It’s been just over six months since I left corporate life behind. After more than two decades—26 years, in fact—inside large organisations, I took the leap into solopreneurship. I knew the move would be significant, but I hadn’t fully appreciated how deep the shift would run.
Leaving corporate isn’t just about walking away from a salary or a structured work environment. It’s far more layered than that. Yes, there’s the financial security of a predictable income. Yes, there’s the daily support that comes from having departments, teams, and well-defined systems around you. And of course, there’s the human connection—being part of a team, a bigger engine.
But the real transition began the moment I asked myself: what is financial security, really?
I used to think it meant having enough money set aside to provide certainty—a sense that the future was somehow “handled.” But the more I sat with it, the more I saw how elusive that certainty really is. We can accumulate wealth and still be deeply insecure. Life has a way of disrupting even our best-laid financial plans. So what exactly was I securing? Against what?
The harder I looked, the more I realised this: what I truly value isn’t security. It’s meaning.
I’m grateful for all those years of financial stability, but they never defined me. They propped up a lifestyle, sure—but they didn’t align with the deeper question of who I’m here to be.
And so I found myself in a new space—one where I’m not chasing financial security as much as I’m exploring personal alignment. I’ve chosen to serve men in leadership, particularly those navigating midlife transitions. I’ve chosen to work with teams who want to operate with more purpose. And yes, I’ve also chosen the path where income isn’t guaranteed, where consultants often joke we’re only three months from bankruptcy.
But with that comes something else: energy.
I wake up in the morning with more clarity and conviction than I have in years. I even joke that every area of my life is thriving—except my bank account, which is currently on a bit of a fast.
It’s forced me to re-evaluate what I actually need. What I used to call “essentials” now feel more like clutter—things I’d acquired out of habit, comfort, or image rather than true necessity. Letting go of them hasn’t been easy. There’s a kind of tearing that happens when you start removing long-held routines, possessions, and assumptions. But as painful as the initial letting go can be, it’s been liberating. I feel lighter. Less distracted. More focused.
I’ve also had to confront my own conditioning. I catch myself feeling guilty if I’m not at my desk during “normal” business hours—even though I often work early mornings, nights, and weekends. I’ve always said it’s not about the hours; it’s about the outcome. And yet, decades of programming still whisper, “you should be working.”
More than anything, this journey has confronted me with fear.
Fear of failing.
Fear of financial instability.
Fear of changing too much, too fast.
But in confronting those fears, I’ve also uncovered truths. Some fears are based on things that were once true, but no longer are. Some are lies I’ve believed about myself. And some are just outdated assumptions I never questioned until now.
This is the quiet gift of stepping out of the familiar: it gives you a chance to rewrite your way of being.
From that space, new opportunities have begun to emerge—opportunities that once felt too distant to even contemplate. I’m not clinging so tightly anymore. I’m more open to what might arise. I’m learning to walk with fear, but not be led by it.
The first six months of solopreneurship have brought deep internal shifts. Mindset. Lifestyle. Priorities. And while there’s still a long way to go, I’m profoundly grateful. Not because the path is easy—but because it’s honest.
This isn’t a critique of the corporate world. It’s simply an honest look at how I was living inside it, and the changes that became possible only when I left.
Now, I look ahead with a new perspective—on life, on purpose, on what I actually need to make meaning. I still care about money, but I no longer serve it. I’m more curious about where my skills, experience, and calling might be needed. And for the first time in a long time, I feel truly alive.
In today’s volatile business world, leadership is not just a role — it’s a pressure cooker. And for many male executives in midlife, the pressure is not only external. It’s internal.
You’re carrying the weight of business responsibility, family obligations, ageing parents, and the creeping question, "Where is this all heading?"
That’s why executive coaching is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s a necessity.
Coaching offers something rare: space. Space to think clearly. To process pressure. To rediscover purpose. And it’s not just talk — the data backs it up.
For men in leadership, midlife can trigger a unique kind of identity shake-up. You’ve achieved a lot, but you’re not sure it’s what you truly wanted. The energy is lower. The stakes feel higher. And the margin for error feels non-existent.
Executive coaching doesn’t add more to your plate — it helps you clear it.
According to a Manchester Inc. study of Fortune 1000 executives, coaching delivered:
Improved working relationships with direct reports (77%)
Better relationships with immediate supervisors (71%)
Increased teamwork (67%)
Higher job satisfaction (61%)
Improved organisational commitment (44%)
And a 53% rise in overall productivity
And most strikingly, those who invested in coaching saw an average return of 570% ROI.
In some cases, that return exceeded 788%, accounting for gains in productivity, retention, and morale.
Now imagine what that level of clarity and alignment could do — not just for your business, but for your life.
When a man in midlife starts to drift — disconnected, uncertain, or stretched too thin — it doesn’t stay private. It shows up in the business: decision fatigue, conflict avoidance, disengaged leadership, and stalled momentum.
Executive coaching is one of the most effective ways to restore clarity and direction before the drift becomes decline.
When senior leaders are coached well:
Culture stabilises
Team cohesion improves
Strategic focus sharpens
Communication flows more easily
People stay longer — and perform better
In short, when the leader is restored, so is the organisation.
Too often, organisations wait until a leader burns out, implodes, or exits before intervening. But the smarter move is earlier — when the questions are still whispering.
And for many male executives in midlife, those whispers are growing louder:
"Is this success, or just survival?"
"I’m providing, but am I really present?"
"How do I lead others when I’m not clear on where I’m going?"
Coaching provides the tools — and the time — to wrestle with those questions in a safe, constructive space. It’s not about rescuing. It’s about realigning.
For male leaders in midlife, the stakes are deeply personal and highly professional. Executive coaching is one of the few interventions that honours both.
It’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of wisdom.
When you invest in coaching, you invest in clarity, capacity, and long-term contribution — not just for the leader, but for everyone they lead.
I work with executive men navigating midlife, identity questions, and leadership challenges. Together, we uncover what’s been buried under pressure — and help restore the confidence and clarity you need to lead well.
📩 DM me to set up a no-obligation discovery conversation.
📖 More insights like this are shared regularly on Substack – find the link in my profile and subscribe if you’d like to follow along.
For years, I lived by "the rules": high-powered job, luxurious lifestyle, upmarket family neighbourhood. But as I hit midlife, I began to feel a nagging emptiness, like something was missing.
For many men in leadership, midlife prompts unsettling questions. Renowned psychologist Erik Erikson identified this phase as “generativity vs. stagnation,” where people feel driven to make meaningful contributions or risk feeling aimless. Studies show that around midlife, both men & women experience heightened self-reflection.
⏭️A Time for Reinvention, Not Crisis
This period need not be a “crisis” but rather a doorway to reinvention. In ‘Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes’, author William Bridges highlights that every transition has three stages:
1️⃣ an ending,
2️⃣ an in-between phase, &
3️⃣ a new beginning.
Embracing midlife changes can set the stage for “realignment,” where executives connect to what truly fulfils them. Dr Carol Ryff’s research on psychological well-being shows that a sense of purpose & personal growth is key to thriving through life’s stages.
Reinvention doesn’t mean discarding past successes; rather, it’s about shedding what no longer fits, reimagining career & personal life in ways that reflect current aspirations. This might involve nurturing close relationships, rediscovering passions or prioritising health. When directed intentionally, midlife can be an energising pivot to reclaim one’s inner drive.
⏭️Benefits of a Successfully Navigated Transition
Embracing reinvention can significantly impact mental health, relationships & professional satisfaction. Research from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies of human flourishing, reveals that a renewed sense of purpose in midlife is linked to well-being & resilience. By navigating this phase with self-awareness, leaders can create a more meaningful life.
Managing this transition successfully allows men to approach their later years with excitement rather than resignation. In ‘Falling Upward’, Richard Rohr emphasises that midlife offers a chance to build a “second-half identity,” rooted in authenticity rather than achievements, making leaders more resilient & engaged at work & home.
⏭️ Taking Charge of Your Reinvention
If you find yourself at this crossroads, consider what life could look like if you realigned with what truly matters. Embracing this chance for reinvention means avoiding the pitfalls of a midlife crisis & setting a foundation for a life rich in purpose.
This journey doesn’t need to be taken alone. If you’re ready to explore how realignment could renew your life, reach out for a supportive conversation. Together, we can map a path toward clarity, renewed energy & a deeper sense of fulfilment.
Link in my bio.
hashtag#MidlifeReinvention hashtag#MenInLeadership hashtag#ExecutiveLife hashtag#PurposeRealignment hashtag#MidlifeReflections hashtag#MensMentalHealth hashtag#ReclaimPurpose
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson 🥇
For many men in leadership, midlife comes with a reckoning. You’ve followed the script - built a successful career, raised a family and accumulated the outward signs of success. Yet, beneath the surface, there’s a nagging sense of misalignment.
