we humans are biologically and emotionally hard wired for human connection because our brains, nervous systems and sense of identity evolved through relationship. Without it we lose our resilience, clarity and capacity to thrive

Many CEO’s, Founders and Senior Leaders behave like lone wolves, spending time trying to do too much alone, including me at times in my career. Building a business or team, holding the vision and being the strong one that everyone else leans upon is challenging to sustain.

There’s something about being a CEO, Founder of Senior Leader that can make isolation feel normal. Even expected. In the business world that still celebrates independence, certainty and pushing through; the limiting beliefs that stop us connecting can become amplified. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Limiting beliefs

Some of the deep-seated assumptions that we hold about ourselves, others or the world, that limit our ability to connect are:

“It’s quicker to do it myself”
Going it alone can feel faster and cleaner in the short term, but over time it narrows perspective, drains energy, and caps growth. Taking time to coach and mentor others is key to growing a team of capable people around you.
“If I don’t do it myself, it won’t be done properly”
Control masquerades as high standards, often rooted in past disappointment, and kills progress. How can others share your high standards. And how is it to just meet 90% of them?
“Needing help means I’m not good enough”
Worth gets tied to self-sufficiency, so asking for support feels like failure rather than wisdom. Think of something you’ve felt stuck with for a while, who can you ask for support from to move it forward?
“Vulnerability will cost me credibility”
Showing uncertainty feels risky in cultures that reward confidence and decisiveness. Feeling vulnerable is a real human experience, and opening this up to others can strengthen connection. What feels safe enough for you to share with someone else?
“I don’t want to be a burden”
Especially common in female leaders where we minimise our own needs to protect others or to maintain likeability. People like to be wanted and needed, just ask them.
“I should have figured this out by now”
Comparison creates shame, which can drive isolation instead of curiosity and learning. No-one has everything figured out, even if they say they do. Compare yourself to where you were, not where others are.

Journal Exercise:

Here’s an invitation to help you to build the power of your connections.

Use these questions as a prompt for writing in a journal:

Which limiting beliefs most frequently describes you?
How could you dial it down to increase your human connection?

Finding your tribe

**Connecting with real people, the ones who understand the stage you're at, and in a meaningful way boosts resilience and success**

Find people who will share the truth with kindness, who help us see options we couldn’t see on our own, and cheer for us on the sidelines; they are our gold. So who are yours? Can you name them?

The more you are responsible for leading a business, the less likely these people are going to be from inside the business, so make more connections outside of it. If you’re wondering where to look, try networks, coaching circles, or trusted contacts in similar roles, where you can truly be you in those spaces, warts and all. It’s all about growing together, where endurance, sustainability, and success come through community rather than doing it all alone.

“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”

African Proverb

We will soon be convening a small group of Female-led Founders looking to support each other scaling their businesses. If you’d like to find out more contact me here.

Happy connecting!

Sarah

Lone Wolf or Pack Animal - which are you?