Calm App Founder: From $0 To $2 Billion By Making The World Meditate: Michael Acton Smith

In this episode of The Diary of a CEO, host Stephen Bartlett sits down with Michael Acton Smith, founder of Calm, a mindfulness and meditation app. Michael shares his early entrepreneurial experiences, beginning with his childhood curiosity and modest beginnings in the UK. Despite facing failures and setbacks in his past ventures, he emphasizes the importance of resilience. Michael recounts how Calm emerged in response to the growing mental health crisis, stating that one in three people will experience issues like anxiety or depression.

Michael describes the initial struggle of calm, with many doubting the viability of the app as the market was not yet ready for meditation. Despite these challenges, Michael remained steadfast, underlining how vital it is to understand your market and prepare diligently before launching. He discusses personal and professional challenges over the years, including struggles with mental health during the pandemic and balancing business pressures with personal connections.

The conversation pivots to broader themes, such as the role of mindfulness and mental health in society and personal growth. Michael reflects on his own journey of understanding the importance of listening, empathy, and communication in relationships. He emphasizes the need for strong foundations — nutrition, movement, mental health, and sleep — as essential for not only personal success but also for leading a team effectively.

Michael concludes by expressing optimism about improving mental health awareness and integrating mindfulness into everyday life, illustrating how these practices can lead to a more fulfilling existence for individuals and communities alike.