This isn’t failure ‼️ It’s the hidden cost of living for societal expectations instead of your true self.
$$ The Cost of Pretending $$
Conforming to external demands - driving the right car, taking the right holidays and projecting the image of success - often comes at the expense of authenticity. The relentless effort to "fit in" can rob you of your identity, leaving you feeling lost in a life that isn’t truly yours.
Renowned author Brené Brown notes that vulnerability - the courage to show up as your authentic self - is the key to meaningful connections and personal fulfilment. Yet society discourages men from showing vulnerability, asking them instead to project strength, even when it’s a façade. 🎭
$$The Impact of Living for Others$$
Living up to expectations creates a cycle of stress, dissatisfaction and disconnection. Studies show that men who suppress their true selves are more likely to experience depression, anxiety and even physical health issues. Relationships often suffer too, as the pressure to perform at work leaves little energy for loved ones. 👨👩👧👦
It’s no surprise then that many men hit midlife questioning,
“Is this all there is ⁉️ ”
$$A Call to Rediscovery$$
The good news? Midlife doesn’t have to be a crisis; it can be a turning point. By letting go of the masks and reconnecting with your true self, you can lead a more purposeful, fulfilling life.
Authors like Richard Rohr (Falling Upward) and Viktor Frankl (Man’s Search for Meaning) highlight that the second half of life offers an opportunity to step away from societal roles and toward authenticity. This requires courage, reflection and the willingness to realign your priorities.
Midlife is your chance to stop conforming and start living authentically.
What would life look like if you were true to yourself?
If this resonates with you, let’s talk. Share your thoughts or reach out for a conversation - because the greatest accomplishment of all is reclaiming the man you were always meant to be!
#MentalHealthMatters #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay #EndTheStigma #PersonalGrowth #SelfDiscovery #AuthenticLeadership #ReinventYourself #PurposeAlignment
Photo by <a href="https://stockcake.com/i/expressive-eyes-closeup_775768_949784">Stockcake</a>
🔑 “I used to think our team was peaceful, but now I realise we were just avoiding the hard conversations.”
Fear of conflict within teams manifests as a culture of avoidance. Teams reluctant to engage in tough conversations fail to address critical challenges, leading to subpar decisions and missed opportunities. Patrick Lencioni, in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, emphasises that fear of conflict arises from a lack of trust. Without trust, team members avoid vulnerability, which is essential for candid dialogue and innovation.
👉 Signs Your Team Might Be Avoiding Conflict:
• Reluctance to engage in debates.
• Avoidance of controversial topics.
• Superficial agreement that feels “too easy.”
• Lack of accountability or challenge.
🤔 Ask yourself: "Is my team avoiding discomfort at the expense of growth?"
Teams that fear conflict often appear harmonious but are silently sabotaging themselves. Meetings become superficial, team members disengage, and the organisation's goals suffer.
💡 Here’s How Leaders Can Break the Cycle:
1 Build Trust: Create a space where team members feel safe to disagree. (The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson is a great resource!)
2 Model Healthy Conflict: Show how to challenge ideas respectfully and focus on shared goals.
3 Encourage Debate: Ask questions like:
“What are we missing?”
“Does anyone see it differently?”
“What’s the risk of this approach?”
4 Call in a Team Coach: Coaches bring fresh perspectives, mediate tough conversations, and guide teams to overcome avoidance.
🏆 The Gains of Healthy Conflict
✔ Better decisions through diverse perspectives.
✔ Increased innovation as ideas are refined.
✔ Stronger cohesion as differences are navigated respectfully.
Lencioni puts it succinctly: “Conflict is not a problem. It’s the solution.”
If you see elements of this struggle in your team, it’s probably time to lead the change. By fostering a culture of trust, encouraging debate and modelling healthy conflict, you can unlock your team’s full potential. Sometimes, the most effective first step is reaching out for support. Let’s start a conversation about how to restore collaboration and performance in your team.
Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments—your story could inspire others
.
📢 "The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion it has taken place." – George Bernard Shaw
I often hear leaders lament how their teams don’t listen, fail to act as expected, or struggle to stay aligned. George Bernard Shaw’s words couldn’t ring more true - especially when it comes to delegation.
Delegation isn’t just about assigning tasks; it’s about ensuring alignment, clarity and execution.
❌ When delegation goes wrong:
👉 Leaders may provide vague instructions, skip essential context, or fail to follow up.
👉 Teams might misunderstand, lack the necessary skills, or hesitate to seek clarity.
