

Why being a CEO is so lonely (and how to fix that)
19 snips Jan 21, 2025
Allan Barton, a former managing director with extensive experience in waste disposal and engineering consultancy, shares his insights on the isolation that often accompanies leadership. He discusses the challenges of forming genuine work relationships and the conflict between public persona and authenticity. Barton highlights the importance of support systems, akin to sports coaching, for emotional resilience. He also addresses the need for balancing personal well-being with professional responsibilities, emphasizing the evolution of leadership towards collaboration.
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CEO Loneliness
- CEOs are ultimately responsible for their business, making every decision.
- Every action and word is scrutinized by subordinates, creating a lonely environment.
Loneliness and Professionalism
- CEOs often experience loneliness due to their position and the pressure to maintain a professional persona.
- This can create a distance between them and their team, making open communication difficult.
External Support for Leaders
- Leaders should seek external support like coaches or mentors for a safe space to discuss challenges.
- This helps maintain peak performance and mental health.