Shorts 05 | Adrian Locher: What Do You Identify With?

About this episode

"It's not healthy to identify yourself through your company." This clear statement from Adrian Locher, founder of Merantix, hits the nail on the head regarding a fundamental problem many entrepreneurs face.

The Identity Trap for Founders

Many founders make the mistake of completely linking their personal identity to the success or failure of their company. When the startup thrives, they feel fantastic. When the company crashes, their world collapses. This emotional dependency is not only unhealthy – it can also be damaging to business.

The problem is obvious: when our identity depends on something we can only partially influence, we'll also feel terrible when the company isn't doing well. Markets change, customers jump ship, investors pull out – all factors that lie outside our complete control.

Adrian Locher's Approach to Identity

As an experienced founder of Merantix, Adrian Locher has developed a conscious approach to avoid falling into this psychological trap. His strategy is based on drawing a clear separation between the person and the company.

Instead of defining himself exclusively through his firm, Locher recommends building one's identity on more stable foundations. These include:

• –Personal values and principles that exist independently of company success
• –Relationships with family and friends outside the business context
• –Hobbies and interests that have nothing to do with work
• –Personal development and learning as independent goals

Why This Separation Is Essential

Maintaining a healthy distance from your own company has several advantages:

Better Decision-Making: Those who are less emotionally involved can make more objective and rational decisions. Sometimes this means making difficult choices like pivoting or even shutting down the company.

Mental Health: The highs and lows of founder life become less extreme when they don't shake your entire identity. This reduces stress and prevents burnout.

Long-term Perspective: Founders with a balanced identity think more long-term and are less derailed by short-term setbacks.

Practical Implementation in Daily Founder Life

How can founders develop a healthy distance? It starts with conscious reflection: Who am I beyond my company? What defines me as a person? These questions should be asked and answered regularly.

Additionally, it helps to consciously schedule time for activities that have nothing to do with business. Sports, family time, cultural activities – all of these strengthen other aspects of personality.

Conclusion

Adrian Locher's advice might seem counterintuitive at first. After all, we expect total dedication and passion from founders for their projects. But it's precisely this extreme identification that can become an Achilles' heel. A healthy balance between commitment and emotional distance is not only important for personal health, but ultimately also makes us better entrepreneurs.