Embrace Your Sensitivity: A Guide for Sensitive Business Owners with Sam Dhu

If you’d rather listen to these insights, see episode 133 of The Powerful Content Podcast

Are you a business owner who sometimes struggles with balancing success and self-compassion? You’re not alone. Even I wrestle with the pressures of running a business while trying to stay true to my sensitive nature. But psychotherapist, mentor, and coach Sam Dhu wants you to know that you can be a sensitive business owner and see it as a superpower rather than a weakness.

Understanding sensitivity in business

Sam Dhu introduces says that a “highly sensitive person” (HSP) is someone who feels things deeply and can be more prone to overstimulation and overwhelm. Remarkably, 20 to 30 percent of humans are highly sensitive, yet many people are unaware of it.

If you’ve ever been told that you feel things too deeply or are too sensitive, you might be an HSP. Being highly sensitive means having a strong sense of empathy, noticing subtleties others may miss, and often feeling more emotional reactions.

From sensitivity to success

Rather than seeing sensitivity as a hindrance, Sam has embraced it as a guiding force in her business.

In a world obsessed with hustle culture, Sam introduces the idea of being “softly successful.” This approach is about giving yourself permission to embrace who you are and build a business that honours your unique needs. Here are some of her key insights and practical ways to manage being a sensitive business owner.

Balancing sensitivity with business success

Balancing sensitivity and a desire for success can be challenging, but it’s achievable. The key lies in deep self-compassion and acceptance of who you are. For example, Sam struggled with being consistent on social media due to her ADHD. Instead of beating herself up, she leaned into her strengths—serving her clients deeply and creating word-of-mouth referrals. Remember, there are no ‘shoulds’ when it comes to business!

Prioritising self-compassion

As a sensitive business owner, you often prioritise others before yourself. Sam advises checking in with yourself regularly and ensuring you meet your own needs. This could be as simple as asking, “What do I need today?” and giving yourself the permission to honour that need.

4 ways to prioritise yourself

Recognise your self-worth: Remind yourself daily that you are good enough, you matter, and your needs are important. Sam says that society often ties self-worth to achievements, but it’s essential to see and love yourself as you are now.
Environment matters: Pay attention to how your environment impacts your mood, energy, and productivity. For Sam, working in a café energises her, while loud noises or bright lights can be overwhelming. Understanding these triggers helps you create an environment where you can thrive.
Daily Check-Ins: Develop a routine of checking in with yourself throughout the day. Place your hand on your heart and ask, “What do I need right now?” This practice builds self-awareness and ensures you are attuned to your needs.
Weekly Reflections: Set aside time each week to reflect on how things are going. Ask yourself questions like, “How much energy did I have this week?” and “What energised me?” This helps in planning the upcoming week with a better understanding of your energy and capacity.

Softly successful: defining your own success

Sam’s concept of being “softly successful” is about defining what success means to you and giving yourself full permission to honour that. Instead of adhering to society’s standards of success, understand and accept what works best for you at your own pace.

The importance of community

Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your values and sensitivity. Joining group programs or masterminds, like the one Sam co-runs with Jess (Slow the Mastermind), provides a supportive environment where you can be encouraged to prioritise yourself and your well-being.

Being a sensitive business owner can indeed be your superpower. By embracing your sensitivity, prioritising self-compassion, and creating a supportive environment, you can redefine success on your terms and build a business you love. Remember, you are human before you are a business owner, and it’s crucial to nurture ourselves first.

As Sam beautifully puts it, life is too short to sacrifice our current joy and well-being for future goals. Live for the present, honour your sensitivity, and create a business that aligns with who you truly are.

For more on embracing sensitivity in business, connect with Sam below.

Where to find Sam Dhu