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!)

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🎧 [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.