A leadership role brings opportunity—but also stress, exposure, and constant decision-making. To thrive long-term, we need to lead authentically and stay anchored in what truly matters to us.

Self-awareness becomes both a compass and a shield: it shows us the way forward and protects us from losing ourselves in the process. Sometimes that means recalibrating, letting go, or even changing roles—for our sake and for the organisation’s health.

“Sometimes a CEO comes to me and says, ‘I want to develop this company.’ But after two hours of conversation, it turns out they’re deeply exhausted—they don’t even really want to keep working. The answer then isn’t: ‘Let’s not develop the company,’ but rather: ‘Let’s redefine your role—so the company can grow without you burning out.’ These are the kinds of things we clarify at the very beginning of the process.”

True leadership isn’t about always being on the front line. It’s about recognising where we’re most needed—and creating the conditions for others to succeed. When we build on a solid inner foundation, we not only guide ourselves but become an anchor for those around us.

If you’re curious how to bring more authenticity and self-awareness into your own career path, 🎧 join our latest Game Changers conversation with Kata Bánhalmi—and let’s explore what it could look like for you.