Leadership Under Pressure

“I don’t have time to think strategically about the future of the company. I’m trying to work it all out on my own – in my head – but that means sleepless nights, and it already impacts my personal relationships.”

The CEO continued, “There is so much going on. At times I’m anxious. Board members, shareholders, executive colleagues or team members – they all bring problems, rather than offering solutions.”

How had it come to this? The company had grown fast. As a natural leader, our client, one of the two co-founders, had become CEO and the force behind every milestone. He did it all – senior hires, raising funds – often far beyond his core expertise.

With attention elsewhere, the team lost alignment. Some took initiative without grasping the bigger picture, wasting time and resources. One distressed investor even accused them of lacking focus.

Every major milestone - whether a hire or capital raise - was followed by the next. No breathing space. And all this on top of “just running the company.” Team tensions mounted. Decision fatigue set in.

Over six intense months, we worked to raise self-awareness, challenge strategies and assumptions, clarified values, and understand key stakeholders. We uncovered personal and professional limiters.

1:1 leadership coaching, backed by assessments and 360° feedback helped the CEO to regain control of his inner game – restoring balance mind, control his own thinking, reframe pressure into growth opportunities, and find clarity for critical decisions.

6 months later the CEO was embracing authenticity – reclaiming confidence, motivation and priorities. He strengthened relationships, only then could he transfer his renewed confidence to those around him. “Coaching helped me feel 3cm taller again,” he reflected, after rebuilding the leadership team, identifying a successor, and sharpening strategy and implementation.

It became clear: scaling the business required personal growth.

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