Paul English, one of the co-founders of Kayak, a travel search engine sold for $2.1 billion in 2013, shares how his bipolar disorder influenced his professional journey. Diagnosed at the age of 25, he initially kept his condition private due to fear of judgment. Over time, however, he embraced vulnerability and fostered an open team culture at Kayak. His leadership style prioritized teamwork, customer focus, and mental health awareness. Despite challenges posed by manic and depressive episodes, English credits his condition with driving energy and creativity that contributed to Kayak's success.

At the heart of Paul English's entrepreneurial journey lies a deeply personal story about managing bipolar disorder while building a multimillion-dollar company. After receiving his diagnosis in his mid-twenties, English spent years concealing his condition from colleagues. However, as he matured professionally, he began sharing his struggles openly, which transformed into a pivotal aspect of his leadership philosophy. This openness helped cultivate a supportive environment where employees felt encouraged to express their own challenges.

English’s career took off when he co-founded Kayak with Steve Hafner in the early 2000s. Their collaboration marked the start of a decade-long adventure culminating in the company's acquisition by Priceline for $2.1 billion. During this period, English navigated intense highs and lows associated with bipolar disorder. On certain days, he found himself paralyzed by depression, unable even to leave his bed. Conversely, during periods of hypomania, he brimmed with boundless energy and innovative ideas, though these sometimes overwhelmed his team.

Inspired by his experience, English made fostering a great team his top priority at Kayak. He meticulously recruited individuals who not only excelled technically but also demonstrated strong interpersonal skills. To maintain cohesion within the group, he enforced strict guidelines regarding behavior; anyone disruptive or overly critical was promptly addressed or removed. Furthermore, he implemented unconventional practices such as having engineers handle customer service calls directly. This approach significantly enhanced problem-solving efficiency and strengthened client relations.

Mental health advocacy became integral to English’s tenure at Kayak. Every year during Mental Illness Awareness Week, he educated employees about bipolar disorder via emails and offered support to those facing similar issues. While acknowledging the difficulties brought on by his condition, he recognized its positive aspects too. Hypomanic phases often fueled creative bursts, propelling him to generate novel concepts regularly. Although his enthusiasm occasionally strained resources, it ultimately inspired others to match his dedication and ambition.

Reflecting on his journey, Paul English believes that embracing both confidence and vulnerability has been key to his achievements. His willingness to share personal struggles created a safe space for colleagues to seek assistance without stigma. Such an atmosphere proved instrumental in sustaining high productivity levels while nurturing emotional well-being among team members. The legacy of his leadership extends beyond financial success—it underscores the importance of authenticity and empathy in modern workplaces.