Why Prioritizing Self-Care Is No Longer Optional for High-Performing Leaders (Authority Magazine Interview)
Imposter Syndrome is a powerful and often overlooked driver of burnout, health breakdowns, strained relationships, and decline in focus, especially among the most accomplished leaders.
High-performing leaders are expected to be “on” all the time, making decisions under pressure, carrying other people’s stress, and pushing through nonstop demands. For years, many have treated self-care like a luxury, something to get to after the next deadline or the next milestone. But burnout, health breakdowns, strained relationships, and declining focus are catching up with even the most driven executives. What does real self-care look like when you are leading at a high level, and why has it become a requirement rather than a nice-to-have? In this interview series, we are talking to founders, CEOs, executives, coaches, doctors, and anyone who is an authority about “Why Prioritizing Self-Care Is No Longer Optional for High-Performing Leaders”.As part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Erris Klapper.Erris is an attorney, writer and certified professional coach and consultant, with a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology. She is also a prolific writer, and her articles have appeared over 100 times in numerous media outlets including Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Yahoo News, Country Living, Esquire, House Beautiful and more. She leverages her multidisciplinary background to promote communication skills by blending a deep understanding of the legal/corporate landscape with the intricacies of human behavior at work. She is experienced in coaching executives to accomplish goals, including personal growth and leadership development, strategy, team management, improving dynamics, engagement, work-life balance and more. She specializes in Imposter Syndrome navigation and management, executive presence and communication.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we begin, can you please introduce yourself? Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘Origin Story’ and how you got started?
Three decades ago, after majoring in psychology, I graduated from law school and began a career that never quite fit. I learned, advanced, and valued the critical thinking, writing, and negotiation skills I gained, but I couldn’t see myself practicing law forever.
When a friend challenged me to name my passion, I admitted I’d always wanted to be a writer. It felt pretentious and beyond my grasp, but I learned to pitch, edit, and persevere through rejection, eventually publishing over 100 articles and completing a second draft of my memoir about coming of age in South Africa during Apartheid (who knows what will come of that, but a girl can dream).
In the last decade, I co-founded a consulting firm, earned a master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational psychology, became a certified professional coach and consultant and launched my own practice. I realized I’d been coaching and mentoring all along. That’s where my passion meets its purpose.
Going back to school in my 50s wasn’t easy, but stagnation would have been worse. Today, I find joy in coaching individuals, consulting with organizations, writing, teaching, and speaking. My next passion project is launching my podcast, Beyond Your Job, where we’ll explore work, life, balance, and everything in between.
During my master’s, I focused heavily on Imposter Syndrome research. The statistics on its prevalence, particularly among executives and high achievers, are staggering. So, while the broader question of this interview is why self-care is no longer optional, I will approach it through the lens of Imposter Syndrome, hoping to raise awareness and provide strategies for mitigating its debilitating effects. Imposter Syndrome is a powerful and often overlooked driver of burnout, health breakdowns, strained relationships, and decline in focus, especially among the most accomplished leaders. I’m not suggesting it’s the sole cause, but it is so common and harmful that it demands attention. Suffering in silence and not taking care is no longer an option.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
During my last year in college, my dad advised me against pursuing an advanced degree in psychology and encouraged me to apply to law school instead. For three years, I called him often, venting my frustration and doubts. His steady reply was always, “You’ll be fine. You’re almost there.”
I eventually graduated, found a job and kept sharing my resentment about being a lawyer. His response remained grounded: “It’s not about being a lawyer. It’s about the skills you’ve developed. When you stop wallowing in negativity, you’ll figure out how to use them.”
His message was clear: Instead of dwelling on dissatisfaction, focus on discovering your passion. When you do, you’ll find your purpose.
Though my dad was no longer here when I returned to study psychology, something he once discouraged, he was with me every step of the way. The skills I gained in law school and beyond equipped me to finally embrace and pursue my passion.
Today, I draw on my experience in law, writing, communication, and psychology in my coaching and consulting practice, and truthfully, in all aspects of my life. My dad was right: We flourish where passion meets purpose.
Ok, fantastic. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview. High-performing leaders are often celebrated for resilience and endurance. At what point did you realize that self-care wasn’t a luxury, but a leadership responsibility?
When I was in middle school, my family moved from Israel to South Africa for two years. I could converse in English but reading and writing were a struggle. My sixth-grade teacher seemed to take pleasure in asking me to read aloud in front of the class. Maybe she thought she was helping me, but even now, my heart races at the memory. To encourage me, the adults around me advised: Fake it till you make it. Eventually, I became fluent, as you can hopefully tell, but instead of internalizing my success, I internalized the idea that I was an imposter, constantly fearing that one day my teacher or peers would discover I was a fraud and not good enough.
Imposter Syndrome resurfaced in law school, where public speaking is non-negotiable. Throughout my early career, I avoided these situations whenever possible until I realized that this syndrome was holding me back from pursuing my dreams. Addressing it and prioritizing self-care was not a luxury; it was a responsibility to myself so I could fully support others.
