Summary

You’ve worked hard, climbed the corporate ladder, and achieved financial success…so why does something still feel off?

In this episode, I sit down with Sharad Lal to unpack why so many senior executives in their 40s and 50s feel stuck, uninspired, and unsure what’s next - even after years of career success.

Highlights

We dive into:

🔹 Why high performers often feel trapped by their own success

🔹 Fear of change and losing what you’ve built

🔹 A lack of real avenues for support when things feel off

🔹 Ignoring personal growth because “I don’t need it”

🔹 How to break free without throwing everything away

🔹 How to design your business (or career) around your life – not the other way around

If you’re a corporate leader wondering “Is this all there is?”, this conversation is for you.

📌 Hit play and take the first step toward a more fulfilling, balanced life.

Timestamps

🔹 **Happiness & Life Transformation**

01:42 Sharad’s definition of happiness – is it what you think?

04:44 The life-changing event that forced Sharad to rethink everything

07:35 Are your actions aligned with your values? Here’s how to know

🔹 **Balancing Work, Life & Identity**

08:50 Banker in New York vs. Yogi in India – Can you find true balance?

13:10 How much does parental approval shape our life choices? (Especially for Indians & Brits!)

13:44 Unlearning bad habits – How to break free from default behaviours

15:21 Can you really change your parents!?

🔹 **Personal Development & Inner Work**

16:34 What actually happens when you work with a great coach or therapist?

18:23 Is your ego stopping you from real growth? Here’s how to fix it

🔹 **Leadership & Career Growth**

22:08 What do corporate leadership programs REALLY look like?

23:39 The 3 types of leaders – Which one are you?

26:14 Why men in their 40s & 50s struggle to find support (and what to do about it)

29:08 How Alex found his purpose – and the BIG shifts he made in his business

🔹 **Health, Well-being & Mindset**

34:03 Sharad’s top health & fitness habits for a happy, high-performing life

35:59 Morning vs. night – When’s the BEST time to meditate?

38:30 Sharad’s 3 must-know tips for senior execs & leaders

In Episode 5 of The Executive Edge Podcast, Alex Mearns chats with Peter Douglas, a former director at Aberdeen Asset Management in Singapore who left the corporate world to start his own hedge fund research business - and eventually moved to a small village at the top of a mountain in Japan.

Peter shares insights on why leaving corporate life was the best thing that ever happened to him, the unexpected challenges of entrepreneurship, and how life in rural Japan has transformed his health, mindset and purpose. Plus, we discuss his thoughts on Japanese longevity, his top health and wellness tips, and his recent fight with a bear!

00:00 - Intro

00:59 - Why did Peter leave Aberdeen Asset Management to start his own business?

05:39 - What unexpected challenges did Peter face when starting his own business?

09:44 - “Ultimately, a corporation will corrupt you.” – Peter’s thoughts on corporate life

13:00 - Why did Peter move from Singapore to a mountain village in Japan?

16:15 - What’s the difference between Peter’s life in a small village vs a big city?

20:45 - Tourists love Japan, but what’s it like for Peter to actually live there?

25:26 - Why do the Japanese have one of the longest life expectancies? Peter’s 5 reasons

29:34 - Has the West misunderstood the Japanese concept of Ikigai? Peter’s perspective

31:40 - In Japanese companies, who’s more important than clients? Peter explains

33:13 - Peter’s top 3 health and wellness tips

35:23 - What are the consequences of Peter wrestling with a wild bear? (Yes, he really did get mauled!)

🚀 Never miss an episode!

🎧 [Follow The Executive Edge Podcast on Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/alex-mearns) for fresh insights into leadership, health and personal growth.

This episode is for senior executives, C-suite leaders and high-achievers in their 40s and 50s who might be feeling a bit "stuck" - personally or professionally. Whether you’re navigating burnout, struggling to balance priorities or seeking clarity on your next move, this episode has something for you.

Join Alex Mearns and guest Mary Barrett as they explore:

🎯 What coaching is and how it helps leaders thrive

🔍 The difference between coaching and traditional talk therapy

💡 Common challenges coaching can address - from burnout to emotional blocks

👩‍🏫 What makes a great coach and how to find one

🚀 Why coaching is the ultimate tool for high-achievers

If you’re ready to gain clarity, align your goals, and unlock a more fulfilling, balanced life, tune in for practical insights and inspiration.

In this episode of The Executive Edge Podcast, I sit down with Levitise Executive Coach, Darren Brunton, to explore how he maintains exceptional energy and vitality in his 60s while balancing multiple businesses, travel, fitness and family.

Darren shares his insights on using exercise as a creative and business catalyst, reconnecting with childhood passions to reignite energy and practical tips for transitioning out of corporate life with purpose.

Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, find balance or gain a new perspective on success, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you thrive at any age.

“What would you do if you got fired tomorrow?” That’s exactly what happened to Bill Bryant at 61, leaving him with no clear plan for what came next. In this episode of The Executive Edge Podcast, Bill shares how he turned to coaching to rediscover his purpose and build a future he’s excited about.

We explore how to escape the rat race, the importance of having a Plan B and why coaching is essential for navigating life’s most unexpected transitions. If you’re feeling anxious about job security or unsure of your next steps, this episode will provide the clarity and confidence you need to take control of your journey.

Tune in for practical advice on transforming uncertainty into opportunity and finding your true path.

Episode 1: Scott Treloar

How Scott left corporate drudgery, shifted his mindset, and launched his own successful business to live a life of freedom.

Introduction

Scott is a successful entrepreneur and family man in his late 50s, who plays masters hockey for Singapore and has worked with Levitise on both the executive coaching and personal training side. Today, we delve into the secrets behind how to quit the corporate world and build the life of your dreams.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro to Alex and the podcast

01:11 - Scott moves from Australia to Austria to become a ski instructor and driver for the Qatari Prince

03:34 - Why did Scott shift from an entrepreneurial start to investment banking and 10 years at Deutsche Bank?

05:15 - Do people work in large organisations that don’t align with their values just for the money?

06:00 - Do banks and financial institutions create, transfer, or destroy value? Are they aligned with their clients?

08:53 - Do investment banks have an information advantage? How did that make Scott feel?

11:00 - Is the financial services industry deceptive?

15:06 - What was Scott’s idea behind starting a disruptive business in the asset management industry?

18:20 - How did Scott gather the courage to quit a salaried position to launch his own business? Takeaways for those uncomfortable in their current jobs

21:22 - No fear!

22:09 - Is compliance just a whack-a-mole? How would Scott shake it up?

22:59 - What is the hardest part of setting up your own business?

25:24 - How does Scott’s business support small hedge fund talent that might struggle without banking resources?

28:20 - Why is the finance industry like Hollywood and the music industry?

29:48 - What were the physical, mental, and emotional challenges Scott faced and how did working with us help?

34:00 - What choices was Scott making regarding food and exercise, and how did he sort that out?

35:09 - What did Scott learn about personal training as a man in his 50s, and how did working with us benefit him?

37:39 - How did Scott’s mindset improve after executive coaching? What were the struggles like prioritisation?

39:31 - How do you leave corporate life and set up your own business? What would Scott have done differently?

45:28 - Do you just want to do your job or do something harder but more rewarding? What might you have to give up?

48:15 - Best takeaway message for someone wanting to set up their own business. What’s the next step?

48:39 - Income and materialism vs happiness and idealism

49:49 - Funny questions for Scott!

52:20 - Scott’s top 3 health, wellness, and fitness tips