Why founders and entrepreneurs mistake loneliness and burnout for ‘the hustle’

Samir Domah spent over 15 years climbing the ladder in FMCG and data, helping brands win space on Tesco shelves and leading multi-million-pound insight and media portfolios for retailers like Booker, John Lewis and global CPGs. On paper, he had the classic “good job” story: senior roles, a growing team, and industry recognition including a Top 30 Under 40 Loyalty Royalty award and the title of Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author.

Behind the scenes, things looked very different. As a South Asian man raised to value stability and status, he absorbed trauma without language or support: witnessing his mum being mugged at knifepoint as a child, losing his dad at 14, and surviving a violent attack six weeks before his wedding that shattered his jaw. He pushed it all down and kept performing at work, eventually spiralling into severe depression and suicidal thoughts. Years later, in the middle of a toxic role and extreme burnout, he ended up in hospital – and while he was there, he developed meningitis, sitting on the end of the bed asking whether he would keep surviving or finally change his life.