Hi there,

Last week, I had a conversation with a startup mentor who mentioned that many startup CEOs fail because they’re too focused on their egos. This, he explained, becomes the biggest trap—preventing them from listening to their teams, noticing market demands, and responding quickly to customer needs.

I couldn’t agree more. In my coaching practice, I frequently work with senior leaders and CEOs who aspire to be effective leaders and steer their organizations toward success. However, they often find themselves overly concerned with how they’re perceived—whether they command enough respect and authority to implement the changes they envision.

Drawing from my experience, I wrote a Forbes Coaches Council article titled “Why First-Time CEOs Fail, And Five Ways To Succeed.” The lessons in this article are equally relevant to any leader stepping into a new role. Read the full article on Forbes website.

To prepare, I had the privilege of interviewing executive leaders who generously shared their insights.

Erik Visser, CEO of Hamlet Protein, discussed how he builds relationships with the board and his team. You can read the full interview here.

Meanwhile, Davidson Oturu, Managing Partner at Nubia Capital, offered valuable insights into common mistakes made by first-time CEOs, the importance of team composition, and advice for new leaders taking the reins of an existing company. His interview is available here.

If you’re stepping into a new leadership role or simply looking to refine your approach, these interviews are packed with actionable advice. Don’t miss out on the lessons shared by those who’ve been in your shoes.

Take care,

Daria

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