In the past week alone, three different clients have shared something deeply personal with me. They feel lonely in their leadership roles.
A General Manager of a subsidiary of a European-headquartered company told me how isolated he feels. He’s drowning in work, still training his team so he can eventually delegate more. His boss is supportive but only has half an hour a week for him—just enough for quick decisions, but nowhere near enough time to talk about the bigger challenges on his mind.
A Startup CEO admitted she’s questioning whether she has what it takes to lead her business. The pressure of achieving double-digit growth feels like an unbearable weight on her shoulders. She has friends who also run startups, but no one she can really turn to for deep, strategic conversations to help her move forward with confidence.
An Executive Leader in a fast-growing creative studio told me, “I have no more evenings or weekends to myself. There is so much going on—delivering on projects, hiring new talent, and now HQ wants us to contribute to internal initiatives. I’m exhausted. This is not the person or husband I want to be.”
The Hidden Burden of Leadership
If any of this resonates, you’re not alone. Leadership can feel lonely—even when you’re constantly surrounded by people. The weight of responsibility, the pressure to always have the answers, and the challenge of making tough decisions can leave even the most successful leaders feeling isolated.
But here’s the thing: No one succeeds alone.
I see it all the time. The leaders who thrive—who inspire their teams, make great decisions, and feel fulfilled in their roles—are the ones who build strong support systems. They don’t try to do it all on their own.
Who’s in Your Corner?
If leadership feels lonely for you right now, it doesn’t have to stay that way. Here’s how you can start building your personal support team:
1. Who Energizes You?
Think about the people in your life—friends, family, mentors, colleagues, coaches. Who lifts you up? Who makes you feel more confident, capable, and inspired?
Now, look at your calendar. Are you spending enough time with them? If not, make a conscious effort to change that.
2. Who Drains You?
Some relationships take more energy than they give. Decide what you want to do about them:
• Accept: Let go of judgment and stop fighting the reality of the relationship.
• Leave: If a relationship consistently drains you, consider stepping away.
• Change: See if there’s a way to shift the dynamic and find common ground.
• Reframe: Change your perspective—what can you learn from this person?
3. What Kind of Support Do You Need?
Not all support looks the same. Be intentional about what you’re looking for:
• Do you need a strategic sounding board? Someone to help you think through big decisions?
• Do you need emotional support? Someone who just listens, no judgment?
• Do you need accountability? A partner to keep you on track?
• Do you need expert guidance? Someone more experienced who can mentor you?
You don’t have to do it all alone. The best leaders surround themselves with people who bring out their best—people who challenge, support, and inspire them.
I get it. Leadership is demanding, and at times, it can feel lonely. But it doesn’t have to be.
Take a moment today to think about who’s in your corner. Who do you need more of in your life? And what’s one small step you can take to strengthen your support system?
You deserve to be supported, just like the people you lead. Make the first move.
I’d love to hear your thoughts—have you ever felt this way? How do you handle the loneliness of leadership? Leave a comment, and let’s talk.
