The Hidden Leadership Struggles & the Power of Authenticity

I led a rapidly growing regional integrated agency that I helped build from the ground up. I sat in the biggest meeting rooms, earned my clients’ trust as a knowledgeable advisor, and was admired by my team as an empathetic and confident leader. On the surface, it seemed like I had it all.

But beneath that exterior, I was struggling. I was pressured into making decisions that weren’t mine, constantly pushed to achieve more, made to feel that my efforts were never enough, gaslighted whenever I expressed my feelings, and even bullied (yes, at my level. But that’s a story for another day).

That year, I developed severe anxiety. I was completely burnt out, and even the smallest tasks felt overwhelming. I lost focus, purpose, and a sense of myself, showing up as a shadow of who I truly am.

The hardest part was the loneliness. Burnout at a leadership level is rarely discussed, and facing it made me feel isolated, guilty, and ashamed, which only made things worse.

Today, I’m in a much better place. I’ve realized that my burnout wasn’t just about the workload (though the toxic hustle culture is no joke). It stemmed from operating in a way that wasn’t true to myself, compromising my values, and pushing agendas that didn’t resonate with me.

As leaders, we have a responsibility to lead authentically and truthfully, and we need support to do that. When we serve systems that go against our convictions, our spirit suffers, and we inevitably fall.

I’ve learned that everyone needs help, regardless of their position. Asking for support is crucial, but it’s equally important to seek it from those who will genuinely show up for you with honesty. The world is full of brilliant, passionate individuals, but none of us are superheroes. We need to speak openly about our challenges because the community makes it better. Knowing we’re not alone and finding common ground in each other’s experiences brings comfort and healing.

Let’s commit to supporting each other, sharing our stories, and building a safe community where we can all thrive. Together, we can turn our struggles into strength and create a more compassionate, resilient world.

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