The Tech Leader's Playbook

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan sits down with Russ Hawkins, a seasoned three-time CEO renowned for reviving and scaling struggling startups into profitable, exit-ready companies. With a background rooted in sales and a practical MBA earned through hands-on transformation work alongside McKinsey and AT&T, Russ shares his battle-tested playbook for turning chaos into clarity.Together, they unpack Russ’s journey from humble beginnings to orchestrating successful pivots in tech companies across hardware, software, and analytics. He reveals how he assesses leadership, evaluates products, and identifies untapped markets — even amidst fierce competition and failing patents. Russ emphasizes the importance of listening to customers, understanding competitors, and making quick, strategic decisions based on data.The conversation also explores signs that a pivot is needed, how to test for willingness to pay, and what makes a company attractive for acquisition — especially in the age of private equity dominance. This is a must-listen for founders, investors, and anyone steering companies through change, disruption, or scale.TakeawaysTurnarounds require deep customer and competitor understanding — listen more than you speak.Growth rate and churn are two of the clearest signs a pivot is necessary.Don’t underestimate small, underserved market segments — they can be goldmines.Losing patent protection should trigger urgent strategic reassessment.Price high and validate value — underpricing can signal poor quality.Strategic pivots often mean repositioning your product, not reinventing it.Talk to everyone: competitors, customers, staff, and trusted advisors.Testing willingness to pay should be structured around real customer problems.Cultivate private equity relationships early — most exits go this route now.Always “lose quickly” in sales — avoid staying too long in the friend zone.Leadership assessments should focus on shared values, not just resumes.A strong turnaround starts with understanding the product’s true capabilities.Chapters00:00 Competitive Weaknesses and Sales Foundations01:30 The Accidental CEO vs. the Professional CEO03:45 Russ’s Background: Firefighting Roots to Sales Leadership06:30 The AT&T Breakup and Working with McKinsey09:00 First CEO Role and Million-Dollar Exit11:00 Pivoting a Failing Video Tech Company13:00 Losing Patent Protection and Facing Better-Funded Competitors15:00 Learning from Competitors and Going Where They Aren’t17:00 Talking to Customers, Founders, and Trusted Advisors20:30 Finding Untapped Markets with Existing Technology23:00 Pivoting Hardware to Telecom Use Cases25:00 The Benefits of Private Equity vs. Venture Capital27:00 When a Pivot is Necessary: Signals and External Pressures29:30 Learning from Mistakes and Backing the Wrong Tech31:30 Quick Evaluation of Leadership and Sales Team Fit35:00 Researching New Market Opportunities with Your Team39:00 Willingness to Pay and the Dangers of Undervaluing43:00 The Case for Testing High Prices First45:00 Strategic Exits: PE Ecosystem vs. Traditional Acquirers48:30 Why Strategic Buyers Need to See Product Fit50:00 When Founders’ Emotional Attachment Skews Valuation53:00 Russ’s Favorite Learning Activity: Reading Biographies55:00 Final Advice: Know Your Product, Know Your Customer, Prioritize RelationshipsRuss Hawkins’s Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/russhawkins/Russ Hawkins’s Website:https://www.agilenceinc.com/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan welcomes Pete Steege, B2B growth strategist, founder of B2B Clarity, and author of the bestselling book Radical Clarity. With decades of experience across startups and Fortune 100 companies, Pete has carved out a unique niche: helping technical founders grow into confident, purposeful CEOs—no more accidental CEOs.The conversation explores Pete’s unconventional journey from engineer to executive advisor, detailing pivotal moments that shaped his passion for guiding tech leaders. He shares the challenges many founders face when thrust into the CEO role—struggling with emotional leadership, unfamiliar responsibilities, and the overwhelming weight of building a lasting company.Pete unveils his “Chaos to Clarity” framework and “truth chain” methodology, both designed to help leaders simplify complexity, identify their true value, and scale with purpose. From diagnosing growth blockers to designing category-defining positioning, this episode is packed with practical insights. Listeners will walk away with a renewed perspective on leadership, marketing in the age of AI, and building companies that stand the test of time—by being more human, not louder.TakeawaysPete Steege helps technical founders evolve into confident, intentional CEOs.He coined the term “accidental CEO” for founders unprepared for executive leadership.Leadership often requires shifting from logic-driven thinking to emotional intelligence.Doing “more” is usually the wrong approach; doing less but better leads to success.Pete’s "Chaos to Clarity" framework simplifies decision-making and business focus.His “truth chain” exercise aligns core identity with customer problems and outcomes.Customer journey mapping (map-gap-act) helps prioritize strategic business improvements.Trust is earned by leading with authenticity and a clear, purpose-driven message.Meaning drives both internal culture and external brand success.AI is overwhelming marketing—real differentiation comes from human clarity and restraint.Creating a "category of one" helps brands avoid competing on noise or price.Persistence, humility, and belief in the mission are hallmarks of CEOs who scale successfully.