This is why I focused so heavily on Imposter Syndrome during my master’s and why I am committed to giving it the time and attention it deserves. Leaders who struggle with it may believe they suffer in silence, but the impact on their teams, relationships, and well-being is profound and undeniable.
How has prioritizing your own well-being directly impacted your decision-making, company culture, and long-term performance outcomes? Can you share a specific example?
Prioritizing my well-being has most directly impacted the quality and pace of my decision-making. I’m naturally goal and productivity oriented. I move quickly and thrive on momentum. Earlier in my career, that often translated into fast decisions and high expectations, sometimes before carving out space for reflection.
When I began treating well-being as a performance strategy rather than a luxury, I implemented a personal rule: I don’t make high-stakes decisions in a state of cognitive urgency. That meant building in recovery time, clear breaks in my day, and taking the proverbial deep breath before responding.
When I transitioned from a partnership to my own consulting and coaching business, my instinct was to move quickly. Diverse opportunities presented themselves simultaneously, but I realized that pausing and prioritizing to evaluate my why was a step I couldn’t skip. That pause changed the outcome. Giving myself permission to prioritize thoughtfully, and to decline good opportunities that just weren’t right for me, helped prioritize my growth, values and decision-making.
Performance and opportunities improved when I slowed down, became more intentional and focused. Pausing and staying true to myself sharpened my judgment, reduced ego-driven decisions, and reinforced my values around sustainability and longevity.
What systems, boundaries, or non-negotiable rituals have you implemented to prioritize self-care, and how have those practices evolved as your responsibilities have grown?
I am so glad you asked! This question hits me right in the gut because it’s where I’ve not only struggled, but where I’ve made the most progress. I don’t see these as luxuries; I see these as non-negotiables, and it’s important to note that rituals can change over time due to shifting needs and priorities.
No self-scheduling calendar. While it is less convenient for my clients and potential clients, I don’t use a self-scheduling calendar. My appointments are scheduled with intention and at mutually convenient times that offer space for all parties to explore and grow.
Power of the pause. I don’t dive into emotionally charged conversations anymore. In the past, that was more of a mindless habit rather than a meaningful response on my part. Today, I listen, thank people for sharing, and give myself time to reflect before responding. This was a game changer for me, but it still requires a lot of presence, intention and self-control.
Sleep, exercise, and diet. Sleep and exercise are non-negotiable. We just can’t give our best when we are not at our best. My diet isn’t about restriction, and I am adamant about that. I believe in ‘everything in moderation’ and detest a one-size-fits-all approach. For me, it’s about eating whole foods that nourish my brain and body, and some very dark chocolate every night.
Meditation. I make a conscious effort to meditate 3–5 times a week and I’m working towards daily practice. Meditation reduces stress, sharpens focus, strengthens emotional resilience, and cultivates a calm, clear mind that improves how we live, work, and relate to others. This one is a work in progress for me.
Breathing breaks. Throughout the day I make a conscious effort to stop and breathe with intention, which reduces heart rate, lowers cortisol levels and decreases stress, resulting in calmness and increased cognition. Techniques such as 4–7–8 breathing and square breathing help regulate the autonomic nervous system and calm nerves. In 4–7–8 breathing, you inhale for four counts, hold the breath for seven counts, and exhale slowly for eight counts. Square breathing typically involves inhaling for four counts, holding for four, exhaling for four, and holding again for four.
Daily outdoor time. Regardless of how busy I am, I saddle up my huge labradoodle, Austin, and go for a walk. Sometimes it’s too cold or too hot, but we do the best we can, and I never talk on the phone, listen to music or a podcast during our walks. It’s my time to breathe, actively meditate, take in the world and practice being present.
Creating indoor zen. I work primarily from home and that means creating a space that is inviting, comfortable and conducive to the often emotionally charged work that I do. For me — and this is different for everyone — it means making the bed, tidying the kitchen, opening windows when weather permits, lighting candles or a diffuser, creating soft lighting and playing soothing music in the background. When I end a meeting, I don’t have to go very far to find Zen. It’s all around me.
Making time for friends and family. I’ve been guilty of cancelling plans because I’m too busy and I am working hard on keeping that behavior to a minimum. Inevitably, time with people I love recharges me and gives meaning to my life.
Jotting notes. When I feel overwhelmed and my mind keeps spinning long after the workday ends, I make a list. An anxious mind can get trapped in an endless loop, trying to remember tasks and details. When I notice the loop on replay, I make a to-do list, put it on my desk and allow myself to feel the relief that the reminder will be there in the morning.
If you could shift one belief that high-achieving executives hold about burnout, productivity, or balance, what would it be and why?
Here are two beliefs that are intertwined:
“I know my mental health is suffering, but I’ll just get through this one project, one meeting, one quarter — and then I’ll deal with it.”
That belief feels strategic, but research shows us it is anything but well-thought out. Delaying difficult or uncomfortable tasks rarely leads to follow-through; instead, it reinforces avoidance and increases stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep. The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain responsible for executive functioning, such as planning and decision-making. Waiting does not preserve executive functioning — it diminishes it. Postponement is a bad decision. When we continually defer what we know we need, we’ve already relegated it to a low position in our list of priorities, proving to ourselves that it is not that important.
