In a recent LinkedIn post, Lissele Pratt highlights what she identifies as the most frequently underestimated investment for founders and business leaders: investing in oneself. Pratt shares her personal journey of learning this lesson, often the hard way, emphasizing the tendency to push forward relentlessly while building a business, particularly at a rapid pace, and deferring self-care to a later, unspecified time.
Pratt warns that burnout is an inevitable consequence of this approach, impacting critical aspects of leadership and business operations. “And when it does, it affects everything: your focus, your energy, your decision making, and the way you lead,” she writes.
The High Cost of Neglecting Personal Investment
The founder details how her perspective on activities like therapy, exercise, and continuous learning has shifted. These are no longer viewed as optional extras but as integral components of professional performance. Pratt argues that neglecting personal well-being directly hinders one’s effectiveness in business.
“I see all of it as part of performance. Because if I’m not looking after myself properly, then I’m not showing up at my best in my business either.”
This realization has been solidified through her experience building a multi-seven-figure business. Pratt observes that the most resilient and successful founders understand the symbiotic relationship between personal capacity and business strategy.
Self-Care as a Strategic Business Imperative
Pratt asserts that top founders recognize the strategic importance of nurturing the individual driving the business’s strategy. She points out that prioritizing mental, energetic, and physical health, as well as the capacity for clear thinking under pressure, is not an act of selfishness but a shrewd business decision.
“The strongest founders I know don’t just invest in strategy, they also invest in the person carrying the strategy. They understand that protecting your mind, your energy, your health, and your ability to think clearly under pressure isn’t selfish, it’s smart.”
According to Lissele Pratt, the manner in which a leader tends to their own needs directly mirrors how they will perform and lead within their company. This personal investment is foundational to sustained business success.
The Link Between Personal and Professional Performance
Pratt’s insights underscore a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of entrepreneurship: the leader is the primary asset. As she concludes, her own business growth has only reinforced this understanding. The clarity gained from her personal experiences serves as a powerful testament to the necessity of integrating self-investment into the core operational strategy of any ambitious venture.
“The way you show up for yourself is the way you’ll show up in your business.”
Ultimately, Pratt encourages reflection within her network, asking, “What’s one thing you’ve done recently to invest in yourself?” This question prompts a broader conversation about the essential, yet frequently sidelined, practice of founder self-care as a critical driver of business performance.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Lissele Pratt on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on May 22, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →