You finally made it to the top. CEO. The leader. The decision-maker. π©
But then, something unexpected happensβ¦
The people who were once your peers now sit in silence after you leave the room. Some even seem to resent your success. You start questioning every decisionβshould you act like you have all the answers? Should you push harder? Should you just figure it out alone?
πΉ The truth? Isolation is the silent killer of first-time CEOs. πΉ
Listen to the full podcast HERE:Β
David Roche, executive coach and author of Become a Successful First-Time CEO, knows this struggle all too well. He recalls the pressure of walking into a boardroom, prepared for weeks, only to be told last-minute, βWe need another $X million on the bottom line.β No discussion. No strategy. Just a number.
Itβs in these moments that first-time CEOs realize leadership isnβt just about making decisionsβitβs about relationships.
The best CEOs donβt pretend to have all the answers. Instead, they build strong, trusted relationshipsβinternally with their team, externally with mentors and advisors. The most powerful thing a CEO can do? Drop the armor, admit what they donβt know, and seek guidance.
π A great CEO isnβt the one who knows everythingβtheyβre the one who knows where to turn for help.
If youβre a founder, CEO, or leader, ask yourself: Do you have someone in your corner?
π¬ Drop a comment: Whatβs the hardest leadership lesson youβve learned?