“I think I have Imposter Syndrome, but I don’t seek help because doing so would feel like proof that I’m an imposter.”
When it comes to Imposter Syndrome, high-achieving executives believe that they should be able to conquer it and all its debilitating symptoms on their own. That limiting belief is part of the vicious cycle that reinforces the phenomenon and keep people stuck. Imposter syndrome is a cognitive bias and self-doubt of intellect, skill or accomplishments. It is characterized by setting unrealistic expectations, attributing success to external factors, engaging in strict self-evaluation and self-sabotage and fear of being discovered as a phony. In some people with Imposter Syndrome, these fears lead to inertia because they reinforce the self-limiting belief that they are, in fact, an imposter. This results in burnout, reduced personal growth and opportunities, physical and behavioral health manifestations, burnout, low self-esteem and reduced job satisfaction. My hope is that people experiencing these symptoms will realize that it is possible to shift biased beliefs and prioritize self-care and strategies for improvement.
Please share your “Five self-care routines you need in order to succeed and thrive as a high-performing leader”. If you can, please share a story or an example for each.
Korn Ferry’s Workforce 2024 Global Insights Report found that 71% of U.S. CEOs and 65% of senior executives report experiencing symptoms of Imposter Syndrome. The feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy are not about lack of ability, but about a pervasive personal bias, even when all external performance measures indicate otherwise. Because this phenomenon is so pervasive, I am going to address these self-care routines from an Imposter Syndrome mitigation perspective.
1. Recognize the Issue.
Recognizing there may be an issue is a powerful first step. Dr. Pauline Rose Clance developed a simple, 20-item self-assessment that is easy to complete and score independently. I am sharing the link here. Seeing results in black and white makes it easier to shift from awareness to action. This is a great first step towards thriving. Several months ago, a leader reached out to me after informing his supervisor of his intent to resign. Announcing his resignation, although he hadn’t gone through with it, was his way of trying to “get ahead” of everyone finding out he just wasn’t good enough. With the support of his supervisor, he decided to stay on and work with me on a program designed to mitigate his feelings of imposterism. Today he is thriving at his job, taking on leadership roles and has greater job satisfaction. He recognized the issue and took care of himself by taking that first step, which changed the course of his career.
2. Examine the Evidence.
Imposter Syndrome triggers, which intensify underlying feelings, are different for everyone. Cognitive Behavior Therapy teaches us a ritual or exercise called Evidence Over Emotion, which emphasizes interrupting emotional thoughts and testing them against available evidence. For example, an individual who is triggered by their supervisor asking a question or offering constructive critique may jump to the conclusion that, “they realize I’m not capable of handling this.” Once that thought has surfaced, examining reality and verifiable facts helps to restore rational thinking. Even asking ourselves, “Is that really true?” helps to dispel automatic thoughts.
3. Keep a Success Log.
Recording mastery moments regularly reinforces the belief in your abilities, helping to build stronger self-efficacy and resilience over time. This is simple but requires commitment. For example, keep a running log of the date, task, outcome and reflection. This ritual works in conjunction with examining the evidence because it serves as “proof” of facts over emotion when we need it.
4. Nervous System Reset.
High-performing leaders inevitably experience daily stress. Nervous system regulation is an essential and easy way to engage in self-care throughout the day. 4–7–8 and square breathing help restore calm and recharge the brain. An extended, controlled exhalation stimulates the Vagus nerve, activating the parasympathetic system so the body can rest. Hand and limb shaking or shoulder rolling (proprioceptive discharge), often seen in athletes, releases tension and helps reset the nervous system. Intentional breathing breaks and a body reset before an important meeting go a long way towards mitigating stress and lowering emotional overload.
5. Take an anti-Perfectionist Stance.
Not all perfectionists have Imposter Syndrome, but it’s harder to have Imposter Syndrome and not suffer from some degree of perfectionism. This overcompensation leads to unnecessary stress in overachievers, who would likely succeed without the added angst of perfectionism. Intentionally setting a limit or rule helps to reverse this type of escalation. Research supports that setting an Anti-Overcompensation Rule, essentially a boundary, encourages intentionally moderating effort and expectations, allowing room for mistakes and imperfection, which can reduce anxiety, increase self-efficacy, and break the cycle. For example, before preparing a quarterly report, a CEO can consciously decide that after the report is finalized, they will review it only once, submit it, and accept that perfectionism is not necessary for success. This is hard, but practice leads to positive results.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
Here’s something that I’m passionate about and practice in my daily life (and the best part? It’s doable): What if each of us performed one small act of kindness for someone outside our circle every single day? Buy the person behind you a coffee. Give a genuine compliment. Pause to greet a pet (with permission, of course). Spend a few extra minutes listening. The ways are endless. Imagine how our world could look if every single person participated every single day, without exception. This idea is backed by science. Acts of kindness don’t just help others; they make us happier, more fulfilled, and more connected. When we lift someone else, we lift ourselves. Maybe I’m biased, but this one is a win-win.
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