Rethinking the Holidays: Less Pressure, More Presence

Are you planning time off or avoiding the truth about your team?

In this solo episode, Bill explores how the holiday season acts as a diagnostic tool for your business. Are you building a company that thrives without you or one that collapses the second you unplug? He shares why most founders avoid taking time off and how strategically stepping away can highlight leadership gaps, capacity issues, and trust breakdowns. If you're feeling pulled in every direction heading into November or December, this episode is for you. 

Topics explored in this episode:

(01:15) The Holiday Season Is a Double-Edged Sword

*The holidays are often very joyful, but they also carry a lot of stress.

*Leaders are managing business deadlines, shorter days, and personal expectations collide.

*It's important to acknowledge that stress exists alongside celebration

(02:25) Redefining “Thanksgiving”

*Break “Thanksgiving” into two core practices: Thanks (appreciation) and Giving (generosity).

*Start with gratitude for team members, family, and yourself.

*Let go of expectations, and express that through generous action.

(5:25) Build Systems That Let You Breathe

*Think through the logistics of how you will see and connect with friends and family. 

*What’s gone wrong in the past? How can you prevent it from going wrong this year? 

*Apply the same reflection to your team; ask how they’re feeling and what support they need

Bill Gallagher, Scaling Coach and host of the Scaling Up Business podcast, is an international business coach who works with C-Suite leaders to achieve breakthrough growth.

 

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