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Pete Steege & B2B Clarity01:05 Pete’s Career Shift from Engineer to Customer-Facing Leader02:30 The Rise of the “Accidental CEO” & Existential Pivots in Tech05:00 Identity Shifts: From Product Builder to Leader of People07:30 Advice for Overwhelmed Founders Facing Leadership Pressure10:40 From Chaos to Clarity: Doing Less, but Better12:20 The Blueprint & “Truth Chain” Framework16:14 Mapping the Customer Journey to Prioritize Growth18:28 It’s All About the Customer: Avoiding Random Acts of Marketing19:31 Inside the Book Radical Clarity: Clarity → Meaning → Purpose21:28 Building Trust Internally & Externally Through Authenticity24:47 Case Study: Messaging Breakthrough That Landed a Fortune 50 Deal27:57 Leadership Challenges in the Age of AI & Content Saturation31:17 Creating Category-Defining Messaging & Market Singularity33:45 Human-Centric Outreach in a Noisy World35:25 Patterns of Successful CEOs: Grit, Humility, Belief38:49 One Sentence Every Tech Founder Should Read: “Make room for meaning.”39:41 Closing Thoughts & Bonus Resources from PetePete Steege’s Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/petesteege/Pete Steege’s Website:https://www.b2b-clarity.com/meet-pete/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, we sit down with Michel Langlois, former Cisco and Juniper executive and author of Beyond the Code. From growing up on a chicken farm in rural Quebec to leading 6,000+ global engineers during the rise of the internet, Michel shares a masterclass on scaling tech organizations with heart and strategy.TakeawaysIt's not where you were born that dictate what you will become.You have to take the ways to get there.There was no playbook for scaling infrastructure.You acquire people, not just technology.Don't assume you're eternal in your market position.You need to manage your time effectively to avoid internal distractions.The new generation of workers cares about sustainability and purpose.Listening is a critical skill for leaders to develop.You need to find something else to do after retirement.Understanding financial fundamentals is crucial for business success.Chapters00:00 The Roulette of Life and Leadership01:02 Scaling Infrastructure with Humanity04:00 The Art of Acquisition09:59 Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape15:08 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence20:02 Mentorship and Leadership Dynamics25:10 The Role of Innovation in Business30:59 Avoiding Complacency in Leadership36:58 Predictive Innovation and Market Awareness42:56 The Challenges of Scaling a Business48:54 The Evolution of Tech Leadership54:43 Core Principles of LeadershipMichel Langlois’s Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellanglois/Michel Langlois’s Website:https://michellanglois.us/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan interviews Jon Staenberg, a three-time Stanford graduate and founder of Agate Hound Fund. They discuss John's unconventional journey through entrepreneurship and investing, starting from his early work experiences in Omaha to his ventures in Argentina's wine industry. The episode dives into the influence of Warren Buffett, the importance of storytelling in business, and the emerging opportunities in search funds and entrepreneurship through acquisition. Jon shares insights on the challenges and rewards of investing in traditional businesses amidst the rise of AI and demographic shifts in the market. In this conversation, Avetis Antaplyan discusses his journey into the world of ETA (Entrepreneurial Through Acquisition) and the unique approach he has taken with his fund. He emphasizes the importance of investing in small businesses, the criteria for evaluating potential investments, and the significance of building a community among investors and entrepreneurs. The discussion also touches on the future of ETA, the richness of niche markets, and the value of personal connections in the business world.TakeawaysJon's early work experience instilled a strong work ethic.The importance of storytelling in business and investment.Warren Buffett's influence on Jon's investment philosophy.Stanford's entrepreneurial environment shaped Jon's career.Curiosity led Jon to start a wine business in Argentina.Search funds provide a structured approach to business acquisition.The potential of traditional businesses in the face of AI disruption.The demographic shift presents opportunities for acquiring businesses.Investing in people is crucial for successful entrepreneurship.The challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship through acquisition.Investing in ETA requires full-time dedication.A non-correlated asset class can enhance portfolio stability.The index fund model for small businesses is innovative.Diverse industries present unique investment opportunities.Evaluating operators is crucial for successful acquisitions.The failure rate in ETA is significantly lower than in venture capital.Building a community fosters collaboration and growth.The future of ETA looks promising with expanding opportunities.Connecting people can lead to unexpected benefits.Engagement and passion are key to success in investing.Chapters00:00 Introduction and the Search Fund Landscape01:28 Early Grit and Unconventional Pathways02:58 Childhood Work Ethic and Family Influence05:55 Lessons from Working Young and Modern Implications07:18 Parenting Perspectives on Work and Responsibility08:51 Warren Buffett’s Influence and Omaha Values11:08 Catherine Graham and Inspiring Leadership12:07 Stanford, Startups, and Embracing Failure13:33 The Power of Storytelling in Business14:56 What Is a Search Fund and How Does ETA Work?17:00 Challenges and Scalability Limits of Search Funds19:45 Why Search Funds Are Niche but High-Return22:50 The Tech-Agnostic Opportunity of Traditional Businesses26:22 Starting a Fund of Funds and the Non-Correlated Model30:12 Evaluating Operators and Acquisitions in ETA36:35 Building Community Through Intentional GatheringsJon Staenberg’s Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonstaenberg/Jon Staenberg’s Website:https://www.agatehound.fund/https://staenberg.com/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan interviews Philip Merrick, a seasoned technologist and CEO of pgEdge. They discuss Merrick's journey in the tech industry, the evolution of leadership styles, the importance of building great teams, and the vision behind pgEdge. The conversation also covers the evolution of cloud computing, data security, and fostering a culture of innovation within teams. In this conversation, Phillip Merrick shares his insights on the importance of mentorship in career growth, the key lessons for emerging leaders, and how to stay ahead of technology trends. He emphasizes the significance of building trust and accountability within teams and discusses the exciting potential of AI in leadership. Merrick distills his entrepreneurial philosophy into actionable advice, highlighting the need for adaptability and genuine care for team members.TakeawaysThe web protocols allowed for the automation of information exchange.Leadership styles evolve with experience and challenges faced.A great team is more important than a great idea.Transparency with the team builds trust and commitment.Curiosity drives innovation and problem-solving.Incremental innovation is often more impactful than radical changes.Cloud concentration risk is a growing concern for regulated industries.Data security and compliance are critical in software development.Fostering a culture of curiosity leads to better adaptability.Asking the right questions in interviews reveals a candidate's mindset.Mentorship is crucial for career growth and success.Emerging leaders should focus on articulating mission, vision, and values.Technology must be contextualized within business and societal trends.Building trust is essential for effective teamwork and accountability.AI has the potential to enhance leadership and management practices.Adaptability is key to overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship.Caring for team members fosters loyalty and engagement.Clear communication of company values prevents cultural drift.A strong team culture can be a competitive advantage. Chapters00:00 The Genesis of Innovation04:07 Leadership Evolution and Challenges08:52 Building a Great Team12:00 The Vision Behind pgEdge17:57 Navigating Cloud Evolution20:54 Data Security and Compliance23:55 Fostering Innovation and Adaptability27:38 The Importance of Mentorship in Career Growth31:19 Key Lessons for Emerging Leaders34:07 Staying Ahead of Technology Trends39:43 Building Trust and Accountability in Teams40:44 Exciting Trends in AI and Leadership43:16 Core Entrepreneurial PhilosophyPhillip Merrick’s Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipmerrick/Phillip Merrick’s Website:https://www.pgedge.com/Resources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Adam Coffey, a seasoned private equity expert, shares his insights on the dynamics of private equity and its impact on entrepreneurs. He discusses the importance of understanding private equity, the role of company culture, and the significance of choosing the right business model. Adam also reflects on his experiences with successful and less successful exits, emphasizing the influence of macroeconomic conditions. He provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the opportunities presented by the current wealth transfer as baby boomers retire. The discussion culminates in a deeper understanding of private equity fund structures and how they affect business operations. In this conversation, Adam Coffey discusses the critical aspects of private