The Epidemic of Loneliness

Leadership can be lonely.

This is true if you are a solopreneur, a 6 figure agency owner, or a 9 figure business leader.?

They say, “it’s lonely at the top.” But what “they” DON’T say is this: IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE!

I am a STRONG proponent of community. I believe the people around you contribute to the quality of your life, and I believe they have a MASSIVE impact on the trajectory of your life.?

And you and I decide who those people are.?

We build our own “inner circle” of people that we let “in.” You know what I’m talking about: the people who get to see the “real you.” So often, leaders feel the need to project their “highlight reel” as their reality.?

It’s not your reality, by the way. For you or anyone else.

Please hear me say this, as clearly as I can. You and I need people around us who will encourage us, who will invest in our growth, and who will help us to sharpen our skills and our leadership. People who get to see and know the real us. And we get to see and know the real them.?

What is your plan to intentionally build the inner circle that will help you do that?

There is a massive need for community in the lives of most of the business owners I talk with these days. The pandemic did a number on a lot of people, and one of the biggest impacts was on interpersonal community. Jeff Henderson noted that “recently the U.S. Surgeon General said the fastest growing health epidemic in America is loneliness. Not cancer or heart disease. Loneliness.? He compared it to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness is an epidemic. Belonging is scarce.”?

About a year into the pandemic, Amy Edmondson, professor of leadership and management at Harvard Business School, said, “Too many are asking whether we will go back to normal. To me, the problematic word is “back.” There is no going back to pre-COVID times. There is only forward - to a new and uncertain future that? is currently presenting us with an opportunity for thoughtful design.”

So let’s be real. Are you thoughtfully and intentionally designing your life?

Are you thoughtfully and intentionally designing your “inner circle” community?

You can.?

There’s always a reason not to do something.?

“It’s so busy right now. Once things settle down, then I’ll have margin for that sort of thing.”

“I can’t afford to invest in myself like that right now. There are too many other things on my plate.”

“That’s a ‘nice to have.’ One day.”

And one day never comes. Or when it does, you look back with massive regret and see what could have been.?

I want something better for you than that.?

That’s why I’m starting something new - the Catalytic Mastermind.

This is an opportunity to be in the (virtual) room with other leaders twice a month who get it. They’ve experienced the loneliness that’s inherent and a part of too many leader’s lives. They experience the weight of leadership and the challenges every day. And they want to build community with others who will encourage them and help them to become the best version of themselves.?

This doesn’t just happen. You have to choose to do it.?

I’m only taking 12 people into this group right now. If you’re interested in applying, message me and let’s talk.?

*********

Do you wish leading a team was more energizing and less draining? Is it possible to grow and develop your skill as a team leader so that your team becomes a major energizing GAIN instead of a DRAIN??

I'm excited to announce my first LinkedIn Live Event,?

? "Supercharge Your Team's Productivity: 3 Strategies for Success." ?

Join me this Friday, July 14 from 11am-12pm EDT as we talk about 3 strategies that I've seen work time and again for my clients as they lead teams from mediocrity to excellence. You can find more information and register to attend here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:7078035087681847297/

********

If you want to learn more about developing a healthy mindset, leading your teams with excellence and intentionality, and overcoming the chaos you're facing and finding the calmness you need, here are some ways you can:

1. You can subscribe to my CATALYTIC LEADERSHIP PODCAST , where I interview entrepreneurs, agency and business owners, and leaders who share their wisdom and insights about their journey, leading teams, achieving business goals, conquering overworking and overthinking, healthy and effective communication, the catalytic mindset, and more. Choose the platform you like and subscribe to the show!?
2. You can subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch the podcast interviews instead of just listening to them.
3. You can purchase a copy of my newest book, Catalytic Leadership: 12 Keys to Becoming an Intentional Leader Who Makes a Difference . (available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook). I captured 12 key principles that I’ve seen consistently in the thousands of coaching conversations I’ve had with hundreds of leaders over the last 15+ years.?
4. You can book a call if you'd like my help with coaching and developing your team into the high-performance team you know it can be. I provide 1:1 coaching for entrepreneurs, founders, agency owners, and leaders, and provide group coaching for teams. AND…?
5. As noted above, I’m starting a new group coaching opportunity for entrepreneurs, agency, and business owners. The people around you matter so much more than you might think - what if you could surround yourself with people who will encourage you, invest in your growth, and help you to sharpen your skills and leadership? This new group is a chance to do just that. I’m only taking a dozen people for this new group, so if you’re interested, message me and I’ll send you the link to apply.?

Did you find this newsletter helpful? I would love to hear your feedback and thoughts.

I’m cheering you on!?

--William