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Ep 7 - The Leadership Dilemmas CEOs Don't Talk About
Episode 715th January 2026 • Beyond Leading • Beyond Leading
00:00:00 00:33:50

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with Alec Pearson, Ellen Putz and Nick Sellers

In this episode, Alec is joined by Nick Sellers and owner of EP Talent Search and Executive Coach Ellen Putz, from the Netherlands, to explore the real and often hidden pressures of leading from the top.

In this conversation we explore:

  1. Why imposter syndrome shows up even when you wear the CEO title
  2. How leaders handle the pressure to appear confident and certain when they’re not
  3. What vulnerability looks like in senior roles — and whether it strengthens or weakens leadership
  4. The delicate line between being liked and being respected
  5. How CEOs balance communication across investors, boards and their own teams
  6. Why delegation can feel harder the higher up you go
  7. The surprising loneliness of leadership — and how leaders cope with it
  8. Where senior leaders find support, space and perspective when the stakes are high

Whether you're already in a senior role, preparing for one, or simply curious about what happens behind closed boardroom doors, this episode lifts the curtain and sparks reflection on what leadership really demands.

This episode comes with a free factsheet — sign up via: https://beyond-leading.captivate.fm/episode-factsheet

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