As a business leader you have myriad problems, opportunities, and decisions to deal with. Above all, you must keep your spirits up and your head above water, because everyone expects you to. You are the one in charge at the end of the day!
In my experience, growth usually brings bigger challenges correlated with broader and different responsibilities, then loneliness can creep in, especially when facing sensitive decisions.
Even if your board members or investors swear they are “here for you”, they lack the neutrality and independence of views you may need. You may also not feel fully comfortable with “displaying” what could be perceived as “weakness”, being the one “in the big chair”.
Last but not least, as a CEO, you are expected to be caring and aware about the wellbeing within your organisation. But who looks after you? Because you are at top, it may well only be yourself.
Does any of this ring a bell ?