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An event hosted today by Lehigh@NasdaqCenter highlighted entrepreneurial well-being, an often overlooked aspect of entrepreneurship. Officials stressed the human aspects of entrepreneurship and welfare of individuals is crucial not just for personal success, but also for the broader sustainability of communities.

In partnership with Lehigh’s long-time partner Technische Universität (TU) Dortmund, Lehigh@NasdaqCenter brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from various sectors for the Oct. 8 event, including current and aspiring entrepreneurs, educators, and policymakers.

The event included a panel discussion featuring these experts sharing insights on the current challenges in entrepreneurial well-being, followed by a roundtable session designed for participants to exchange ideas.

The panelists included Nicola Corzine, CEO & Executive Director of Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center; Giana Jarrah, Founder & CEO of With Meraki Co. and a Lehigh alumna; Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds; and Ethné Swartz, Professor of Management at Montclair State University’s Feliciano School of Business.

Additionally, preliminary findings were shared from a study being conducted by Willy Das, Senior Research Scientist and Curriculum Innovation Manager at Lehigh@NasdaqCenter, and Daniela Gimenez Jimenez, Junior Professor of Entrepreneurship at TU Dortmund. The research focuses on the critical factors influencing the health and success of entrepreneurs.

Lehigh Provost Nathan Urban delivered opening remarks about the university's strategic commitment to supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems. He highlighted the 25-year partnership and history of collaboration between Lehigh and TU Dortmund.

“Lehigh’s collaboration with TU Dortmund and the Nasdaq Center enhances Lehigh’s global reach and impact, highlighting the importance of partnerships in cultivating a vibrant local entrepreneurial landscape which is essential for retaining startups in the region,” Urban said. 

Samantha Dewalt, Managing Director of Lehigh@NasdaqCenter, served as a mediator during the panel discussion, asking questions that aimed to foster the next generation of innovators. During these discussions, Jarrah provided insight on her own entrepreneurial journey. 

Upon graduated from Lehigh with a degree in biomedical engineering, Jarrah landed a position at a pharmaceutical company.  While juggling her full-time job and probiotic startup, she admitted that working in her office way too late and not taking care of herself.

“The challenge is that most founders don’t have a strong level of confidence to fully go for it,” Jarrah said. “Business leaders today think it's okay to glorify staying up all night and sending emails at 3 a.m.”

WIthout a healthier mindset, Jarrah said she wouldn't be able to go the distance in her entrepreneurial journey. This ultimately led her to make the pivotal decision of prioritizing her well-being and fully committing to her company, With Meraki Co. 

Having mentors who supported my lifestyle change was pivotal, Jarrah said. Their guidance helped herself navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.

“Top performers average six hours of sleep per night,” which challenges the pervasive belief that relentless work and minimal rest are keys to success, Corzine said. Taking care of one’s health can enhance overall performance, contradicting the myth of the “always-on” entrepreneur, she said.

Relating entrepreneurship back to the community, Reynolds highlighted a vital aspect of personal fulfillment and societal health.

“Some long-term happiness comes from being able to be with other people and have shared communal experiences,” Reynolds said. 

This perspective aligns with the entrepreneurial Blue Zones Project, which promotes healthier living through community engagement and shared values.

When people engage with one another—whether through local events, sports, or simply gathering in shared spaces—they cultivate connections that can lead to greater happiness and resilience, Reynolds said. 

In an era where isolation has been a challenge for many, especially following the pandemic, the emphasis on communal experiences serves as a reminder of the importance of relationships in sustaining mental health, Reynolds said.

As cities like Bethlehem explore strategies for revitalization, integrating initiatives that promote community engagement will be essential in creating environments where both businesses and individuals can thrive.