Leadership without losing your sanity (or your soul)

Does your role as a senior leader feel like a storm right now? The leadership pressure, the politics, the relentless demands, it's like trying to herd caffeinated cats while walking a tightrope. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg. You go home, mentally replaying awkward conversations, wake up at 3 a.m. convinced you’ve solved all the world’s problems (my favourite trick), then get up in the morning feeling like you’ve been hit by a bus… and the workday hasn’t even started.

In the midst of this chaos, one truth remains: you may not be able to change the world, but you can refuse to let it change you.

The Reality of Toxic Environments

Toxic workplaces drain your energy faster than a dodgy phone battery. Negativity spreads like wildfire, and before you know it, you’re nodding along to nonsense just to keep the peace. But at what cost? If you're constantly walking on eggshells or losing sleep over office drama, it’s time for a reality check—survival shouldn’t come at the expense of your sanity.

Leadership Without Losing Yourself

For new senior leaders, the challenge is different but just as maddening. The sudden shift in dynamics, the expectation to have all the answers (spoiler: you won’t), and the weird isolation of leadership can make you question everything. But leadership is about influence, not about becoming a corporate chameleon just to fit in.

How to Stay True to Yourself in the Madness

1. Define Your Core Values – Get crystal clear on what you stand for. If you don’t, the chaos will decide for you.

2. Set Boundaries – You don’t have to respond to every email at lightning speed. Protect your time, energy, and snack drawer.

3. Lead by Example – Be the leader you wish you had. Authenticity is magnetic (even if you feel like a fraud some days).

4. Find Your Allies – Somewhere out there, another leader is also wondering if it’s just them. (It’s not.)

5. Know When to Walk Away – If the environment is draining your soul, no job title is worth that price.

The world may be chaotic. Workplaces may be broken. Leadership may be lonely. However, you always have a choice. You can stay grounded. You can hold on to who you are. You can refuse to let the world change you in ways that don’t serve you.

And that, is real leadership.

If you need a sounding board (or just someone to remind you that you’re not losing the plot), I’m here.

📞 Call: 07962 101879📧 Email: lila@lilapleban.com🌍 Website: www.lilapleban.com