Stress to excess: Business leaders’ silent struggle

ILLUSTRATION BY RUTH MACAPAGAL

I still recall my many meetings advising a business founder who was on his way to becoming a billionaire. He had one employee whose sole job it was to constantly keep his alcohol intake stable throughout a 24-hour day.

A lot of CEOs and business owners are often viewed as untouchable figures who lead with clarity, determination and unshakeable resolve. I know firsthand from my many years of experience as a global management guru “advising and mentoring the presidents of some of the world’s largest companies” (in the words of the newspaper Monaco Matin), that beneath the surface, many among them face immense pressures that drive them to seek unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Substance abuse and addictive behaviors are rarely discussed in corporate circles, yet they are alarmingly common among top executives. The taboo nature of this subject, combined with the high expectations placed on business leaders, keeps many trapped in silence.

The reality of substance abuse in high-pressure leadership roles

Substance abuse among CEOs and business owners who are still actively involved in the operations of the business is far more frequent than most would assume. Executives—particularly those in fast-paced, high-stress environments—are prone to alcohol abuse, prescription drug misuse, illicit drug use and any form of addictive behavior.

In the competitive world of business, the pressure to constantly perform, make critical decisions and meet stakeholder expectations can be overwhelming. Often, CEOs and owners turn to substances as a way to relieve stress, stay alert or temporarily escape the intensity of their roles.

Often, any type of addiction will do. I know very successful entrepreneurs who change between cocaine, other drugs, alcohol and sex addiction. Anything goes.

Additionally, behavioral addictions like gambling, workaholism and even excessive use of stimulants such as caffeine and energy drinks can become destructive coping mechanisms. Anything taken to excess is ultimately bad for you. Where does that behavior come from?

Why do so many business leaders turn to substances?

The weight of leadership brings both power and responsibility. CEOs and business owners must deal with major financial decisions, lead teams, handle crises and chart the future of their companies—all while facing the constant scrutiny of investors, employees and the public.

Business owners often feel even more weight of responsibilities on their shoulders because for them it is more than a job, the financial well-being of their entire family is at stake. Next generations are often thrown into leadership positions and do not feel ready for it, which creates extreme pressure.

The feeling of having no room for error creates a unique type of stress, where failure is not an option, and vulnerability is perceived as weakness. Substance abuse often starts innocuously, with a drink to unwind after a long day or a prescription stimulant to maintain focus.

But, over time, these substances can become crutches, as the pressures of leadership mount and the desire for an outlet intensifies. The fast-paced environment of business means there’s little time to process stress in healthy ways, leading to quick fixes that turn into dangerous habits.

The consequences of addiction

For top executives and business owners, addiction has a far-reaching impact, not only on their personal lives but also on their businesses. A leader who is grappling with substance abuse is at risk of impaired decision-making, decreased productivity and strained relationships with employees and partners. The ripple effect can spread throughout the organization, affecting its culture, performance and reputation.

Moreover, addictive behaviors can damage personal relationships, leading to isolation and, in many cases, exacerbating the very issues that led to substance abuse in the first place. The long-term health consequences of addiction, from heart problems to mental health disorders, further compound the problem, making it a vicious cycle that’s hard to break.

The power of breathing: A simple yet effective stress reliever

The key to breaking the cycle of addiction is recognizing that substance abuse is not a solution to stress—it only adds to the problem. There are healthier alternatives that top executives, CEOs and business owners can turn to when the pressure mounts.

Out of all the techniques that my team and I have taught to our clients over the years, breathing is one of the most effective and one of the simplest to master and implement. Wherever you are.

Often overlooked, controlled breathing techniques can help calm the mind and body, reducing the immediate effects of stress and preventing the build-up of tension that leads to burnout. When practiced regularly, they can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and improve focus—all of which are crucial for maintaining clarity and making sound business decisions under pressure.

One notable example of a business leader who has embraced breathing exercises to cope with stress is Stephen Schwarzman, the billionaire CEO of Blackstone. Known for his high-stakes decisions and relentless drive, Schwarzman has publicly spoken about the role of breathing exercises in managing the intense demands of his leadership position.

In his book “What It Takes,” he explains how learning to control his breathing helped him stay centered and calm during high-pressure situations. This simple practice allowed him to clear his mind and avoid making rash decisions, ultimately improving his performance as a leader.

3 practical breathing exercises for CEOs

1. Box breathing: This technique is used by elite athletes and Navy SEALs to stay calm under pressure. It involves inhaling for four counts, holding the breath for four counts, exhaling for four counts and then holding again for four counts. Repeating this cycle for just a few minutes can significantly lower stress levels and increase focus.

2. 4-7-8 breathing: Created by Dr. Andrew Weil, this exercise is designed to relax the nervous system. It involves inhaling through the nose for a count of four, holding the breath for seven counts, and exhaling through the mouth for a count of eight. This method is particularly useful before high-stress meetings or presentations.

3. Bandler blowout breathing: I heard this first from Dr. Richard Bandler, the co-founder of NLP. Blow out all excess air, then take a fast breath in, then out very slowly. Repeat fast inhale and slow exhale until your shoulders drop and you feel your body relax. All it takes is a few seconds or at most a minute if you are super stressed already.

All are different, yet they all work. Try them out now, select the one that feels best, then add this to your toolbox for the next time you are in the middle of a high-pressure negotiation. Taking just a few minutes to focus on controlled breathing can prevent the need for more destructive outlets like alcohol or drugs. INQ

Tom Oliver, a “global management guru” (Bloomberg), is the chair of The Tom Oliver Group, the trusted advisor and counselor to many of the world’s most influential family businesses, medium-sized enterprises, market leaders and global conglomerates. For more information and inquiries: www.TomOliverGroup.com or email [email protected].