DISCOVERY: Flourishing and the Founder's Journey

Join us for an exclusive experience produced by the Rugged Elegance Foundation, in partnership with JD Schramm Communications and Unity San Francisco, an afternoon of insight, connection, and inspiration as we explore what it means to truly flourish, especially for those navigating the often unseen and rugged path of the founder’s journey.

Through storytelling, shared wisdom, and current mental health data, we’ll examine well-being and resilience not as a straight line, but as a labyrinth of growth, setbacks, and transformation. As we reflect on the challenges that lead to purpose, we are reminded of the words of Thích Nhất Hạnh, beloved Vietnamese Zen master, peace activist, and teacher of engaged Buddhism:

“No mud, no lotus.”

This powerful truth reminds us that from the deepest struggle often blooms the most meaningful growth.

At this gathering, you’ll hear from six visionary founders, each offering a unique lens on human flourishing and the real, often raw mental health realities of entrepreneurship. These stories will illuminate how personal challenges gave rise to both nonprofit and for-profit ventures focused on impact and healing.

You’ll also hear about the Butterfly Effect Fund and Rugged Elegance’s Soulful Network of Impact Leaders, two dynamic initiatives designed to 12x founders by surrounding them with catalytic funding, deep community, and the inner capacity-building tools they need to scale impact sustainably.

Additionally, we’ll offer insight into the “Day to Breathe” Accelerator, which has supported 218 founders across 26 countries, providing time and space for renewal, reflection, and realignment.

We’re excited to announce our first featured speaker: Sean Wheelock, founder of Inner Peak, a mission-driven mental fitness platform helping individuals and teams strengthen emotional resilience, navigate uncertainty, and unlock peak performance. Sean brings a powerful mix of personal insight and practical tools drawn from his own founder journey and deep commitment to human flourishing.

Host or Publisher Rugged Elegance Foundation