Can You Run A Company?

“Through the Eyes of a CEO: The Unseen Realities of Leading a Public Company”

When people hear “CEO,” they think of power, prestige, and paychecks. But let me take you behind the scenes and show you what it really feels like to sit in the corner office. It’s a role that demands everything—your time, your focus, and, often, your relationships. It’s rewarding, yes, but at what cost? Let me walk you through a day in my shoes.

4:30 AM: The Alarm That Never Hits Snooze

My day starts early—by necessity, not by choice. At 4:30 AM, the alarm blares, and while the rest of the world sleeps, I’m already at my desk. There’s no time to ease into the morning. I’m scanning overnight reports, catching up on global markets, and thinking about the thousand decisions waiting for me.

I used to think mornings were for family breakfasts or hitting the gym. Now they’re for strategy sessions with myself. I remind myself: every decision I make could ripple through thousands of employees and millions of shareholders. No pressure, right?

Reality Check: CEOs average 62.5 hours of work per week, often spread across early mornings, late nights, and weekends.

9:00 AM: The Strategy Marathon

By the time the sun is fully up, I’ve already answered emails, prepped for a board meeting, and skimmed through quarterly projections. Now the marathon begins: meetings with department heads, calls with investors, and decisions about everything from marketing budgets to legal crises.

There’s no downtime. I’m not just the leader—I’m the glue. Every team looks to me for direction. And while I’d love to slow down and process things more deeply, the pace of business doesn’t wait.

Did You Know? CEOs spend 50% of their time on shareholder-related activities, ensuring the company is meeting market expectations and long-term goals.

12:30 PM: A “Working” Lunch

Lunch? Sure, if you count scarfing down a salad while on a call with a potential partner. I miss the days when meals were about connection, not negotiation. Now, every bite comes with a side of metrics and dealmaking.

And let’s not forget the relentless balancing act. Investors want profit growth, employees want better resources, and customers want lower prices. No matter how well we’re doing, someone always feels we’re not doing enough.

Stress Level: A solid 7/10—and that’s on a good day.

3:00 PM: Firefighter Mode

Afternoons are for the inevitable fires that need putting out. A bad press story? I’m the one answering questions. A supply chain hiccup? It’s on me to make the tough calls. A competitor launching a new product? Time to pivot the team’s strategy—yesterday.

These moments are when the title “Chief Executive Officer” feels more like “Chief Everything Officer.”

6:00 PM: The Trade-Offs Begin

This is the time of day I feel the cost of the job most acutely. My daughter has a recital. My partner wants to grab dinner. But I’m still on calls, reviewing projections, or preparing for tomorrow’s investor meeting.

I tell myself it’s temporary, that these sacrifices are for the greater good. But the truth is, this role doesn’t leave much room for family, friends, or even self-care. Relationships often take a backseat to quarterly earnings.

Harsh Reality: CEOs, especially in publicly traded companies, average 5-7 years in their roles. Many step down not because they want to, but because the pressure becomes too much.

9:00 PM: Still Going

By now, most people are winding down. I should be too, but there’s still a pile of emails marked “urgent.” I catch myself thinking about how Elon Musk once worked 120-hour weeks and wonder if I’m doing enough.

The stress doesn’t switch off. Did I make the right call today? Will tomorrow bring another crisis? And what about the stock price? CEOs live under constant scrutiny, from shareholders, employees, and the media.

So, Why Do It?

If it’s so draining, why do we sign up? For me, it’s not about the money—though the pay is undeniably good (the average S&P 500 CEO earns $18.3 million annually). It’s about the challenge. It’s about leaving a legacy, building something bigger than myself.

But I won’t sugarcoat it: this job takes a toll. It’s a lonely place at the top. You’re celebrated for your wins, but one wrong move and the blame lands squarely on your shoulders. And while I love what I do, I often wonder—at what cost?

Stress-o-Meter: 9/10

Being a CEO isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle. The highs are exhilarating, but the lows are brutal. The pressure never lets up, the hours are relentless, and the sacrifices are real.

What I’d Tell You

If you dream of becoming a CEO, know this: you can’t apply for this job. It’s earned through years of climbing the corporate ladder, building relationships, and proving you can lead. It’s a privilege and a burden, a chance to shape industries but also a role that asks for everything in return.

Would I do it again? Probably. But as I sit here at 10 PM, replying to another “urgent” email, I can’t help but wonder if the people I’m sacrificing time with would say the same.