Why Top Executives Feel Stuck (And How to Grow Through It) – Sharon Spano Explains

Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich

Dr. Sharon Spano joins Thomas for a thoughtful, inspiring conversation about cutting ties with limiting beliefs, navigating trauma, and moving into the highest stages of adult human development. With humor, vulnerability, and depth, Sharon shares the tools she uses to help leaders reframe their success and embrace meaningful transformation.

About Sharon Spano:

Sharon is a PhD in Human and Organizational Systems, executive coach, author, and systems thinker. She works with leaders who are feeling the "emptiness of success"—those who have achieved much but still feel unfulfilled. Through her transformational work, Sharon helps them raise consciousness and uncover new meaning in their lives.

In this episode, Thomas and Sharon discuss:

• The Emptiness of Success
  Sharon explains why many high achievers find themselves unhappy despite external success—and how she helps them find fulfillment beyond metrics.
• The Power of Human Development Stages
  She introduces the 12 known stages of adult human development and how most professionals operate at just four or five.
• Cutting Ties with Toxic People
  Sharon recounts the painful journey of hiring—and firing—a partner who betrayed her trust, and how it prepared her for deeper work ahead.
• Grief, Loss, and Meaning-Making
  Sharon opens up about the loss of her son and how she transformed that experience into purpose, rather than a tie to cut.

Key Takeaways:

• Fulfillment Requires Conscious Growth
  Success without personal growth can lead to emptiness—transformation begins with awareness.
• Trauma Often Drives High Achievement
  Many leaders overachieve to outrun unresolved pain; healing allows for more authentic impact.
• Hard Experiences Are Teachers
  Painful moments often prepare us for greater service and wisdom.
• You're Never Too Late to Evolve
  Adult development is ongoing. We can always rise to higher stages if we're willing to do the work.

"Every moment is an opportunity to grow into your highest self. It's how you make meaning of those moments that transforms you." — Sharon Spano

CONNECT WITH SHARON SPANO:

 Website: https://www.sharonspano.com
Email: [e-mail]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/
Waitlist: Leader’s Edge Masterclass (via website) 

CONNECT WITH THOMAS HELFRICH:

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutthetiecommunity/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutthetie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
CutTheTie.com

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