equity, focusing on the importance of Internal Rate of Return (IRR), the differences between private equity and venture capital, and strategies for successful acquisitions. He emphasizes the significance of understanding unit economics and scaling businesses effectively. The discussion also touches on hiring practices and the importance of aligning talent with future company goals. Adam shares valuable insights and practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complexities of business growth and investment.TakeawaysPrivate equity can be a force for good in company culture.Understanding private equity is crucial for entrepreneurs.The growth of private equity has significant implications for business owners.Successful exits often depend on macroeconomic conditions.Choosing the right business model is essential for resilience.Recurrent revenue models provide stability in tough times.Entrepreneurs should conduct due diligence on potential partners.The importance of understanding fund structures in private equity.There is a wealth transfer opportunity as baby boomers retire.Unsexy businesses can be highly profitable. IRR is a key metric in private equity.Private equity firms often sell early to showcase high IRR.Family offices prioritize multiple of money over IRR.Buyout funds focus on mature companies for consistent results.Venture capital involves higher risk with potential for high rewards.Thesis-based investing is crucial for successful acquisitions.Understanding unit economics is essential for profitability.Scaling a business requires a focus on gross profit margins.Hiring for future growth is more effective than hiring for current needs.Failing small and fast can lead to better long-term outcomes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Private Equity and Adam Coffey02:59 Understanding Private Equity's Impact on Entrepreneurs05:52 The Role of Culture in Private Equity09:12 Success Stories and Lessons from Acquisitions12:10 Key Indicators of Successful Exits15:01 Navigating Economic Challenges in Business18:10 Choosing the Right Business Model20:57 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs24:03 The Evolution of Business Models26:55 Understanding Private Equity Fund Structures28:43 Understanding IRR in Private Equity31:56 Comparing Private Equity and Venture Capital34:56 Strategic Acquisition: Finding the Right Industry40:00 The Importance of Unit Economics52:46 Scaling for Success: The 30-20-10 Rule54:09 Recommended Reads for EntrepreneursAdam Coffey’s Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamecoffey/https://www.instagram.com/adamecoffey_official/Adam Coffey’s Website:https://adamecoffey.com/

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan interviews Josh Dorfman, a serial climate entrepreneur, about his journey into sustainability and the founding of Planted, a company focused on creating sustainable materials. They discuss the challenges of commercializing innovative solutions, the importance of scaling climate tech, and the role of media in raising awareness about climate action through Supercool, a platform that highlights successful climate tech stories. In this conversation, Josh and Avetis explore the intersection of climate technology and business, emphasizing the importance of commercializing sustainability. They discuss the role of AI in driving innovative solutions, the need to make climate solutions appealing to consumers, and the significance of effective messaging in the clean tech sector. The conversation also touches on the challenges posed by rare earth minerals in the clean energy transition and the potential of urban mining and recycling to address these issues. Ultimately, they highlight the urgency of engaging with climate innovation and the need for actionable solutions in the face of climate change.TakeawaysJosh Dorfman's journey into sustainability began in China.The need for practical solutions to climate change is urgent.Planted aims to replace traditional materials with sustainable alternatives.Commercializing innovative materials presents numerous challenges.The vision for Planted is to create a carbon removal machine.Supercool was created to highlight successful climate tech stories.Investments in clean energy are outpacing fossil fuels.The importance of scaling climate tech solutions is critical.Understanding the core innovation of climate tech is essential.Media plays a vital role in raising awareness about climate solutions.AI is increasingly integrated into climate tech solutions.Making climate solutions appealing is crucial for adoption.Effective messaging should focus on business value, not just sustainability.The clean energy transition relies on critical minerals.Urban mining presents a novel solution for resource recovery.Engaging with climate innovation requires understanding customer needs.Energy efficiency is becoming a priority in climate solutions.Necessity drives innovation in recycling and clean tech.The time for climate action is now.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Climate Innovation01:18 Josh's Journey into Sustainability06:36 Founding Planted: A New Approach to Materials09:42 Challenges in Commercializing Sustainable Materials14:07 The Vision Behind Planted's Innovation20:40 Transitioning to Media: The Birth of Supercool24:25 Choosing Stories for Climate Tech Awareness26:57 Commercializing Sustainability28:51 AI in Climate Tech Innovation31:01 Making Climate Solutions Appealing32:16 Selling Sustainability Effectively35:47 The Role of Technology in Clean Energy39:55 Rare Earths and Clean Tech Boom44:22 Recycling and Urban Mining Solutions46:14 Engaging with Climate Innovation48:41 The Time for Climate ActionJosh Dorfman’s Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorfmanjosh/https://x.com/Josh_DorfmanJosh Dorfman’s Website:https://supercool.beehiiv.com/

