Andy Johns is no stranger to the high-pressure world of Silicon Valley. With a career spanning 16 years, he’s held pivotal roles at tech giants like Facebook, Twitter, Quora, and Wealthfront. But behind the success and accolades, Andy was silently battling burnout, anxiety, and the weight of unresolved childhood trauma. Today, he’s on a mission to help others navigate the mental health challenges that come with high achievement and relentless ambition. In this blog post, we’ll explore Andy’s journey, his insights on burnout, and his advice for finding balance in a world that often demands too much.
Andy’s story begins with a childhood marked by loss and trauma. His mother passed away when he was just 10 years old, and her struggles with severe mental illness left a lasting impact on him. As a way to cope, Andy turned to achievement. Winning trophies, excelling in academics, and climbing the ranks in his career became his way of seeking validation and escaping emotional pain.
For years, this strategy worked. Andy built an impressive career, becoming president of Wealthfront and a founding partner at a venture capital firm. But the relentless pursuit of success came at a cost. The stress of startup life, combined with unresolved trauma, led to burnout, anxiety, and even panic attacks. Andy found himself crying every morning, grinding his teeth at night, and feeling utterly disconnected from himself.
Andy’s breaking point came in two waves. The first was a health scare—a near-heart attack that forced him to take a two-month medical leave. But even after this wake-up call, Andy found himself diving back into work, joining a venture capital firm just months later. It wasn’t until a second, more profound moment during a meditation session that he truly realized the extent of his burnout. Sitting in silence, Andy had a moment of clarity: he was heading down a dangerous path, and something had to change.
Andy’s journey to recovery has been anything but linear. He’s spent over $200,000 exploring various therapies, from traditional talk therapy to psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. He’s meditated for hours, spent extended periods in nature, and even worked with military veterans suffering from PTSD. Through it all, Andy has learned that healing isn’t about finding a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s about discovering what works for you.
One of the most transformative practices for Andy has been meditation. Sitting for 45 minutes to an hour each day, he’s experienced profound breakthroughs and gained a deeper understanding of himself. He’s also found solace in nature, whether it’s hiking in the wilderness or spending time at an animal rescue in Thailand. These experiences have taught him the importance of listening to his body and trusting his intuition.
One of the most surprising insights Andy has gained is the importance of play and joy in the healing process. He’s come to realize that intellectualizing mental health—reading books, watching videos, and analyzing behaviors—can only take you so far. True healing often comes from activities that pull you out of your head and into the present moment. Whether it’s cooking, gardening, or playing with animals, these simple, joyful experiences can replenish your life force and help you reconnect with yourself.
For those in tech or any high-pressure industry, Andy’s advice is simple: trust your gut. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Seek the truth about who you are and why you’re feeling the way you do. Whether it’s through therapy, meditation, or simply spending time in nature, the key is to find what works for you and commit to it.
Andy also emphasizes the importance of balance. While it’s okay to pursue success and achievement, it’s equally important to make time for joy, play, and self-care. As he puts it, “Life is a river, not a mountain to climb.” Sometimes, the best thing you can do is let go and allow the universe to guide you.
Today, Andy spends his time writing, advocating for mental health, and working with organizations like Heroic Hearts Project, which helps military veterans access psychedelic-assisted therapy. He’s also exploring creative projects that allow him to express himself and connect with others. For Andy, this new chapter is less about achievement and more about authenticity and connection.
Andy’s journey is a powerful reminder that success and fulfillment don’t have to come at the expense of your mental health. By listening to your body, embracing joy, and seeking balance, you can build a life that’s both meaningful and sustainable. As Andy puts it, “Life is a river, not a mountain to climb.” Sometimes, the best thing you can do is let go and allow the universe to guide you.
