#0420  –  The Success Trap: Why High Achievers Feel Empty at the Top with Keren Eldad

#0420 – The Success Trap: Why High Achievers Feel Empty at the Top with Keren Eldad

From Deep Leadership by Jon S. Rennie

March 14, 2026 · 36 min · Episode 420

About this episode

The episode discusses the emotional cost of ambition and why high achievers often feel empty despite their success.

The Success Trap: Why High Achievers Feel Empty at the Top Success is supposed to make you happy… so why do so many high achievers feel trapped? In this episode of the Deep Leadership podcast, I talk with executive coach and author Keren Eldad about the hidden emotional cost of ambition. We explore why success and happiness often move in opposite directions, how leaders unknowingly build a “gilded cage,” and why perfectionism, hustle culture, and chasing the wrong goals can leave even the most accomplished people feeling empty. Keren shares practical insights on breaking free from the relentless pursuit of more, rethinking success, and leading from purpose instead of pressure. If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or high performer who feels like your ladder might be leaning against the wrong wall, this conversation will challenge how you think about success. Learn more about Keren Eldad and her book Gilded https://amzn.to/4bqmRPaSubscribe to Deep Leadership for more conversations that help build a world with better bosses Sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cadre of Men⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Farrow Skin…

People in this episode

Host: Jon S. Rennie

Guest: Keren Eldad

Topics covered

  • success
  • happiness
  • ambition
  • leadership
  • perfectionism
  • hustle culture

Keywords

  • success trap
  • high achievers
  • emotional cost
  • leadership
  • purpose
  • perfectionism
  • hustle culture

Sponsors

Cadre of Men, Farrow Skin Care, Salty Sailor Coffee Company, Leader Connect, The Qualified Leadership Series

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Gilded

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