Most founders don’t realize how much their work is reshaping who they are. Until it’s too late.

In this episode of Founder Talk, Nick Greco, mental health expert, crisis intervention instructor, and founder of C3 Education & Research, breaks down what chronic stress really does to people who live in it day after day. Nick has trained thousands of officers across the U.S., taught suicide prevention globally, and even worked with other national police forces in different countries. Few people understand high-pressure psychology like he does and the crossover to entrepreneurship is undeniable.

Nick explains why people in these high-stakes, high-pressure positions lose their identity, shut down emotionally, and drift from the people they care about. He shares why communication at home often collapses, why “I’m fine” usually isn’t true, and how simple habits like taking 20–30 minutes to decompress can save marriages and families.

We also dive into why men struggle to ask for help, why emotional isolation is so dangerous, and how founders can actually retain people instead of losing them to fatigue, resentment, or culture issues. Nick also unpacks the psychology behind overworking, financial stress, identity fusion (“I am my job”), and why so many founders unknowingly mirror the same patterns he sees in first responders.

What You'll Learn

✅ Why chronic stress leads to burnout, isolation, and identity loss

✅ How emotional shutdown damages relationships and how to reverse it

✅ Why “burnout” is usually a system problem, not a personal weakness

✅ How to decompress and reset after high-pressure days

✅ Why founders and first responders fall into the same psychological traps

If you’re a founder navigating nonstop pressure, this episode gives you the clarity, tools, and mindset to stay grounded, connected, and healthy without losing yourself to the work.

Connect with Nicholas Greco

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-greco-iv-m-s-bcets-catsm-faaets-ba78168/

Guest Website: https://www.c3educationandresearch.com/

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Timecodes

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:46 Founding C3 Education and Research

02:43 Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship

04:58 Law Enforcement and Public Perception

15:45 Mental Health and Officer Wellness

17:00 Balancing Work and Personal Life

28:09 Effective Communication in Relationships

33:39 Financial Pitfalls of New Recruits

35:01 The Importance of Financial Planning

35:49 Materialism and Happiness

36:50 Balancing Family and Work

39:29 The Role of Passion in Business

46:19 Stress and Burnout

51:54 Mental Health and Suicide Awareness

56:38 Global Training Experiences

59:36 Training and Curriculum Design

01:04:10 Conclusion and Contact Information