The Hidden Energy Crisis Among High-Performing Leaders—And What to Do About It
There’s a problem that’s draining top leaders—especially men—of their focus, stamina, and ability to perform at their highest level.
Energy leaks.
Before the pandemic, around 43% of people reported feeling tired regularly. That number skyrocketed to over 60%—and let’s be real, it’s not just about missing a little sleep.
And here’s the thing—I see you guys.
Yes, I work with a lot of women, but let’s not ignore the fact that men are masters at pushing through exhaustion until they hit a wall.
You power through, grind it out, and keep going—until suddenly, your energy crashes, your focus disappears, and your resilience takes a nosedive.
That’s not weakness, that’s biology. And it’s time we start supporting high-performing men before they burn out.
While I learned this firsthand - years ago, I was running a nonprofit, training clients, raising a family, and pushing myself to the edge. I thought I could outwork exhaustion—until my body said otherwise. I hit a wall so hard that even coffee couldn’t save me. That was my wake-up call. I wasn’t just tired—I was drained. I've now raised 2 young men and WOW do I see some powering through happen a lot!
The truth? Energy isn’t just about sleeping more (though that helps). It’s about cutting the silent energy leaks that are quietly robbing you of the mental clarity, resilience, and fire you need to lead powerfully.
10 Things Draining Your Energy (and What to Do Instead)
Sitting Too Much (working out too much on the other spectrum!). Long hours at the desk = sluggishness. Movement is life. Get up, stretch, walk, do some air squats—your body (and brain) will thank you. But wow I've seen the other extreme guys! Hitting the gym early, sitting at the desk all day and then training hard doesn't make up for that 8 hours in the chair.
Processed & Refined Carbs. That quick bagel fix? It’s a rollercoaster for your blood sugar. Opt for high-quality proteins and fats for sustained energy.
Poor-Quality Sleep. Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s when your body repairs and regenerates. Prioritize deep sleep like your business depends on it (because it does).
Hidden Food Sensitivities. Gluten, dairy, soy—if you’re feeling bloated, sluggish, or foggy after meals, your body is telling you something. Listen to it.
Not Enough Real Food. Under-eating or skimping on nutrients leaves you running on fumes. Fuel like an athlete. Eat for performance, not just convenience.
Not Enough Protein. Protein supports muscle, metabolism, and mental clarity. Most high performers (especially men) need more than they think.
Dehydration. Even mild dehydration can cut your focus and stamina by half. Drink water like it’s your secret weapon—because it is.
Caffeine & Energy Drinks. Quick fix, long-term crash. If you’re relying on caffeine to survive, your system needs a reset, not another shot of espresso.
Unmanaged Stress. Stress is an energy thief. Breathwork, movement, downtime—make stress management as essential as your next meeting.
Toxic Environments. Energy is contagious. Surround yourself with people who fuel your fire, not drain your battery.
If you’re leading at a high level, you must protect your energy.
I work with leaders who refuse to burn out, who are ready to optimize their energy, resilience, and performance—without sacrificing their health, relationships, or sanity.
I also speak to organizations about sustainable high performance and leadership longevity. If your team is running on empty, it’s time to change the game. It's best to start with small doable actions that integrate into your life.
So...what's your biggest energy leak right now? I'd really love to know!
