The CEO’s Playbook For Growth In An Uncertain Economy
April 29, 2025
“You gave me advice last year that changed my life. I will always be grateful.” This comment came from the founder of an extremely successful organization that was just getting ready to go public. I (MG) had no idea to which specific advice he was referring.
He continued, “I was feeling anxious and sometimes depressed. I was concerned that I was not living a ‘well-balanced life.’ I was working extremely hard but not spending as much time with my family, my friends and my charitable work as I had in the past. I felt guilty and a little ashamed of myself.
“You said, ‘This is a very special time in your life. You have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Go for it! Just because you will be putting in lots of hours for the next couple of years does not mean that this pattern has to continue for the rest of your life. You are young. You have many years ahead of you. Your family will understand. The nonprofits you support will appreciate the large contributions from what you earn.’”
We have seen this same phenomenon in many different settings. I (KG) have seen young Ph.D. students have the same existential crisis, as they worked on their dissertations, and assistant professors go through the same drama, as they got close to getting tenure. I try to assure them that this level of pressure will not last forever. Just “get the ball over the line” now.
We give the same advice to authors who are publishing their first book: “This is it. You will never get to write another first book that captures the highlights of what you have learned in your life. After the book is published, if you want it to be a success, get ready to pay the price. You are going to be on the road giving talks about the book or doing podcasts—over and over again. It will be a huge amount of work but, if you really believe in your book and want people to read it, it will be well worth the effort.”
Leading a well-balanced life does not mean that every year will be a well-balanced year. One of our great friends was an investment banker for 10 years and then became the CEO of a nonprofit and worked for free. Others were in nonprofits, the military or in public service and later made money. It’s OK.
The same is true for health and family relations. One CEO noted that she had given up one year in the prime of her career to be with her dying mother. She did not regret her decision for one minute. Another leader said that he had a serious health issue and went on leave for six months to focus on taking care of himself. Thankfully, he recovered and is now back at work. Neither he nor his family regretted his decision.
As a leader, this is a great message to share with your direct reports. There are going to be times when they, like you, need to make a sacrifice. There will be times when your organization will face unique opportunities and challenges. As leaders, they cannot expect every week to be a well-balanced week.
Our suggestion for you, as a person, is to look in the mirror. What does a well-balanced life mean to you? No one can answer that question for you but you. No one else can tell you about your purpose in life. No one else can tell you what will bring you long-term satisfaction and joy.
Make peace with your decisions. Some people imply that every day needs to be a well-balanced day. Not us. We suggest that you lead a well-balanced life, as only you can define it. Drop that guilt about not having a well-balanced year.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.