Kym Ali is the CEO of Kym Ali Consulting.
As a former corporate executive turned entrepreneur, I get it—leadership is tough. My conversations with fellow leaders reveal a harsh reality: many are burnt out, unfulfilled and even considering career changes due to a lack of support and overwhelming demands.
In this article, I’m diving into the details of why senior leaders feel this way and, more importantly, how to turn it around.
First, understand the root causes of burnout.
It’s a misconception that higher positions come with more support. In reality, one of the most common causes of burnout I hear from senior leaders is the lack of support from upper management or board members. Many leaders find themselves without the resources, financial backing or development opportunities they need to succeed. Moreover, they often face decision-making resistance from these same board members and upper managers, which adds to the stress of executive positions.
Chronic stress is the root cause of burnout.
When you’re continually faced with deadlines, deliverables and the pressure to meet company goals, your body’s stress response—marked by elevated cortisol levels—becomes constant. While this response is beneficial in short bursts, prolonged exposure can lead to severe health issues, including headaches, sleep deprivation, anxiety, depression, and even heart attacks and strokes.
When considered in combination with the typical routine of a CEO一long hours of high-stress work, with limited time for exercise and social connection一many executives feel that something needs to change.
Next, understand what you can do to change it.
When I’m working with executives, I like to start by connecting with their core values. I’ll tell them my story of rising to the executive level and experiencing burnout, which opens up space to share their experiences.
Reflect on why you took your current role. Was it for the salary, alignment with the company’s values, something else? Over time, your values or the company’s values might have shifted. As your finances change, the job might no longer be worth the salary. Understanding what truly matters to you is the first step in visualizing what you’d like to change.
1. Seek support through mentorship and coaching. Finding a mentor or coach can be incredibly valuable. A mentor, particularly someone who is where you aspire to be in the next five to 10 years, can provide insight and guidance based on their experience. This can be someone completely outside your business or even a colleague whose position interests you in some way.
A career coach helps you navigate your path by asking questions that get you thinking in new ways. Instead of an external mentor, coaches often rely on your own insights and strengths to achieve your goals.
If you have a busy schedule, consider informal mentorships or career coaching that don’t take up a lot of your time but give you a lot of value in return. You’d be surprised how much you can gain from one hour of directed conversation.
2. Explore new and interesting opportunities. If your current role no longer aligns with your values or passions, consider other opportunities within or outside of your organization. Look at your existing skills and how they can be applied in different contexts. You might consider mentoring a colleague whose role interests you or reconnecting with your passions and interests outside of the workplace.
Whether it’s moving to another department, starting your own business or consulting for your current company, small steps in a new direction can reignite your passion. Start by dedicating time after work or on weekends to build your experience or clientele and gradually transition into your new role when you’re ready.
3. Prioritize personal care. Taking care of your physical, emotional and spiritual needs is essential to maintaining your edge as a leader. Engage in activities that release endorphins—your feel-good hormones—such as exercise, hobbies or spending time with loved ones. These uplift your mood, maintain your focus and sharpen your decision-making skills.
4. Manage your workload effectively. Adopting a systematic approach to managing tasks can alleviate stress. Use the framework: “Do it, delegate it, delayit, deleteit.” This helps you prioritize tasks so you can focus on what’s truly important and delegate or eliminate what’s not.
Remember, the work will always be there; learning to manage it effectively is key to reducing your stress and burnout.
When you’re stressed, your decision-making skills, mental health and engagement with your team can suffer. On the other hand, leaders who take charge of their mental health set a positive tone for their company culture.
Burnout among senior leaders is a serious issue that often goes unnoticed. However, by understanding its root causes and implementing practical strategies, you can feel more fulfilled and effective in your leadership role.
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