✅ How to improve:
✨ Leaders: Be crystal clear, provide context, and equip your team with the tools they need to succeed.
✨ Teams: Ask questions, align on goals, and foster collaboration.
In the past, face-to-face communication allowed non-verbal cues—tone, body language, and inflection - to bridge gaps in understanding. Today, much of our communication has shifted to emails and messaging platforms, where those subtle signals are lost.
As intentional leaders, we must acknowledge this gap and actively work to fill it with better communication practices, thoughtful follow-ups, and deliberate efforts to ensure alignment.
Delegation without communication isn’t just ineffective—it’s frustrating. Let’s rebuild the bridges between intention and execution and turn tasks into triumphs. 💪
-- Team Restoration Catalyst --
As the year draws to a close, I’m reminded of the excitement I used to feel - leaving the pressures of work behind. Disconnecting from projects, budgets and deliverables, even for a few short weeks, felt like a rare gift 🎁 .
It was a time to mend family relationships strained by life’s demands, to escape the city and immerse myself in a seaside holiday or inland camping spot. These places, shared with others seeking the same solace, became sanctuaries of rejuvenation.
I recall the joy of packing the car and trailer, preparing to head off. My kids could run free, embrace their independence and bask in the fresh air. My wife and I reconnected, rediscovering the harmony often lost in daily life’s rush. But is this harmony only tied to holidays?
🌟 Or can we bring some of that joy into everyday life?
🌟 What changes would it take?
🌟 What control would I need to relinquish?
🌟 What anxieties about the future could I let go of?
Many midlife men survive from one weekend or holiday to the next. How do we bring joy into our messy, demanding daily lives? How can we be more present at work, engaged with our families at home and attuned to ourselves in moments of reflection?
Surviving is not thriving. Thriving requires intentionality and discipline. Viktor Frankl, in "Man’s Search for Meaning", reminds us that purpose and meaning are critical to fulfilment. Thriving requires breaking free from societal expectations and embracing our unique selves.
Isn’t this the life worth seeking ❓
As the year ends, energy often depletes faster than it can be replenished🪫. Tolerance wanes and grace diminishes, impacting relationships at work and home. In the past I found myself withdrawing, seeking distractions that pull me away from those who matter most.
I tell myself, “All I need is a holiday.” But this cycle repeats every year.
Surely, there’s more to life than this?
Eckhart Tolle’s "The Power of Now" offers a vital insight: presence and mindfulness transform how we engage with life’s demands and joys.
The truth is, there is more.
A harmonious, joyful life is possible, but it requires openness to change. Richard Rohr, in "Falling Upward", emphasises midlife as a time of profound growth when we embrace deeper truths. Letting go of the image that has defined us in our careers and communities allows our authentic selves to emerge🪞.
This holiday season, I invite you to reflect and aim for a different ending to 2025.
If you’re ready to improve relationships at work and home and seek a fulfilling life, let’s connect for an exploratory conversation. Take the first step toward thriving.
High-performing teams need more than talent, resources, & strategy. What separates truly effective teams is a secret ingredient - shared purpose - the unifying force aligning individuals beyond annual targets. Yet, many teams overlook the power of purpose, mistakenly focusing on business goals, leading to short-term gains but long-term disengagement.
Purpose vs Business Goals: Understanding the Difference
📊 A business goal, such as increasing revenue or launching a new product, is a measurable target within a timeframe. While essential, goals are transactional, focusing on output. Purpose, on the other hand, is transformational. It defines the deeper 'WHY' behind the work, creating engagement & long-term motivation.
When teams focus solely on business goals, motivation fluctuates. When united by purpose, they sustain engagement, collaboration, & resilience - even through setbacks.
The Impact of Shared Purpose on Team Performance
1️⃣ Greater Commitment – Purpose-driven teams show higher engagement & effort.
2️⃣ Stronger Collaboration – A common purpose eliminates silos, fostering teamwork.
3️⃣ Increased Resilience – Purpose-driven teams adapt to challenges effectively.
4️⃣ Enhanced Innovation – Meaningful work fuels creativity & problem-solving.
5️⃣ Improved Retention – Employees aligned with a mission are more likely to stay.
Rowing: A Lesson in Purpose vs. Goals
Having played many team sports, I only truly understood the difference between goals & purpose when watching my son row. In rowing, the goal is to win, but success depends on something deeper - shared purpose. 🚣♂️ Every rower must synchronise perfectly; even the slightest misalignment can slow the boat down. This mirrors the workplace: goals set the destination, but purpose ensures the team reaches it effectively. When aligned in purpose, teams move as one, cutting through resistance & achieving extraordinary results. Without it, progress is sluggish, & effort is wasted.
