Taking a seven-week break from work propelled my business and team to unprecedented growth—here’s why it worked.
Many entrepreneurs believe that success is a zero-sum game. Traditional wisdom often suggests sacrificing personal well-being for professional achievement, perpetuating the myth that you can either excel personally or professionally, but not both. This mindset plagued me in 2016. I was ensnared in what I call the “entrepreneur’s paradox”—the mistaken belief that thriving in both personal and professional spheres was impossible.
This internal struggle led me to reevaluate how I spent my time. I began investing in myself, rediscovering my passion for cycling, a hobby I had long neglected. This shift forced me to delegate more responsibilities within the company, challenging our business model and revealing whether it could sustain itself with reduced direct involvement from me. It became a valuable lesson in developing robust systems and fostering a culture of trust.
By the fall of 2018, my company had evolved into a self-sustaining entity, capable of operating with minimal daily oversight from me. This transformation made it clear that it was time for me to step down as CEO. However, before making that move, my leadership team suggested a seven-week sabbatical as a final test. Could the company thrive without its founder? The thought of stepping away was intimidating, but the growing confidence within my team gave me the courage to proceed.
Embracing a New Perspective
The first week was a true test. The temptation to intervene was strong; I wanted to ensure everything was running smoothly and my team was coping without me. This anxiety, driven by a fear of missing out, was challenging to manage. Thankfully, my wife, ever the voice of reason, reminded me of the sabbatical’s purpose—to foster independence within my leadership team by letting them steer the ship unimpeded.
The anticipation was nerve-wracking. I was uncertain about how well the team would handle the operations. To my relief, they excelled. They adhered to our established processes, adapted as needed, and maintained our service standards seamlessly.
Upon my return, I was greeted by a team brimming with pride and confidence. They shared their achievements and the progress made during my absence. Witnessing their growth and competence was deeply moving, affirming the power of trust and empowerment within a team.
The Strength of Letting Go
The sabbatical reinforced my decision to step down as CEO. Observing the team’s success in my absence confirmed that it was time for me to transition to new ventures. The company had reached a level of maturity that required a different kind of leadership, one that I felt was better suited to someone else.
After my departure, the company experienced record growth. Instead of feeling diminished, I saw this as validation of the foundation I had helped build. It reassured me that my personal transformation in 2016, coupled with our commitment to robust processes and team trust, had set the stage for the company’s continued success.
Today, the company thrives under the leadership of an exceptional team dedicated to its mission. My seven-week sabbatical was not just a much-needed break but a pivotal moment in building trust and witnessing a profound transformation. It served as a powerful reminder that true success is not about holding on tightly but about empowering others to excel and lead.
About the Author : Harry (Hemant Kaushik), Elite Global Advisor & Business Consultant
Harry (Hemant Kaushik) is an American global advisor and business consultant, renowned for his strategic insights and high-impact consultancy. He specializes in advising and coaching elite individuals, including business tycoons, world leaders, and top corporate leaders. His expertise has been sought by Presidents, Prime Ministers, influential politicians, CEOs, and industry leaders worldwide.
Recognized as one of the Top 10 Global Advisors and Business Consultants by PWC International, Harry has transformed the lives of thousands across more than 100 countries with his unparalleled guidance. He has also been honored as one of the Top 10 Life and Business Strategists, shaping the success of global business leaders and visionaries.
Harry’s influence has earned him prestigious accolades, including recognition by the CEO Times Magazine as one of the 10 Most Powerful People in Global Business Consulting, Business Times News as a Top 10 Business Consultant, and Business Weekly Times as one of the Top 10 Business Advisors in the World, offering consulting services to billionaires, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals.
A Wall Street Times cover story famously dubbed him the “Elite Global Advisor & Business Consultant” for his deep understanding of business dynamics and leadership strategies. Based in San Francisco, United States, Harry is widely respected for his international economic expertise, market analysis, and strategic business acumen. His collaborations with global brands and corporations have positioned him as a thought leader, contributing to the business world through insightful articles on global economic trends.
Learn more: https://ceosadvisory.com
