Startup Storytime: You Can Only Control What You Can Control

Startup culture loves the grind—but what happens when the hustle turns into burnout, and the dream can feel like a one-woman show holding up a crumbling foundation? Here I share a raw, behind-the-scenes story of working inside one of the buzziest new content startups—an international influencer-driven short form content studio that at the time, was destined for disruption... until it wasn’t. From blurred roles and chaotic midnight meetings to leadership misalignment and ultimate shutdown, this episode peels back the curtain on what really happens when the infrastructure of a startup is broken from the top down. It’s a cautionary tale and a powerful reminder: You can give your best, but you can’t save a system that doesn’t want to be saved. If you’ve ever blamed yourself for a failing business, felt imposter syndrome creeping in, or sacrificed too much for a role that didn’t serve you—this one’s for you. I touch on self-responsibility vs. self-blame, learning to detach with clarity, and the critical importance of knowing what’s yours to carry... and what’s not. Protect your energy. Own your impact. And remember: even the most talented people can burn out inside broken systems. This is Unfiltered—where the founder stories are real, and the insights are hard-earned.