How can high-pressure careers like VC balance ambition with mental health without burning out or is burnout inevitable?"

Balancing Ambition and Mental Health in High-Pressure Careers

Working as a safari guide, I’ve seen how relentless pressure can wear people down whether it’s tracking elusive wildlife or navigating unpredictable terrain. But I’ve always wondered how folks in high-stakes fields like venture capital handle the constant grind. The drive to succeed is obvious, but at what cost?

Is there a way to stay ambitious without sacrificing mental health, or is burnout just part of the deal? I’m curious if anyone in similar high-pressure roles has found strategies that actually work whether it’s setting boundaries, finding unconventional ways to recharge, or something else entirely. How do you keep the fire alive without burning out?