As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, Alex, a seasoned CEO, found himself in a rare moment of stillness. The past year had been a whirlwind—record-breaking growth, major strategic wins, and a relentless pace that left little room for personal reflection. But tonight was different.
Sitting by the fire with a glass of wine, Alex thought about the one asset his company couldn’t afford to lose—himself. He had spent years crafting strategic plans, aligning his executive team, and driving operational excellence. Yet, he had neglected his most valuable resource: his own personal effectiveness.
Something had to change.
1. Health & Wellness: The Foundation of Leadership Stamina
The past year had taken its toll—late nights, skipped workouts, and convenience meals had become the norm. He had justified it as the cost of leadership, but deep down, he knew a depleted CEO was an ineffective CEO.
This year, he made a simple commitment: protect his health like he protected his business.
🔹 Reading Labels with Intent – He learned that even “organic” foods contained inflammatory seed oils. Moving forward, he would be more intentional about what fueled his body.
🔹 Strength Training for Energy – Just 15 minutes, three times a week. No excuses. If he could lead a company, he could lift some weights.
Alex knew these weren’t just fitness goals; they were leadership goals. A strong, energized leader made sharper decisions and set the tone for the entire organization.
2. Personal Brand: What Do You Stand For?
One morning, Alex overheard a conversation among his executives. “Alex is a visionary, but sometimes it feels like he’s untouchable.” The words stung.
Had he become the kind of leader people told what he wanted to hear instead of what he needed to hear?
🔹 He decided to double down on authenticity—leading with humility, fostering open conversations, and ensuring his personal brand aligned with his values.
🔹 He scheduled monthly “unfiltered feedback” sessions with his direct reports, encouraging them to share challenges, not just successes.
🔹 He asked himself: Would my family and team describe me the same way? If not, something needed to change.
Great leaders don’t just build businesses; they build trust. And trust starts with clarity, humility, and alignment.
3. Time & Energy: Mastering the CEO’s Most Precious Resources
Alex had spent the past year reacting instead of leading. His calendar was packed with meetings that drained him, and strategic thinking had been squeezed into the margins of his day.
This year, he made a commitment: treat his time like a Fortune 500 asset.
🔹 Delegate with Discipline – If a task wasn’t something only he could do, it belonged elsewhere.
🔹 Prioritize Strategic Thinking – Four to eight hours a week—non-negotiable. No more putting out fires while ignoring the blueprint for the future.
🔹 Protect Energy Over Time – Some people fueled him, others drained him. He became ruthless about who and what got his attention.
If everything is a priority, nothing is. This year, Alex would make the shift from busy CEO to effective CEO.
4. Leadership Model: Setting the Standard for Success
What did Alex stand for as a leader? What non-negotiables defined his leadership style?
He realized that his Senior Leadership Team (First Team) should never have to guess. His expectations, values, and principles should be crystal clear.
🔹 Transparent Communication – If his leaders weren’t aligned, that was on him. He committed to reinforcing priorities weekly.
🔹 Executive Assistant as a Gatekeeper – His EA would now be empowered to protect his time and ensure alignment across all decisions.
🔹 Define the Legacy – At the end of his career, what did he want to be remembered for? If he didn’t define it now, someone else would.
The Rule of Three: The Secret to Lasting Change
As Alex wrote down his commitments for the year, he forced himself to focus on just three.
✅ Commit to personal health—because a CEO without energy can’t lead.
✅ Protect time for strategy—because great companies don’t happen by accident.
✅ Lead with clarity and trust—because alignment starts at the top.
With that, he closed his notebook, feeling something he hadn’t in a long time—control.
This year wouldn’t just be about business growth. It would be about personal effectiveness. Because the best CEOs don’t just lead companies—they lead themselves first.
What Are Your Three?
As you enter 2025, challenge yourself. What three things will make the biggest impact on your leadership effectiveness?
Small, consistent steps lead to transformational results.
Here’s to a powerful and impactful year ahead!