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Doubt the Doubt
Like in all major events, there’s a moment (actually, many moments) in every turnaround where self-doubt sneaks in. Usually uninvited. It’s that little voice in your head that whispers questions you’d rather not hear: Did I make the right call? Am I leading this team the right way? What if I’m in over my head?
I know that voice well. It doesn’t just question your decisions—it questions you. It makes you feel like you don’t belong in your role, that everyone else’s opinion matters more, and that you’re just one mistake away from being exposed as a fraud. It can grow especially loud when the stakes are high and the path is uncertain.
Here’s the thing I’ve come to realize: that voice of doubt? It’s not your enemy. It’s your brain’s way of trying to protect you, to keep you in your comfort zone and away from risk. And while the comfort zone is a safe place, it’s not where growth happens, it’s where the status quo is kept.
Self-doubt forces you to reflect, to question, to reassess. And yes, it can get very uncomfortable. But here’s the thing: that discomfort means you’re pushing boundaries, stepping into new territory, and challenging yourself in ways that matter. Doubt is a sign of effort. It means you’re trying something new, taking a risk.
The key is to doubt the doubt itself. Instead of letting it paralyze you, recognize it for what it is—a protective reflex, not a prophecy of failure. Use it as a signal to pause, reassess, and adjust if needed, but don’t let it stop you.
Every leader I’ve seen navigate a tough turnaround has wrestled with self-doubt (myself included). The ones who succeed aren’t the ones without doubt, but the ones who move forward despite it. Their confidence comes from taking thoughtful, deliberate actions, not from the absence of doubt.
Doubt isn’t a sign you’re failing, it’s proof you’re trying! Doubt the doubt. Keep pushing. You are probably on to something.
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The Biggest Myths About Turnarounds
Turnarounds are often glorified in stories and media. The fearless leader charges in, makes a few bold decisions, and everything miraculously falls into place.
If only it were that simple…
The reality of turnarounds is far messier and more nuanced than the myths would have you believe. And clinging to those myths can do more harm than good.
Here are a few of the biggest myths about turnarounds—and the truths I’ve learned firsthand:
Myth 1: It’s All About Bold, Big Moves
When people imagine a turnaround, they picture sweeping changes—a major restructuring, a massive product launch, or a dramatic cost-cutting move. While big moves can have their place, most successful turnarounds are built on small, consistent wins. Addressing small inefficiencies, rebuilding trust, and fixing foundational problems often have a far greater impact than a single dramatic gesture. Turnarounds aren’t won with a sledgehammer; they’re carefully carved with a scalpel.
Myth 2: One Leader Can Fix Everything
There’s this romanticized idea of the lone savior who swoops in to save the day. But the truth is, no leader—no matter how skilled—can do it alone. Turnarounds rely on teams. The best leaders aren’t the ones who have all the answers; they’re the ones who inspire people to step up, collaborate, and own the solutions together. It’s not a solo act—it’s a team effort.
Myth 3: Once You Fix the Problem, It’s Over
People often assume that a turnaround ends when the immediate crisis is resolved. But that’s just the beginning. Turnarounds require sustained effort to stabilize and grow. The real work starts after the major fires are out—ensuring the changes stick and the culture evolves to prevent another collapse.
Myth 4: Turnarounds Always Succeed
I wish that were true! The hard truth is that not every turnaround has a happy ending. I’ve seen many companies die in spite of the effort put in to try and fix them.
The Reality of Turnarounds
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that each turnaround represents a unique challenge of varying complexity and conflicting priorities. In those circumstances, the chances of a silver bullet—a bold move, a fearless leader, or a quick fix—solving everything are slim. Instead, it’s small wins, by a solid team, that set you on the right path. Allowing you to adapt, reiterate, and keep the forward momentum going, step by step.
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What Turnarounds Teach You About Yourself (and Life)
There’s that moment in the turnaround when you realize just how bad things really are. Maybe it’s the moment you see the numbers in red, the customers ditching, or the team losing faith. It’s that gut-punch telling you — this isn’t working! And it can feel utterly paralyzing.
As you scramble for a solution in your head, every possible move you think of leads to a dead end. The weight of the moment can be crushing. I’ve been there. Many times.
For me, what has helped is thinking of it as the starting gun at a marathon. I use it to signal the first step, which is often the hardest — accepting that something is very broken.
Acceptance shifts your mindset. You’re no longer in denial mode (or worse, “sugarcoating mode”). Instead, you’re thinking creatively and constructively about the next small step towards fixing the situation. This transition is incredibly empowering. It lifts that crushing weight off your shoulders and gives you the much needed boost to start moving — to start fixing.
Evolving your thinking in this way can teach you a lot about yourself, and how you handle crisis situations — whether in business or life. It is a reflection of your ability to stay composed and thoughtful, and demonstrates your emotional intelligence and resilience.
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Turning Stuff Around: Why I’m Writing This Blog
It always starts messy…
A couple of years ago (early 2023), I took the role of CEO at a global FinTech company. At the time, the business was practically in a nosedive: profits were evaporating, operations were deteriorating, and the team was losing faith. To make things worse, the company was being put up for sale. My job? Get it sold and get it fixed, fast!
I did both.
By summer the company was sold. In the ensuing months we drove double-digit top line growth, and 13x profit growth. Our culture surveys also showed measurable improvement. We had turned around the company.
Why this blog?
Turnarounds are tough. I’ve been through many of different shapes and sizes. They continuously push your limits and, as the leader, test your emotional resilience through sleepless nights, paralyzing doubts, and the overwhelming question of “what next?”
In business, we often celebrate the success stories, glossing over the messy reality of what it takes to get there. This blog is about sharing the hard lessons I’ve learned in the trenches—what went right, what didn’t and everything in between. I expect some of the ideas in this blog will resonate, or at the very least, provide some much needed fresh perspective. My hope is that it serves as a starting point—a way to help you begin moving in the right direction as you try and conquer your own business challenges.
Feel free to reach out to me directly. I would be more than happy to connect!
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Turning Stuff Around 