I hear a recurring issue from CEOs. They’re frustrated with the silos that have formed in their organizations and don’t know how to break them down. Everyone is so focused on his or her own priorities, and therefore, there’s no alignment.
When growth slows, most leaders look outside for answers—market conditions, competition, talent shortages. But in my coaching work with executive teams, I see a different pattern. More often than not, the bottleneck isn’t out there. It’s in the leadership team itself.
In our always-on world, disconnection feels counter-intuitive. Leaders often believe constant presence equals constant impact. We're wired to think "always on" means "always productive." But what if this mindset is actually holding you and your leadership team back?
The truth is, genuine disconnection is a strategic necessity. It's the deliberate act that unlocks clarity, fuels innovation, and builds a more autonomous, resilient team.
Recently, I had a profound conversation with Brian Wish on his podcast, the "One Away Show". We explored the power of a single pivotal moment that can completely alter the trajectory of your life. At the heart of my story is the decision to step away from a long-standing and high-profile CEO role that had become central to my identity. This is deeply relevant to any leader who must find the courage and clarity to make a choice which could transform the entire course of their company or career.
Strategic planning must now embrace the certainty of uncertainty. Recent global events have underscored the inherent unpredictability of the landscape we operate within, demanding a new level of adaptability and strategic resilience.
I'm constantly seeking insights into what propels organizations to achieve the seemingly impossible. I had the distinct privilege of exploring the inner workings of one such company: SpaceX, guided by the remarkable wisdom of its President and COO, Gwynne Shotwell. The leadership insights from my hour-long interview on the YPO Live platform offers a powerful blueprint for the relentless pursuit of ambitious goals in a high-velocity environment.
