I have already experienced several founders whose company failed, who resigned as managing director, or who suddenly found themselves without a daily business – or life’s work – after an exit. As a result, many fell into a hole. Simply because part of her identity was gone.
Founder, CEO, husband, father and friend
If I’m being completely honest, I can definitely understand that. Because I see in myself how closely everything is linked: If things are going well in the business, I’m doing well. When there is a crisis, I am unbalanced. The mood in the company quickly affects my personal emotions.
I think that shows pretty clearly where my identity lies. Of course I am also a husband, father, friend. But during the week I’m primarily a founder. My whole professional life is connected to the agency, it is my first “baby” and I have never really done another job.
These things help me define my identity
That’s exactly why I think the question “Who am I without my company?” for extremely important. And I think it’s also healthy as a founder to deal with the topic and define an identity outside of the company.
These three things help me:
1. Train distance
I consciously set aside days or a long weekend where I’m not “Jason from Mawave.” I then try to get out and switch off in order to get to know myself again and to know who I am without my company again. Of course, friendships, sports, family and hobbies also help. Because if everything in life is linked to the company, there is no emotional balance.
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2. Give up ownership
I have also started to actively hand over areas of responsibility. When everything depends on you, you automatically become emotionally attached to everything. The more I give away, the less I define myself by operational control.
3. Check independence
And I always ask myself the question: If the agency were gone tomorrow, what would I start with the day after tomorrow? I’m not doing this because I’m planning to quit, but rather to realize: I’m more than this company. I have skills and ideas. That calms me down enormously.
Jason Modemann is the founder and managing director of the social media agency Mawave Marketing. At 27, he manages 150 employees. Mawave’s customers include Red Bull, Nike and Lidl. He is also the author of the book “Always hungry, never greedy.”
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