Taking care of yourself when business feels isolating

Series 1 Episode 3

Isolation in business is not just about being physically alone. Many people work around others every day and still feel unable to talk honestly about stress, fear or overwhelm.

Clients are not always safe spaces for openness. Admitting pressure can feel risky when future work depends on appearing capable and calm. Friends and family may care deeply but not fully understand the realities of running a business.

What the research shows clearly is that connection matters — but it needs to be meaningful. People who are part of peer communities, who can ask questions without judgement and share uncertainty, tend to experience much better wellbeing over time.

This doesn’t require constant interaction or forced networking. Often it starts with listening — hearing others talk about similar challenges and recognising your own experience in theirs. Over time, that shared understanding reduces isolation and helps people regain perspective.

This episode focuses on why isolation is so damaging, and why community — in the right form — is one of the strongest protective factors for small business owners.