My recent feature on Grey Matters International and the growing epidemic of executive exhaustion
I was recently featured in an article on Grey Matters International discussing a crisis I’ve witnessed repeatedly in my executive coaching practice: CEO burnout. As the founder of CxO Elevate, I’ve seen this epidemic firsthand, and I believe it’s time we address the uncomfortable truths about executive leadership in today’s business environment.
About Grey Matters International
The platform where my insights were featured, Grey Matters International, represents something unique in the executive wellness space. Founded by Dr. Kevin Fleming, this neuroscience-based consulting firm takes a revolutionary approach to executive behavior change that I deeply respect. Unlike traditional coaching models, Grey Matters combines decisional neuroscience with concierge-level care to help high-performing individuals achieve sustainable behavior change.
What sets them apart is their understanding that executives require different approaches than typical therapy or coaching clients. They describe themselves as “change agents that are revolutionizing both the corporate hallways as well as the homes, relationships, and families of successful individuals who are tired of run-of-the-mill ‘feel good’ coaches, trainers, shrinks and self-help experts who don’t understand the high performing brain.”
Their comprehensive approach to “major life issue” recovery is founded upon advanced neuroscience-based processes, utilizing innovative recovery techniques based upon neuroplasticity science. This aligns with what I’ve observed in my own practice: traditional methods often fall short when working with executive-level minds.
What I’ve Learned About CEO Burnout
Through years of coaching executives and my own experience in CEO positions, I’ve developed some strong convictions about what’s really happening in our executive suites:
It’s Not About Hours Worked
One of the most important insights I shared was this:
“Burnout is not just about long hours. It is about a poor match between personality and the demands of the role.”
Many people mistakenly believe CEO burnout is solely about working 80-hour weeks. That misses the point entirely. I’ve seen executives thrive under enormous time pressures when they’re aligned with their role, and I’ve seen others crumble under moderate workloads when there’s a fundamental mismatch between who they are and what the job requires.
The Modern CEO Carries More Weight
I’ve observed a significant shift in the CEO role over the past decade:
“Recently, CEO burnout has become more acute because layers of management have been stripped away and more weight sits on the CEO’s shoulders.”
Organizations have become leaner, but that efficiency comes at a cost. Where CEOs once had multiple layers of management to distribute responsibility and provide support, today’s executives often find themselves as the sole decision-makers and problem-solvers for an increasingly wide range of issues.
The Isolation is Real and Dangerous
Perhaps the most difficult truth I shared was from my own experience:
“I have been burned out in CEO positions, and the last thing I was going to do was tell my board that. You can’t share with your board or your staff as a CEO that you’re not feeling it, because then they lose confidence.”
This is the catch-22 that nearly every executive faces. The very people who could provide support become the ones you can’t be vulnerable with. Board members want confidence and strength. Staff members need to believe in your leadership. Where does that leave the CEO when they’re struggling?
What I See in My Practice
The statistics bear out what I witness daily: 52% of global CEOs report feeling overworked and burned out. But behind those numbers are real people making decisions that affect thousands of employees, millions in revenue, and their own families’ well-being.
I’ve worked with executives who put on a perfect performance in boardrooms while privately struggling with anxiety, depression, and decision fatigue. The cost isn’t just personal. Research shows that executives struggling with burnout cost companies an average of more than $20,000 per year, and with CEO tenure at a record low of 6.8 years, we’re clearly not creating sustainable leadership models.
Why Traditional Approaches Fall Short
Most coaching and therapy approaches weren’t designed for the executive mind. High-performing leaders process information differently, handle stress through different mechanisms, and have unique psychological patterns that require specialized intervention.
This is why I’m increasingly interested in the neuroscience-based approaches that organizations like Grey Matters International are pioneering. When I work with a burned-out CEO, I’m not just dealing with stress management. I often work with individuals whose entire identity is tied to their performance, whose brains have been rewired by years of high-stakes decision-making, and whose support systems have been systematically dismantled by the demands of their role.
The Path Forward
The solution isn’t to work less hard or lower our standards. The solution lies in understanding how executive brains work and creating support systems that match the reality of modern leadership demands.
Boards need to recognize that executive wellness isn’t a luxury—it’s a business imperative. Companies need to invest in sophisticated approaches to leader development that go beyond traditional coaching. And executives themselves need to understand that seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of wisdom.
The conversation I had with Grey Matters International represents just the beginning of what I hope will be a broader recognition that we need to rethink how we support our business leaders fundamentally. The cost of ignoring this crisis is too high for all of us. You can read the Grey Matters post here.
Glen Hellman is the founder of CxO Elevate, where he works with executives facing burnout and leadership challenges. Are you burned out or want to avoid getting there? Try a complimentary coaching session by clicking the link below.
