In a society obsessed with stories of success and wealth, CEOs are often seen as superheroes. Major corporations’ leaders manage billions of dollars, oversee thousands of employees, and enjoy seemingly enviable lifestyles. But what lies behind this image of power and success?
The recent tragedy involving Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, who was murdered in New York, has shed light on the personal risks and challenges faced by these leaders. While the circumstances of his death remain unclear, the incident shocked the corporate world and tragically highlighted the extreme pressures many CEOs endure. It serves as a reminder that, no matter how powerful they appear, CEOs are human, with their weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
According to Marcos Tonin, an HR executive and coaching specialist for CEOs with experience in 14 countries, psychological pressures and emotional isolation are constants in the lives of these leaders. “The CEO role is, without a doubt, the loneliest position in the corporate world,” Tonin remarks. He emphasizes that many CEOs struggle to balance their personal and professional lives, facing stress and loneliness that profoundly impact their mental health.
Recent studies from the Harvard Business Review reveal that 50% of CEOs report feeling isolated in their roles. This isolation is not just emotional; it directly affects decision-making. Challenger, Gray & Christmas data indicates that 61% of CEOs say loneliness negatively impacts their strategic choices. At the same time, a study by CEO World found that 70% of new CEOs feel they need more support, hindering their performance in the role.
Moreover, personal sacrifices are a steep price paid by those at the top. Exhaustive dedication to work—exceeding 50 hours a week and spending 30% of their time traveling—affects family life and mental health. This dark side of success has led to the unexpected resignations of major leaders like Noel Quinn, CEO of HSBC, and Kenny Wilson of Dr. Martens, who recently stepped down.
Tonin observes that the challenges CEOs face have intensified since the pandemic. “They are burdened with problems no one else wants to solve,” he explains. Missing important family moments, such as witnessing their children grow or sharing everyday experiences, creates significant emotional strain. This distance fosters a cycle of guilt and isolation that many leaders report as more difficult to overcome than professional challenges.
Many CEOs use psychological support and executive coaching to cope with these pressures. Tonin highlights that he has helped leaders manage stress, loneliness, and emotional crises throughout his career. “It’s crucial to remember that CEOs are not superheroes. They, too, have vulnerabilities and limitations,” he states. His work focuses on providing balance, ensuring these leaders can perform their roles with clarity and sustainability.
Recognizing that behind the achievements and glamour are vulnerable human beings is essential to humanizing the CEO role. “Being at the top is not just about running a company; it’s about carrying the world’s weight on your shoulders, facing challenges few can understand. Without balance, there can be no enduring leadership,” Tonin concludes.
Marcos Tonin is an executive coach and HR leader specializing in talent development across 14 countries. He has extensive experience coaching executives and vice presidents in multinational companies and highly collaborative business practices. As Director of Special Projects at Apoema Inteligência em Pessoas, he has spent over a decade developing innovative strategies that enhance the performance of teams comprising over 40,000 professionals and drive business results through collaboration. He is frequently featured in major media outlets such as O Globo, G1, InfoMoney, Valor Econômico, EXAME, Valor Investe, and Nova Brasil FM, providing expert insights on HR trends and leadership development.
