Mid-Life Crisis or Leadership Transformation? Former Tech CEO Shares Key Insights | Ep. 23

At some point in life, we all find ourselves at a crossroads—questioning our achievements, choices, and purpose. This phase, often referred to as a mid-life crisis, typically occurs between the ages of 40 and 60, and is commonly associated with restlessness, regret, or a longing for something more.

It is triggered by a realization of life’s impermanence, unmet aspirations, or changing priorities. But rather than viewing it as a crisis, my guest today sees it as a natural moment of reassessment and an opportunity for growth.

Aneace Haddad is a transformation expert who helps C-suite teams break through barriers and align as one, enabling them to achieve what few executive teams ever do—leading collectively with impact. Using techniques designed specifically for mature leaders, he facilitates rapid, sustainable transformation without rigid frameworks or forced processes.

Aneace’s insights are shaped by his own journey as a former tech CEO. He once led a team of brilliant executives, yet something wasn’t clicking—they weren’t truly a team. Frustrated but unable to name the underlying issue at the time, he later dedicated himself to understanding the missing piece. That journey led him to develop a powerful approach that helps executive teams shift from individual expertise to collective impact, unlocking their full potential as a unified force.

With a deep understanding of executive dynamics, Aneace highlights a critical leadership gap: while most CxOs are exceptional in their individual domains, leading as a unified team requires a fundamentally different skill set.

Research shows that C-suites that act collectively experience 3X higher growth in revenue, profit, and returns, yet over 80% of executive teams struggle with shared accountability and ownership (Bain, Leadership IQ).

💡 Key Takeaways:

✅ The 3 Winds of Change that shape midlife experiences

✅ The Happiness Curve—why age 47 is a turning point

✅ How neurological changes in midlife enhance leadership skills

✅ The power of storytelling and resilience in business and personal growth

✅ Why finding purpose beyond career success leads to lasting fulfillment

🎙️ About the Guest:

Aneace Haddad is an Executive Coach and a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company who exclusively serves C-suite teams and executives over 40. Prior to this, Aneace built a payment software company in 30+ countries and sold it before shifting gears to coaching and leadership development. Today, he helps executives navigate mid-life transitions and unlock their true leadership potential.

🌟 Connect with Aneace Haddad:

🔗 Website: https://www.aneace.com/

◉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aneace/

◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aneacehaddadpersonal

📖 Books: https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-That-Drank-Hummingbird-Nectar/dp/9811848688

🎥 Watch More Episodes:

◉ Discover Soulful Entrepreneurship : https://youtu.be/u6dvo81wQNI

◉ Leadership Secrets for Driving Change & Transformation : https://youtu.be/9RbxwtyVB3U

◉ Discover the Four Unique Leadership Styles : https://youtu.be/hpdqkGmzxgM

◉ Building a People-Centric Organization : https://youtu.be/VIOq3yHKZ-c

🔗 Stay Connected:

◉ Website: https://www.selfempowermentinstitute.com/

◉ LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/maximeyao

◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxime.yao.52/