CEOs never get a day off. Oftentimes, their lives can feel like an endless slog from one hard decision to the next. 

Inc.’s 2024 CEO Survey found that many of the leaders of Inc. 5000 companies cite strikingly similar challenges that come along with being the boss.

For Robbie Harrell, founder and CEO of Saint Paul, Minnesota-based sculpture-grade ice company Minnesota Ice, running a company means constantly trying to avoid burnout. Founded in 2013, the company claimed the No. 1,416 spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list.

Here are the three hardest things about being a CEO, according to the world’s top CEOs. 

Loneliness

• “It can be lonely at times because most of your friends can’t really identify with your struggles, or celebrations.”
• “Few people understand the difficulties. They think I have it made and I’m so lucky without seeing the struggles, risk, and work that it takes to be a founder.”
• “Your pain is your pain, and it’s very difficult to show others as it may be considered a sign of weakness.”

Pro tip: Build relationships with other CEOs, consultants, and friends in business. Harrell says joining a peer group of other leaders gave him some much-needed perspective. “It’s been quite helpful to hear I’m not the only guy having employee issues,” he says. 

Feeling the weight of the world 

• “I am accountable to 11 family members, including siblings, children, nieces, and nephews. This responsibility weighs heavily on me, often causing anxiety and sleepless nights.”
• “Feeling like I’m carrying the weight of the company by myself, despite having over 100 employees.”
• “Everyone looks to me as having all of the answers and being right 100% of the time. I am far from perfect, and sometimes make decisions without thoroughly considering the full ramifications.”

Pro tip: Give yourself a break by completing a task unrelated to your business. Harrell says to destress, he listens to music while mowing his five-acre property. “When I finish and see all five acres cut, that’s instant gratification,” he says. 

Delegating 

• “The constant challenge for me as a founder has been learning to let go and trust others to replicate my vision. When you start something from inception, it’s hard to let others in.” 
• “Having to be consistent in all things to set an example for other team members.” 
• “Learning to let go of this thing I’ve created so others can help take it to the next level.”

Pro tip: Clearly convey the kinds of problems that should be brought to the CEO and which can be handled without approval. “You have to remember that when an employee comes to you with a problem, they don’t know all the other problems you’re solving,” Harrell says.

Inc