Member Article

‘Heartbreaking’ poll of North East business leaders reveals it really is lonely at the top

A HUGE survey into the mental health of North East business leaders has revealed widespread feelings of loneliness among some of the region’s most successful CEOs.

Over 100 major business owners and bosses from across the region have opened up about their mental health, in a poll commissioned by North East scaling-up coach Ian Kinnery.

And the unprecedented survey revealed that despite their success, a significant number admitted to feeling alone.

“They say it is lonely at the top, and sadly, this poll is proof of that,” said Ian, who mentors and coaches business leaders via his award-winning firm, Kinnery.

The survey was commissioned as part of his latest project, ‘Save the Entrepreneur’, which aims to shine a light on the hidden struggles many successful business owners and leaders face.

And the poll found that around 20 per cent of participants admitted that loneliness was one of the worst aspects of running a business.

“There’s the assumption that anyone succeeding in the business world will have money, security and thus peace of mind,” added Ian.

“However, this survey paints a far more complex and, at times, heartbreaking picture.

“Many of those polled revealed they face not just feelings of loneliness, but also enormous amounts of pressure, stress and anxiety.

“Often these are hidden torments, pains that are kept away from friends, family and colleagues- and often behind the mask that is success.

“And agonisingly, the survey suggests that many North East business leaders will be suffering in silence.”

‘Save the Entrepreneur’ is a particularly personal and poignant campaign for Ian, who at his lowest ebb decades ago, tried taking his own life.

Thankfully, after getting professional help, he rebounded to help others and currently provides one-to-one mentoring and scaling-up coaching to entrepreneurs.

His comeback story was capped off by winning European Coach of the Year.

Yet with 63 per cent of business leaders admitting to forsaking their mental health in order to succeed in the workplace, Ian’s now on a mission to help as many as possible prioritise their wellbeing.

The survey will shape a bespoke mental health package aimed exclusively at entrepreneurs, and Ian said he was “overwhelmed” by the number of business leaders who opened up about their personal struggles.

“Even though the survey was carried out anonymously, it takes an enormous amount of courage to write down and disclose feelings that are often buried deep inside,” he added.

“To attract over 100 responses to the survey was incredible, and this data offers an unprecedented insight of the mental health issues facing our business community.

“A big thank you is due to everybody who took part. By offering up their problems, they will hopefully help shape something that can be part of the solution.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ian Kinnery .