The Accidental CEO #5

Leadership often feels like being on a rollercoaster - a thrilling, unpredictable ride with plenty of highs, lows, and unexpected twists. There are days when everything clicks, and you feel on top of the world. And then, there are days when the weight of responsibility and endless demands make it feel overwhelming. I’ve learned that this sense of instability is part of the journey, especially when you are a CEO I’ve come to learn! Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong; it just means you’re carrying a lot.

Here are three key themes I’ve come to understand about the rollercoaster of leadership and a few strategies I’ve found helpful for staying grounded.

Insight 1: Embrace highs and lows

One of the first things I learned is that the highs and lows are not only natural but essential for growth. The peaks give you the confidence to push forward, while the valleys force you to reevaluate, adapt, and strengthen. In fact, some of the toughest moments in my career have led to the most significant lessons and growth.

Instead of fearing the lows, I’ve come to see them as necessary pauses, times to reflect and recalibrate. Growth rarely comes from a smooth, steady ride; it’s the unexpected twists and drops that make you better, more resilient, and ultimately, more capable as a leader.

Insight 2: Accept that control is an illusion

In leadership, you’ll often feel a strong urge to control everything. After all, the stakes are high, and it’s natural to want to ensure everything goes as planned. But here’s the hard truth: control is often just an illusion. You can plan, prepare, and anticipate, but unexpected issues will still arise.

Accepting that you don’t have full control over every outcome is liberating. It allows you to focus on what you can control - your decisions, reactions, and the environment you create for your team. Learning to let go of the need for absolute control has allowed me to lead with more flexibility and to better handle unexpected challenges.

Insight 3: Self-doubt is inevitable

If there’s one constant in leadership, it’s the presence of self-doubt. You’ll always be faced with situations you’ve never handled before, decisions that feel beyond your experience, and responsibilities that stretch you. But here’s the thing, everyone feels this way. No matter how seasoned, every leader encounters moments of insecurity when they’re pushing into unknown territory.

One of the best ways to handle this is to surround yourself with people who are experts in areas where you may not be. I’ve learned to seek out people who are not only smarter than I am but who bring deep expertise in fields that complement my own. By empowering others and respecting their expertise, you’re not only supporting your own growth but fostering a collaborative environment that benefits everyone

Coping tips for staying grounded (all of which are sometimes easier said than done, so you have to be disciplined with yourself!)

• Prioritise breaks and disconnecting: I’ve said this before and I’m not ashamed to repeat it, but regularly step away to reset, even if just for a short break. Make it a habit to fully disconnect every few weeks to recharge and return with a fresh perspective.
• Focus on small wins: On tough days, remind yourself of small victories. Celebrating these keeps morale high and reminds you that progress, however small, is still progress.
• Lean on a support network: Talk to mentors, peers, or trusted friends who understand the ups and downs of leadership. Having someone to share challenges and insights with can be a powerful way to stay balanced.

Final thoughts

The rollercoaster of leadership can be overwhelming, but remember that every leader feels this way at some point. The highs, lows, and uncertainties are simply part of the journey. Accepting them and learning to navigate through the chaos with trust, adaptability, and self-compassion will not only help you become a stronger leader but also help you appreciate the ride.

– The Accidental CEO

Previous posts:

The Accidental CEO #1

The Accidental CEO #2

The Accidental CEO #3

The Accidental CEO #4