The Shet for Brains movement began as a spontaneous and emotional moment at Edge Indy in 2024, when Jon Bailey of Precision Proco voiced a truth many in the printing industry had been feeling: the need for more humanity and honesty in their professional and personal lives. This candid declaration became the catalyst for the creation of Shet for Brains, a groundbreaking initiative focused on mental health and emotional well-being within the industry. Founded by Bailey, David Rosendahl of MindFire, Jessica DeCola of GPA, and Chris Minn of Digital Ink, the movement seeks to foster a safe space for professionals to share their struggles, support one another, and normalize difficult conversations.
From its inception, She*t for Brains has prioritized authenticity over solutions. As DeCola explains, it’s not about having all the answers but ensuring no one feels like they have to navigate their challenges alone. Over the past year, the initiative has hosted a series of virtual sessions featuring experts such as Glenn Packiam, Chris Barez-Brown, and industry insiders like Brian Scott, his wife Amy, and daughter Becca. These sessions have tackled critical topics like burnout, resilience, leadership, work-life balance, and coping with trauma and adversity. The discussions have been raw, unscripted, and deeply impactful, resonating with many in the industry.
However, the movement reached a turning point at Dscoop Edge Long Beach, where Shet for Brains hosted its first in-person session, titled Printing Hope: Fighting for the Soul of the Next Generation*. This event was a powerful testament to the industry’s need for such a platform. It was unfiltered, emotionally charged, and confirmed that the co-founders had underestimated just how much this dialogue was needed. What started as a conversation among four colleagues has blossomed into a community rooted in empathy, authenticity, and shared humanity.
In a debrief after the Long Beach session, the co-founders reflected on the profound impact of their work and resolved to continue the initiative. Minn remarked that they had “opened Pandora’s Box,” and there was no turning back. Bailey shared that She*t for Brains is also a form of self-help for the founders, acknowledging that the pressures of the industry can leave even the most successful professionals feeling isolated or overwhelmed. Rosendahl echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that while significant conversations have begun, there is still much more to say and much work to be done.
The movement’s success hinges on collective effort. The co-founders are calling on the industry to join them in advancing this crucial dialogue. They invite professionals to become part of the She*t for Brains LinkedIn group, where they can contribute to and benefit from the ongoing conversation.
In summary, She*t for Brains is more than just an initiative—it’s a growing movement that is reshaping the culture of the printing industry. By fostering vulnerability, empathy, and connection, it is helping professionals navigate the complexities of life and work with greater support and understanding. As the co-founders have made clear, this is a journey that requires the participation of everyone in the industry. Together, they are building a more compassionate and resilient community.
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