Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of working with several CEOs during some of the most transformative periods of their careers. From first-time CEOs to leading organizations through major transactions, turning around struggling companies, scaling startups to unicorns, and stepping into leadership roles after replacing a founder-CEO – transitions are big. But one thing I continue to marvel at is their ability to sustain tension.

To me, these leaders are like giant containers. They carry so much on their shoulders, balancing responsibilities in many areas of their lives. And often, they do so with distinction ENDURANCE and determination.

These leaders carry energy – energy of passion, resilience, tenacity and love. It is the energy that fuels their daily decisions, the direction they set for their teams, and the inspiration they bring to their organizations. The container of a CEO is filled with care for people, passion for impact, enthusiasm for creating a better future, responsibility for getting things done, the role of translating an invisible North Star, and sustaining tremendous tension from their board, investors, leadership teams, economic changes. and personal roles such as being fathers, mothers, sons and daughters.

What these leaders carry within them is nothing short of extraordinary. But while they are often tremendous givers of energy—giving praise, making decisions, providing direction, and mentoring others—they often struggle to receive the same energy in return. Herein lies the paradox.

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The paradox of leadership and the challenge of gaining power

The truth is, being a great giver doesn't necessarily make you a great receiver. Many CEOs, regardless of their leadership skills, struggle for it fill their cup. They give and give – whether to their teams, boards or families – but rarely do they take time to recharge their energy reserves.

As a result, their container starts running empty. They begin to hope that someone will provide them with the energy they need to keep going. But often, the reality is completely different. It's lonely at the top.

When CEOs reach the highest levels of leadership, there are fewer places for them to turn for support. It may seem like the energy they give out isn't always returned in the same way. The people they lead may not be able to provide the same level of guidance, recognition or emotional replenishment.

This struggle is not unique to CEOs. In fact, Harvard Business Review notes that many managers feel overwhelmed from the pressures of leadership and emphasize how important it is for leaders to prioritize their own well-being to avoid burnout.

How to recharge your leadership energy with a simple exercise

This is where my role as a coach comes in. I help leaders stop contracting their power by waiting for others to fill their cups. Through a simple but powerful exercise, I guide them to become the source of their energy.

Here's the practice I recommend to tired CEOs:

1. Every morning before you start your day, write two sentences to yourself in a loving and supportive voice. These could be words you wish your father, mother, board or other authority figure would say to you. What would you like someone to say to you today with love and care? Think about it like self validation and encouragement to start the day.
2. Do this consistently every day. Build the habit of filling your cup with positive and supportive words that come from within.
3. Do this when you feel good, but especially when you feel weak. Leadership is full of ups and downs, but no matter where you are, it's important to nurture yourself.
4. Sit with these words consciously. Allow the impact of the words to resonate in your nervous system, creating a sense of calm, power, and renewal.

This simple exercise is a form of self care and self love. And trust me, it won't dilute your leadership edge—it'll only strengthen it. By filling your cup with compassion for yourself, you will be able to hold more compassion for others.

Related: Self-care isn't selfish—it's essential

How your energy sets the tone for your organization

As a leader, the energy you radiate sets the tone for your organization. The world follows your example in how you treat yourself. If you neglect it refill your cupothers will notice and it can begin to erode the trust and effectiveness you have with your team.

By taking time to nurture and recharge yourself, you not only become more resilient and effective in your leadership, but you also model the importance of self-care for those you lead. After all, leadership isn't just about managing others—it's about taking care of yourself so you can emerge as the best version of yourself.

So I ask you – CEO or not – how full is your container today? What can you do to start replenishing it? Start with this simple practice and let it work wonders in your leadership, your life, and your impact on the world.