The Inconvenient Truths with Prof Douglas BOATENG: The unspoken health crisis in the c-suite and policy-making corridors

Many powerful individuals appear strong in public but struggle privately. This isn't humility; it's emotional decline. Often, people only notice when a crisis occurs or after someone passes away.

This issue affects many influential figures. It's not a viral problem but a cultural one. People are slowly losing their identities to meet external expectations.

In meetings and boardrooms, leaders seem composed despite challenges. They look polished but feel empty at home. They receive praise for reliability but lack recognition for authenticity.

We often call this duty or grace, but it hides their true selves. Those who give endlessly often end up feeling thirsty themselves. This pattern is seen in both developed and developing countries.

In Japan, overwork has led to "karoshi," meaning death from overwork. Some executives have collapsed at their desks due to stress. In Africa, celebrated leaders often die without peace or proper retirement.

After they collapse, reliable individuals receive accolades posthumously. The selfless are remembered only through eulogies, while their dreams fade away unnoticed.

We glorify sacrifice and strength but neglect humanity in the process. Selflessness can lead to silent destruction and burnout. The world applauds heroes until they can no longer perform.

Influential people often overlook the toll of their strength on happiness. One person may support others without seeking support themselves. When applause fades, those who benefited may become strangers.

Today, many bright candles burn out before being appreciated fully. Jacinda Ardern stepped down as New Zealand's Prime Minister due to burnout, stating she lacked energy.

Her honesty was praised, yet modern leadership still lacks compassion. Many public servants in Africa serve for decades underappreciated and overworked.

They retire quietly and sometimes without dignity or recognition for their service. Burnout offers no pension or legacy reward; titles do not bring honor when one is drained.

Approval can be addictive in leadership roles and corporate life. Many sacrifice joy for loyalty or professionalism while ignoring personal needs.

They say yes when they mean no and choose prestige over purpose. This leads to losing one's voice by never speaking the truth—a form of martyrdom without resurrection.

The corporate world exemplifies this issue with “hustle culture.” Behind every success story lies emotional burnout and broken families.

Travis Kalanick resigned from Uber after his aggressive style harmed company culture and trust. We teach others to follow this path of emotional bankruptcy while calling it honorable.

Too many leaders emotionally die long before their physical bodies do. They are remembered for titles rather than dreams or souls lost along the way.

Their legacies consist of public victories overshadowed by private voids—accomplished yet empty lives structured like obituaries filled with unfulfilled potential.

Elder statesmen leave office without peace or relevance despite decades of service; wisdom remains buried beneath unrecorded pain while statues commemorate them instead of their lived experiences.

The obsession with optics harms the humanity within leadership roles—no one discusses it due to fear of being labeled weak.

It’s time for change: reclaiming joy is essential for restoration—not rebellion against expectations.
Leadership should focus on retaining personal identity rather than solely giving away oneself.
Happiness is a compass; peace signifies strength—not passivity.
Leaders must prioritize rest and redefine success beyond applause.
When leaders burn out, visions fade; policies lose people when policymakers lack peace.
Let’s stop romanticizing exhaustion—the cost is too high.
Pope Benedict XVI broke tradition by resigning due to lack of strength—choosing rest was radical yet human.

A new leadership ethic rooted in personal wholeness is necessary:
- It’s okay to choose yourself.
- It’s okay to say “not this time.”
- It’s okay to live fully beyond work obligations.

A leader living half a life can only lead half a people effectively.
Ministers who smile outwardly but remain silent inwardly lead nations that cannot express themselves fully.

Leaders must shift from martyrdom towards joyful grounded leadership—even if some don’t understand it initially.
True leadership aligns with values rather than seeking approval alone.

When all fades—the applause stops—the headlines disappear—and job titles change—the question remains:
Did I live proudly according to my identity?
One exists not just to be consumed but born into fullness—boldness—and joyfulness!
Protect your peace; safeguard your joy!

Allow applause its moment because we need leaders who remember how to smile genuinely without suffering inside!