We often measure leadership in terms of time, strategy, and results.
But none of those matter without the energy to deliver them.
Energy is the most overlooked resource in leadership. You can have the best plan in the world, but if you’re drained, unfocused, or running on fumes, the impact simply won’t land.
Time is fixed.
Energy is renewable.
But only if you protect and replenish it.
Why Energy Matters More Than Time
Think about it:
Depleted leaders create depleted teams. Stress, firefighting, and fatigue ripple outward.
Energised leaders set the tone. They bring clarity, resilience, and direction.
Energy unlocks performance. You can’t influence, inspire, or innovate if you’re exhausted.
We often talk about optimising time.
In reality, the leaders I coach mostly don’t have a time problem. They have an energy problem.
My Story: Running on Empty
For a long time, I was stretched thin.
Saying yes too fast and running on empty.
Exhaustion was just part of my M.O.
I wore it like a badge of honour.
After all the flying between Joburg and Cape Town, I levelled up and added Europe to the flight routes (because I clearly wasn't challenged enough).
A few weeks in Europe ->Joburg for a workweek -> Cape Town for a weekend.
Rinse and repeat.
(I couldn't decide if I was concerned or chuffed at the great relationships I developed with hotel staff in Warsaw and Prague.)
Madness.
On paper, I was “balanced.”
In reality, I was running on fumes.
And when you’re drained, you don’t stop leading.
You just start leading really badly.
Decisions become reactive.
Small issues feel like crises.
Resentment builds.
It wasn’t until I started paying attention to my energy (not just my calendar) that I realised the difference it made.
When I stopped long enough to take a breathe, I realised I felt bullied by my client counterpart. He was of the school of thinking that consultants needed to get it right all the time and would bully everyone into sleepless nights and overtime every time there was the smallest issue. I found myself caving to him and not having the energy to push back on the crazy demands on my team.
One of the best decisions I made in my career was stepping back from that role and coming back to Cape Town to recover. My overachiever self was mortified that I was 'giving up', but I came to realise I couldn't be my best and couldn't serve my team as long as I was burnt out.
Looking outside of the bully tactics, I also had to acknowledge that my client had some good points. I wasn't always onsite, my team did need me when I was away and I really wasn't willing to relocate. The best solution for everyone was to hand it over.
I couldn't be all things to everyone.
Energy Drains vs Energy Gains
Energy drains:
Constant urgency.
Firefighting mode.
Saying yes too quickly.
Back-to-back meetings.
Neglecting rest, movement, or reflection.
Energy gains:
Clarity of priorities.
Boundaries that protect focus.
Daily rituals (movement, meditation, reading).
Building the right relationships.
Allowing time to rest and recover.
The shift came when I started seeing energy as a resource to be managed—just like budget or strategy.
What I See in My Clients
Many of my clients tell me they don’t have enough time.
But when we dig deeper, what they really lack is energy.
They’re saying yes too quickly, carrying too much, or pouring energy into tasks that don’t match their priorities.
Once they reframe the problem, the shift is immediate:
More focus.
Better decision-making.
Less guilt.
And often, a ripple effect because energised leaders build energised teams.
Conclusion
Leadership isn’t about having more hours. It’s about protecting and directing your energy.
Time will always be limited.
Energy is what makes the difference between showing up as a reactive firefighter or a clear, intentional leader.
The real question isn’t:“How much can I do?”It’s:“Where is my energy best spent?”