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan interviews Alfred Miranda, a seasoned CTO with extensive experience across various industries including cannabis, fashion, and technology. They discuss the importance of diverse industry experience, the challenges of adapting leadership styles, and the pitfalls of traditional industries in adopting technology. Alfred shares valuable insights from his time at MedMen, a rapidly growing cannabis company, and emphasizes the need for effective hiring strategies in a high-budget environment. The conversation highlights the significance of planning, execution, and the necessity of showing tangible results in technology investments. In this conversation, Alfred Miranda discusses the challenges faced by MedMen in the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of focus and methodical growth. He contrasts leadership with mere experience, highlighting the need for genuine investment in team members. The discussion also covers the balance between attention to detail and execution, the evaluation of technology investments, and the significant costs associated with technology. Miranda shares insights from the book 'Good to Great', stressing the importance of calculated risks and strategic planning in achieving business success.TakeawaysDiverse industry experience brings fresh perspectives.Proper planning and execution are key to success.Flexibility in team members is crucial for innovation.Communication and clear objectives are essential in leadership.Technology should be viewed as a profit center, not a cost center.Short-term wins help build confidence in technology investments.Understanding the industry is vital for effective leadership.Hiring motivated individuals can lead to high performance.Trusting instincts is important in decision-making.Adapting leadership styles is necessary for different industries.Leadership is about investing in your team, not just experience.Attention to detail can lead to analysis paralysis.Technology investments must align with business goals to avoid distractions.Calculated risks are essential for business success.A goal without a plan is just a wish; planning is crucial.MedMen serves as a cautionary tale for startups.Not all founders are suited to be CEOs; sometimes a seasoned leader is needed.AI has the potential to revolutionize industries, but must be implemented thoughtfully.Understanding the true costs of technology is vital for strategic planning.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Alfred Miranda's Journey02:59 The Importance of Diverse Industry Experience05:59 Adapting Leadership Styles Across Industries12:01 Challenges in Traditional Industries and Technology Adoption17:58 Lessons from High Burn Rate Companies24:13 Hiring Strategies in a Blank Check Environment28:20 Navigating Challenges in the Cannabis Industry36:24 The Essence of Leadership vs. Experience39:32 Balancing Attention to Detail43:10 Evaluating Technology Investments47:25 Understanding the Cost of Technology51:04 Insights from 'Good to Great'Alfred Miranda’s Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredmiranda/

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Tammy Alvarez discusses the intrinsic link between business success and career fulfillment, emphasizing the need for individuals to align their personal ambitions with organizational goals. She highlights the broken nature of corporate systems that often overlook employee motivation and engagement, leading to a significant portion of the workforce feeling unfulfilled. Tammy shares insights on the importance of self-advocacy, the dangers of chasing low-value projects, and the necessity for leaders to redesign their approach to reignite team engagement. The discussion also touches on overcoming fear of failure and the evolving nature of leadership in a fast-paced world. In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of leadership and business, emphasizing the importance of collaboration over competition, the need for intentional leadership, and the significance of understanding the business context for tech executives. We also introduce the UnConference, a unique event aimed at middle market executives, designed to foster collaboration and innovative thinking in navigating the future of work.TakeawaysBusiness success and career fulfillment are inextricably linked.The corporate system often fails to recognize individual