What Is Life Really Like at the Top?
- ishikalatwal
- Aug 27
- 3 min read
At some point during a conversation, someone leans in and asks me,
“Payal, you work with some of the top CEOs and business tycoons in the world. What is their life really like?”
I can always see the curiosity in their eyes. And I completely understand. We admire these leaders. We imagine their lives are a blend of influence, impact, and impressive financial rewards. Glamorous. Exciting. Powerful.
And while that is partly true, there is a side to their story that most people never see. But I do.
Behind the boardroom doors, almost every day, I am either in a meeting with one of these leaders or on a coaching call with them. And let me tell you, their lives are intense.
Yes, there are perks. Private jets. First-class flights. Exclusive dinners. Global speaking engagements. But alongside all that is a level of responsibility and pressure that would make most people crumble. These leaders are making decisions that impact thousands of jobs, billions of dollars, and sometimes entire industries. And when you are at the top, there is no one above you to blame if things go wrong.
What I Have Observed Up Close
From working so closely with them, I have noticed some powerful patterns:
They are incredibly disciplined: If they say they will finish a proposal by Friday, it is done by Friday. If they block time for thinking, they honor it, no matter what is going on.
They guard their energy: They do not waste time complaining or getting pulled into drama. They know emotional exhaustion is just as dangerous as physical fatigue.
They win with small, steady steps: It is not magic. It is the boring stuff, showing up day after day, taking small steps that add up over time.
Their calendars are intense: Every minute is accounted for. They even schedule time to think. Imagine putting thinking on your calendar.
They are constant learners: They read like their life depends on it. Business books. Market reports. Even fiction to broaden their perspective.
They socialize with intention: No endless parties. When they meet people, it is for connection, learning, or strategy. Social life is meaningful, not constant.
They travel a lot: Some weeks, they are in three different time zones. It sounds glamorous until you have done it for months on end.
They fiercely protect their focus: Whether it is a workout, a walk, or just silence, they carve out time for themselves.
The Loneliness of Leadership
There is also a lonely side to leadership.
They do not always have true peers within their company. They cannot always talk openly about their doubts - even with their closest team members. Every word, every action, every email is under the microscope. Sometimes, overanalyzed.
While they have more resources than most of us, they also have fewer people they can truly be themselves with.
Predictability Over Excitement
One of my biggest realizations from coaching these high-level leaders is this: What keeps them going is not excitement, it is predictability.
The same 5 AM wake-up. The same morning routine. The same deliberate habits. Day after day.
It is not glamorous. But it is what allows them to consistently perform at a level most people cannot even imagine. That structure creates stability. And that stability frees up mental space to focus on big things and game-changing decisions.
I wrote more about this in The Power of Predictable Routines.
The Real Picture
So the next time you imagine the life of a top CEO or business tycoon, remember this:
It is not just luxury offices and red carpet events. It is discipline. Focus. Predictability. And yes, sacrifice.
I have seen the champion toast. I have also seen the 4 AM strategy call. Both are part of the package.
Success at the top is not built in the spotlight. It is built in the quiet, consistent, often unseen moments that happen long before the applause.
Your Turn
This was your inside look with me into what life at the top really looks like. Until next time — stay inspired, stay focused, and keep building your own version of success. One day at a time, you will get there.
Wishing you loads of success in your career.
Your Good Friend and Coach
Have a question for me? Send it to success@payalnanjiani.com or DM me on Instagram @payalnanjiani. I would love to hear from you.
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