The Meetings He’ll Never Get Back

A story about a father, a leader, and the moment everything changed.

Thomas (name changed) is the CEO of a global tech company. He leads 40,000 people across continents. He’s built empires. Closed billion-dollar deals. He’s used to pressure, complexity—and never showing weakness.

And yet—

Every evening when he walks through the front door of his home in Zurich, a weight settles on his chest that no strategy session has ever solved.

His son Leo is eight. His daughter Emilia just turned six. They still run to the door when they hear his keys. Still light up when he enters. Still believe he’s their whole world.

But Thomas is tired. Distracted. Pulled in ten different directions.

He tries to be present. Really, he does. But even with Lego bricks in hand, his mind drifts. To the slide deck. The board member. The next deal.

And the shame? Instant. Why can’t I just be here? Why is this so much harder than running a company?

His wife used to ask gently, “Can we eat without your phone on the table?” Now she doesn’t ask anymore.

Leo hesitates before coming in for a hug. He says, “It’s okay, Papa. I know you’re busy.” Words no eight-year-old should ever have to say.

Thomas remembers his own father—physically present, emotionally gone. He swore he’d never be like that.

But here he is. Different house. Bigger title. Same silence.

And he’s running out of time. These are the years you can’t reschedule, rebook, or reclaim.

That’s when Thomas made a decision. Not to fix everything overnight. But to stop pretending. To ask for support. To learn how to truly be with his children—not just provide for them.

Because deep down, he doesn’t just want to be a great CEO.

He wants to be a father they can feel. One they run to—not out of habit, but out of love.

This story is true. The names and details have been changed. But it could easily be as well my story. In fact, it was—for many years.

Once I began to understand what was happening—thanks to teachers and mentors like Jennifer Garvey Berger , Amy Elizabeth Fox , Ester Martinez PhD Paul Dunion Thomas Hübl, PhD—I couldn’t turn away anymore. Life asked me to look at myself and become more present.

Now, years later, as a therapist and member of Cultivating Leadership , I focus on working with senior leaders including many parents who are also brilliant leaders. People who may be succeeding in the world—and quietly losing what matters most. I give lectures at universities to support students who will be future leaders and try to influence where I can.

This work is no longer a job. It’s a calling. For my two boys. For your children. For the children of your teams and communities.

Two boys relax closely together on the grass, sharing a quiet moment while engaging with a screen, highlighting their longing for quality time with family.