The Role of Independent Expert Guidance in Strengthening Shared Purpose
Some teams struggle to uncover & harness shared purpose. Independent expert advice provides an objective perspective to address alignment gaps:
🎯 Clarifying Purpose – Helping articulate a shared, actionable mission. ⚙️ Aligning Processes – Ensuring workflows & decisions reinforce purpose. 💡 Leveraging Technology – Integrating tools that enhance communication. 🌍 Facilitating Culture Change – Embedding purpose into daily work.
Leading with Purpose: The Next Step
If your team feels disconnected, the issue may not be performance - it may be purpose misalignment. Investing in expert guidance to realign culture, processes, & technology around a clear & compelling purpose is key for long-term success.
🔥 Ready to tap into your team’s secret advantage? Align them with purpose, & performance will follow.
#Leadership #Teamwork #SharedPurpose #BusinessSuccess #HighPerformance
Some words have a way of sticking with us. Over the past two weeks, I’ve felt this passage echo through my own thoughts, and I’ve even had the privilege of sharing it with clients. Maybe this is exactly what needs to be heard right now?
💡 The Man in the Arena – Theodore Roosevelt 💡
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly..."
This excerpt from Roosevelt’s 1910 speech, Citizenship in a Republic, still rings true today.
💭 To every man who steps into the arena - who faces the doubts, the struggles, the messy, uncertain path toward purpose - I see you. I respect you. I stand with you. 🎩👏
Midlife can be a battleground - filled with questions, transitions, and challenges that demand more than just endurance. It demands courage. And it’s always better when you’re not standing alone.
As an ICF-credentialed coach, I specialise in guiding men through this chapter - helping them rediscover their fire, their purpose, their WHY.
⚡ Dare greatly. Reignite your life. ⚡
If you're ready to step forward, reach out. Let’s begin your journey toward the life you were meant to lead. 🚀
In rowing, success isn’t just about stamina or strength - it’s about clarity, respect, and
alignment. No role is greater or lesser; without each person contributing effectively, the boat doesn’t move forward. Synchronisation and mutual respect ensure energy isn’t wasted, and momentum is maintained.
The same applies to business teams. Without clear roles and alignment, execution suffers. But alignment isn’t just about coordination - it’s also about being connected to a shared purpose.
Every Seat in the Boat Matters
A high-performing rowing crew has distinct roles, each essential to success. Without one, the boat doesn’t function optimally:
🗣️ The Coxswain (Strategic Leader) – Guides, sets the pace, and keeps the team focused.
⏳ The Stroke Seat (Execution Driver) – Ensures rhythm, consistency, and efficiency.
💪 The Middle Crew (Core Engine) – Sustains effort and drives momentum.
🎯 The Bow Pair (Stabilizers & Finishers) – Provides balance and precision in execution.
The Business Translation
Your team works the same way - each role is crucial, and success depends on collaboration:
🔹 The Leader (Coxswain) provides direction and strategic alignment.
🔹 The Key Executor (Stroke Seat) drives consistency and execution.
🔹 The Backbone Team (Middle Crew) delivers the bulk of the work with discipline.
🔹 The Precision Experts (Bow Pair) ensure quality and refine final outputs.
When one role falters, the whole team is impacted. Just as in rowing, no single person carries the team alone - every role must be respected and valued. Misalignment disrupts execution, slows progress, and wastes effort. When teams row with shared purpose, they move efficiently towards meaningful goals.
The Role of Team Coaching in Achieving Alignment & Purpose
A high-performing rowing crew doesn’t just figure it out as they go - they have a coach ensuring every role is optimised and aligned with the goal.
🏆 A skilled team coach helps teams:
✔️ Define roles and their connection to the overall purpose.
✔️ Provide real-time feedback to maintain momentum.
✔️ Build trust and psychological safety for collaboration.
✔️ Align execution with a shared purpose for long-term success.
Is Your Team Rowing in Sync?
Execution is optimised when teams understand their roles, work in alignment, and row with purpose.
⏳ Does your team know their roles? Are they working in sync, or is effort being wasted?
If this resonates, reach out for a conversation or share this with a leader who needs to hear it.
#Leadership #Teamwork #SharedPurpose #Execution #HighPerformance