contributions.Employee motivation is crucial for engagement and productivity.Many workers are disengaged, leading to a culture of apathy.Advocating for oneself is essential in navigating corporate challenges.Leaders must connect individual ambitions to organizational goals.Fear of failure can hinder personal and professional growth.Collaboration is becoming more important than competition.Understanding what motivates employees can lead to better outcomes.Change is necessary for leaders to keep up with innovation.Companies can no longer win alone.Collaboration is the new competition.Competition can coexist with helping others.Intentional leadership is crucial for work-life balance.Understanding the business is key for tech executives.Leadership can be lonely and vulnerable.Experimentation and fun should be part of work.Community and accountability are essential for growth.The UnConference aims to transform businesses and leaders.Chapters00:00 The Link Between Business Success and Career Fulfillment02:58 Recognizing the Broken Corporate System06:10 Understanding Employee Motivation and Engagement09:11 Chasing Impact: The Low-Value Business Trap12:04 Advocating for Yourself in the Workplace15:08 Redesigning Leadership to Reignite Engagement18:03 Connecting Ambition to Organizational Goals20:57 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change23:59 Evolving Leadership in a Fast-Paced World28:24 Navigating Change in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape34:08 The Shift from Competition to Collaboration39:21 Intentional Leadership and Work-Life Balance45:10 Understanding Business for Tech Executives47:11 Introducing the UnConference: A New Approach to WorkTammy Alvarez’s Social Media Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammyalvarez/Tammy Alvarez’s Website:https://careerwinnerscircle.com/

In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Keren discusses the concepts of toxic ambition and workaholism, exploring how they manifest in leadership and personal life. She shares her journey to becoming a coach and author, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal choices with one's true self. The discussion dives into the 'gilded cage' of success, where achievements can lead to feelings of entrapment. Keren highlights the significance of systems for well-being and the pervasive nature of imposter syndrome among successful individuals. The conversation concludes with insights on finding balance in leadership styles and the need for a more trusting and open organizational culture. In this conversation, we dive into the complexities of leadership, emphasizing the balance between being nice and maintaining control, the loneliness that often accompanies leadership roles, and the hidden struggles that successful individuals face. The conversation also touches on the necessity of building a culture of trust within organizations and the distinction between toxic hustle and healthy ambition. Ultimately, we advocate for a mindset shift that prioritizes emotional well-being and authentic connections over guilt and shame.TakeawaysToxic ambition leads to exhaustion and dissatisfaction.Workaholism can stem from imposter syndrome.Many coaches enter the field through personal trauma.Success can feel like a gilded cage trapping individuals.Good systems support both productivity and well-being.Imposter syndrome affects a significant portion of the population.Ambition can be both positive and toxic.Recognizing burnout is crucial for leaders.Daily micro-vacations can help prevent burnout.Leadership styles need to evolve towards trust and openness. Loneliness at the top is common, but can be mitigated by building relationships.Success can mask deeper struggles and emotional pain.Recognizing signs of burnout is crucial for leaders.Focus on what truly matters to avoid being spread too thin.Emotional assumptions play a significant role in leadership effectiveness.Admitting ignorance is the first step to growth.Building trust is essential for a healthy organizational culture.Success without fulfillment leads to ultimate failure.Rejecting guilt and shame can lead to more effective leadership.Chapters00:00 Understanding Toxic Ambition and Workaholism03:07 Keren's Journey to Coaching and Writing06:08 The Gilded Cage of Success08:52 The Cost of Passionate Work11:57 Recognizing Overachievement and Burnout14:50 The Importance of Systems for Well-Being18:09 Imposter Syndrome in Successful Founders20:57 The Hidden Struggles of Leadership23:55 The Impact of Toxic Ambition on Leadership26:59 Finding Balance in Leadership Styles30:14 Be Nice, But Not Too Nice34:06 The Loneliness of Leadership38:20 Recognizing Burnout39:04 Focusing on What Matters42:21 Resetting Mindsets43:25 Emotional Assumptions in Leadership45:16 Admitting What You Don't Know47:57 Building a Culture of Trust50:28 Toxic Hustle vs. Scrappy Ambition51:23 Rejecting Guilt in LeadershipKeren Eldad’s Social Media Links:https://www.instagram.com/coachkerenhttps://www.facebook.com/LiveWithEnthusiasmhttps://www.youtube.com/@kereneldad2960Keren Eldad’s Website:https://www.withenthusiasmcoaching.com/inspire