A Personal Approach: Who I Am and Why This Matters to Me

I’m Lisa Birnbaum, LCSW, a therapist and social worker dedicated to supporting startup founders, startup CEOs, and leaders in creating emotionally healthy, sustainable careers and company cultures. My passion for this work isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal. As a mother of two young children, I know firsthand the demands of balancing work, family, and personal well-being. My experience at the intersection of mental health and tech has shown me that startup CEOs and leaders who invest in their psychological flexibility and mental well-being not only thrive personally but also cultivate healthier, more productive teams.

With a background in DBT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I’ve worked with startup founders and leaders in high-pressure environments, from fast-scaling startups to Fortune 500 tech giants. I’ve seen how traditional leadership development often overlooks emotional intelligence and psychological resilience, leaving startup founders and executives without the tools they need to manage stress, make effective decisions, and maintain their well-being. DBT bridges that gap.