Are You Bleeding While Leading?

The stress is compounded because of global trade tensions and increased volatility in financial markets

- Raju Chellam

The startup unveiled what they proudly called “SmartMug2.0” with a smarter tagline: an AI-powered beverage experience. In reality, it was a mug with a tiny heat sensor and a tinier thermostat with WiFi capabilities.

During the big demo, the CTO lifted the mug to showcase its signature feature: automatic temperature control. The mug beeped confidently, then superheated the coffee into something that qualified as a controlled burn. Steam shot up like a NASA launch. The front row evacuated. “Don't panic,” the CEO advised the staff. “It’s meant to be... energizing!”

Right then, the mug vibrated violently and displayed the message—ERROR: LIQUID PANIC— and shut down forever, taking the projector with it. The launch video never made it online, mostly because the fire alarm drowned out the audio. Moral of the story: Not every product needs AI; some things just need to hold coffee.

If that anecdote was funny, these stats won't sound sunny: According to a study by Deloitte, 77% of corporate executives have experienced burnout in their current role, with 91% saying that unmanageable stress negatively impacts the quality of their work. The World Health Organization estimates that burnout costs the global economy US$9 trillion per year in lost productivity. A survey by Harvard Business Review found that 96% of senior leaders reported feeling burned out to some degree, with 33% describing their burnout as extreme.

Are executives and managers in most organisations bleeding while leading? In other words, do they continue to guide, serve, and perform even while carrying significant personal pain and trauma?

EXEC BURNOUT