As I celebrate 20 years of counseling and coaching executive leaders, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the unique characteristics, challenges, and strengths of high-achieving professionals. As an executive therapist, executive coach, and fellow leader of Flourish Executive Counseling and Coaching, I have worked closely with leaders to help them navigate their professional and personal lives. Below are some of the most profound insights I’ve gained into the personal lives of leaders over the past two decades.
1. High-achieving leaders push themselves hard.
Leaders are often relentless in their pursuit of success, believing in “leaving it all on the field.” This drive fuels their professional growth, but it can also lead to burnout if they’re not mindful of balance. As an executive coach, I help leaders recognize when to push forward and when to pause for self-care and reflection.
2. Many are self-achievement and self-actualization junkies.
High performers are addicted to self-improvement, constantly seeking ways to elevate their skills, knowledge, and impact. I relate to this personally, which is why I enjoy working with them so much as an executive counselor and coach!
3. Relationship skills are key to effective leadership.
The best leaders understand that success isn’t just about completing tasks—it’s about fostering strong relationships. They prioritize people over projects and know that meaningful connections drive sustainable success. As an executive counselor, I guide leaders in enhancing their emotional intelligence and relational skills to build high-performing teams.
4. Leaders are knowledge seekers.
Most leaders are hungry for knowledge, absorbing and applying new concepts quickly. Their ability to process and implement learning is one of their greatest strengths. Through executive coaching, I help them apply their insights effectively to optimize their leadership strategies.
5. ADHD and anxiety are common among high achievers.
Many leaders have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and/or high anxiety—both of which are linked to high intelligence. While these traits can be challenging, they also contribute to creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. As an executive counselor, I work with leaders to manage these traits in a way that enhances their performance rather than hinders it.
6. Leaders are their own worst critics.
Many executives hold themselves to incredibly high standards, often engaging in self-criticism. They usually benefit from cutting themselves some slack and turning down the volume on their inner critic. Executive coaching provides them with strategies to reframe their internal dialogue and maintain a healthy level of self-expectation.
7. Personal life regrets outweigh career regrets.
While leaders are willing to sacrifice everything for their careers, they often struggle with vulnerability in their personal lives. Fear and avoidance can hold them back in love and family relationships. As an executive counselor, I help leaders cultivate deeper personal connections while maintaining their professional excellence.
8. Big-picture thinking is their strength—details, not so much.
Most leaders excel at vision and strategy but struggle with details. They thrive when they have strong support systems to handle the details. As an executive coach, I assist them in structuring their teams and delegating effectively so they can focus on what they do best.
9. Scar tissue from past challenges shapes them.
Many leaders have endured difficult experiences that left lasting marks—from painful terminations to navigating crises like COVID-19. These moments shape their wisdom and resilience, making them stronger and more insightful leaders. As an executive counselor, I support them in processing these experiences and leveraging them for future growth.
Final Thoughts
After two decades of working as an executive coach and counselor for high-achieving executives, I’ve come to admire their resilience, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence. But I also recognize the struggles they face behind the scenes. My work is about helping them navigate both their professional and personal challenges with greater clarity, self-compassion, and balance.
If you see yourself in these insights and want to explore how executive coaching and counseling can support your leadership journey, let’s connect. You can learn more about me, Angela Sasseville, then contact me for a consultation. At Flourish Executive Counseling and Coaching, we specialize in guiding leaders toward sustainable success—both professionally and personally.