Tough Love Truths for Corporate Executives: What I Wish I Knew as CHRO and VP

What No One Told Me Before —and What You Need to Hear Now

If I could go back and give my younger self a brutally honest download before stepping into my first executive role, I would. Not to scare her, but to spare her the headaches, the sleepless nights, and the moments of self-doubt.

As a former CHRO and VP, I’ve lived through the high-pressure, high-stakes environment of corporate leadership. I’ve worked through the long hours, political minefields, and the crushing weight of being the one responsible. But I also learned what it takes to excel in that space. At least 80% of the time.

If you’re moving into the executive suite or already there and feeling the strain, here’s what I wish someone had told me. These hard truths may not be comfortable, but they’ll prepare you for the reality of leadership—and help you come out stronger.

1. You’re 100% Accountable—No Exceptions

When you’re a leader at this level, accountability isn’t shared. Sure, you have a team that needs to step up, but when things go wrong, it’s your name that’s on the line. In my CHRO role, I learned that being a “single point of accountability” isn’t just a buzzword. It's a mindset shift. You can’t deflect. You can’t hide. You own the outcomes—good, bad, or ugly.

This realization isn’t just heavy—it’s transformative. Once you accept full accountability, you gain clarity. Decisions become sharper, priorities clearer, and your leadership more decisive.

2. You’ll Work More Hours Than You Want—Sometimes

I wish I could tell you that achieving work-life "whatever" is entirely possible, but the reality is, at times, it’s a grind. There were seasons when I clocked far more hours than I wanted—late nights in the office, early morning calls across time zones, and weekends blurred into workdays. But only sometimes.

Here’s the key: Don’t make it your default mode. Recognize these intense periods as temporary, but plan for recovery. Build resilience by scheduling intentional downtime after those sprints. The grind will test you, but your boundaries will save you.

3. Politics Are Part of the Job—Learn to Handle Them

I’ve seen careers stagnate because people refuse to acknowledge the political landscape of leadership. Whether it was navigating boardroom dynamics as a CHRO or working with other executives in my VP role, politics were always in play. And no, it wasn’t always pleasant.

But here’s the truth: politics are about relationships and influence. Learn how to read the room, understand motives, and build pre-agreements. This isn’t manipulation—it’s strategic leadership. Stay emotionally intelligent, and don’t let your ego lead.

4. Let Go of the Little Things—Or They’ll Bury You

When I was new to leadership, I thought I needed to control everything. Every detail felt critical. But perfectionism is the enemy of progress. You have to learn to let go.

In my early days as VP, I’d stress over small things—wording on slides, formatting in reports—until I realized those minor details were eating up my energy and stealing my focus from the bigger picture. Prioritize what truly matters, and delegate the rest.

5. Embrace Ambiguity and Lead Without All the Answers

The higher you climb, the less clarity you’ll have. There were countless times I had to make decisions without complete information—whether it was HR strategy during Covid turbulence or guiding the company through organizational change.

You won’t always have all the answers. And that’s fine. What matters is your ability to lead confidently in the face of uncertainty. Trust your instincts, listen to your team, and know that decisive action is better than perfect hesitation.

6. Business Acumen Isn’t Optional

Early in my career, I believed being excellent in my lane was enough. But at the executive level, knowing HR alone wasn’t sufficient. Understanding finance, operations, and market trends became critical. Was I a natural? Far from it. Did I get better? I sure did.

Executives aren’t just functional leaders—they’re business leaders. If you want a seat at the table, you need to know what drives the business. Learn how to read financial reports, understand market dynamics, and speak the language of your peers. Your value multiplies when you can contribute beyond your specialty.

7. Sometimes, You’ll Have to Roll Up Your Sleeves

Leading from the front isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential. There were moments when I had to step in, whether it was handling a tough negotiation or solving an HR crisis on a Saturday morning. Being willing to do the work alongside your team earns respect and shows you’re invested in outcomes, not just optics.

Don’t delegate away your credibility. Be prepared to get in the trenches when necessary.

8. You’ll Mentally Draft Your Exit Plan—And That’s Normal

During tough times, I can’t count how many times I mentally rehearsed my resignation letter. It wasn’t because I hated my job. It was because leadership is exhausting, and sometimes you wonder if it’s all worth it.

Here’s what I’ve learned: those moments don’t define your commitment. They’re a sign that you’re human. Step back, recalibrate, and reconnect with your purpose. It’s okay to feel that tension; it’s part of the growth journey.

The Bottom Line

Leadership isn’t just a role; it’s a relentless test of your resilience, strategy, and purpose. These truths aren’t meant to deter you—they’re meant to prepare you. Because when you know what’s coming, you can meet it head-on.

Which of these tough love truths resonates with you the most? Or which do you wish someone had told you earlier? Let’s start a conversation—drop your thoughts in the comments.

Stay strong, lead well, and remember: You’ve got this.

Teresa