INT 151: How to Combat Loneliness as a Leader

Do you ever feel lonely as a leader? One consequence of being a leader in any profession is overcoming the difficulty of handling many responsibilities yourself.

In this episode of Int-HER-rupt, host Linda Yates welcomes special guest Shatanese Reese, a leadership development coach, to discuss combating loneliness as a leader. While it may seem surprising that leaders can experience feelings of loneliness, Shatanese emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue and finding ways to overcome it. She shares her journey and provides insights into why leaders may feel lonely and how they can navigate this challenge.

Shatanese’s Background

• Shatanese begins by sharing her background as an HR professional with over 25 years of experience.
• She describes her career progression, including talent acquisition, HR generalist, and diversity consultant roles. However, a life-altering event prompted her to reassess her calling and pursue an executive coach and facilitator career.
• With her expertise in emotional intelligence and personality assessment, Shatanese provides valuable support to leaders who navigate the complexities of their roles.

The Difference Between Being Alone and Feeling Lonely

• Shatanese clarifies the difference between being alone and feeling lonely.
• Being alone is a choice, a deliberate act of setting oneself apart for a period of time to recalibrate. On the other hand, feeling lonely is a longing for connection and support.
• Leaders often experience loneliness due to the weighty responsibilities they carry and their awareness of the organization's challenges. Finding trusted individuals with whom to share their feelings and burdens becomes difficult.
• Factors such as unique identity and lack of representation can further intensify the feeling of loneliness.

Understanding the Loneliness of Leadership

• Shatanese explores the reasons why leaders may feel lonely. Their level of responsibility and fear of vulnerability can hinder their ability to express their true emotions.