Episode 43

Leadership can be lonely

Published on: 13th June, 2024

If you're a founder or business owner, you probably know it can get lonely at times. You're running things but who is there to support, challenge and share with?

In this episode, I explain the challenges of loneliness that leaders, founders, and entrepreneurs often face. I share insights from my coaching experience, highlighting the signs and potential consequences of loneliness at the top. Loneliness is a signal to seek connection. I share a case study of a client, "John," who experienced a positive transformation by working with a coach to overcome his creative stagnation and regain a sense of fulfillment.

Key Learnings:

1. Loneliness at the top can lead to negative mindsets, lack of creativity, poor decision-making, and stagnation.

2. Signs of loneliness include negativity, overworking, stress, and a tendency to avoid risks or opportunities.

3. Seeking connection through mentors, coaches, or peers can provide the necessary support, challenge, and fresh perspectives to overcome loneliness and reignite creativity and problem-solving abilities.

4. Humans are social beings, and flourishing often requires the exchange of ideas and validation from others.

Show Notes:

00:00:10 - Introduction to the topic of loneliness in leadership roles.

00:01:00 - Signs of loneliness, such as negativity, stress, and overworking.

00:01:30 - Mindset issues associated with loneliness, including avoiding loss and stagnation.

00:02:00 - Potential consequences of loneliness, such as poor decision-making and lack of creativity.

00:02:50 - The importance of seeking connection and processing thoughts with others.

00:03:10 - The benefits of working with collaborators, mentors, or coaches.

00:03:50 - A case study of "John," a client who overcame creative stagnation through coaching.

00:05:30 - The positive transformation in "John's" mindset and creativity after working with a coach.

00:06:30 - Suggestions for seeking connection through business buddies, cohorts, mentors, or coaches.

00:07:10 - The importance of recognizing loneliness and taking action to seek connection.

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About the Podcast

Mindset, Mood & Movement: Systems Thinking for Founder
Human performance podcast for life and business
Welcome to the Mindset, Mood & Movement Podcast. Your essential resource for founders, freelancers, and business owners looking to optimise their mindset, health, and business success.

Dive deep into the realm of human performance with us as we explore the systemic connections between psychology, emotions, and physical wellbeing, and their profound impact on achieving success and fulfilment in both personal and professional life.

Discover 3 key outcome areas: enhancing performance, redefining fulfilment, and cultivating peace of mind. Join me as I feature guest specialists in various fields, offering invaluable insights and expertise plus mini-episodes where I address specific challenge and provide actionable guidance on overcoming these obstacles.

Each episode is crafted to provide education, tools and strategies for you, whether you're navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship or seeking personal growth in your professional journey. My podcast serves as your ultimate guide to self-improvement and achieving excellence in your endeavours.

Expect to gain practical insights, delve into expert interviews, and receive actionable strategies tailored to the unique needs of small business owners and ambitious individuals striving to make a positive impact on the world.

About your host

Profile picture for Sal Jefferies

Sal Jefferies

Iโ€™m Sal - Human Performance Coach, Educator and Founder.

Everything I coach and teach is what I practice in my life. Mindset work including psychological and emotional development. And for my physical health, I do strength training, fitness and breathing practices. In all areas, I'm constantly learning and always growing.

At mid-life, I'm curious to how we can shape the second half of our life whilst using the latest science and learning's from psychology, emotional regulation and physical health. Over the last 25 years, I have immersed myself in many Eastern influences from philosophy, yoga and meditation. I find in our current world, there's much to learn by combining the latest science with ancient wisdom.

For me, working on the mind is paramount. Also, remaining fit, healthy and curious helps me increase performance, find fulfilment and create peace of mind. I believe this is important both a personal and professional life.

My professional endeavours, which inform my work, include:
Human Performance Coaching (for Founders), Contemporary Psychotherapist, Yoga Teacher, Strength & Conditioning Trainer and Breathwork Trainer. Before this latest chapter of my life, I've been a Photographer, Advertising Exec & Dancer.

When I'm not working, educating or learning, I'll be out with my dogs by the sea in Brighton, UK.