Networking, they say, is about planting relationships. Today’s guest, Mr. Nick Jonnson, who runs a networking organization talks about specializing in peer small groups. He is the founder and managing director of Executives’ Global Network, Singapore. Uniquely, he also aims to help alleviate the loneliness that usually comes to people at the top. He is an author, speaker, athlete, and mental health educator. Driven by a mission, he works relentlessly to remove the stigma associated with mental health in workplaces.

Find out what happens when we mix Executive Presence with Executive Loneliness! Our guest: Nick Jonsson “I am dedicated to raising awareness and eliminating the stigma around the phenomenon of executive loneliness. I have identified that feelings of isolation and depression—personal struggles that I, myself, have had to grapple with and conquer—are much more widespread than we think. As Founder and Managing Director of Executives’ Global Network (EGN) Singapore, #1 international bestselling author, creator of Leaders-Anonymous, keynote speaker, and racing Ironman, I am passionate about exposing executive loneliness and bringing the discussion to the forefront.

With the rise of mental health issues and with the COVID pandemic forcing less and less interactions amongst co-workers and leaders, senior leaders in many organizations are suffering numerous new ailments and challenges. With this workplace scenario continuing to be a problem, as times progress with more and more complications arising, many leaders are reaching breaking points in their personal lives.

One of the silver linings of the current pandemic is the acceleration of virtual technologies to connect global communities. On one hand, this has resulted in the emergence of decentralized communities connecting around common purposes, on the other hand, this has contributed to increases in mental health issues related to loneliness and isolation among remote professionals. Executive leaders are not immune to these trends, and while the topic of executive wellbeing is certainly not a new theme, it has started to gain priority as the world moves toward a post-pandemic operating environment.

Nick, Founder and Managing Director of Executives’ Global Network (EGN) Singapore, is dedicated to raising awareness and eliminating the stigma around the phenomenon of executive loneliness. He made this his life’s work following the suicide of a close friend. Now in his third year of recovery, Nick has identified that feelings of isolation and depression – personal struggles that he, himself, has had to grapple with and conquer – are much more widespread than we may think.

As the co-founder and managing director of the Singapore branch of EGN (Executives’ Global Network), guest speaker, Nick Jonsson, talks about how he is matching senior executives in confidential peer groups where they can help each other face challenges and identify opportunities for growth. He is also an International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified coach, who loves to work with executives to help them with their career and lifestyle choices.

91% of Singaporeans report feeling stressed. But it’s not just an Asian phenomenon. Globally, we are beginning to have the conversation about mental health and how we’re all affected in some way. The UK appointed its first suicide minister in 2018. And, in Australia, the biggest cause of death for males aged 15-44 is suicide. Cleary something is wrong, and we need to talk. In today’s XL Podcast, we turn our attention away from leadership to the leaders themselves.

Nick Jonsson is the Founder & Managing Director with EGN (Executives’ Global Network) Singapore. A passionate about matching senior executives in confidential peer groups where they can help each other face challenges and identify opportunities, Nick has over 23 years of experience working across Asia, Australia and Europe representing major international firms. He is proficient in international general management, direct sales and marketing experience.

On Soul of Business, Claressa Monteiro speaks with Nick Jonsson, Managing Director EGN Singapore, on his newly released book “Executive Loneliness” that aims to raise awareness, and eliminate the stigma around the phenomenon of executive loneliness, with a focus on the five pathways to overcoming isolation, stress, anxiety and depression in the modern business world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick is the Co-Founder and MD of one of Asia’s premier networking organizations called “Executives’ Global Network”. He built a caring community that provides hundreds of executives a safe haven to share their challenges, and receive support and learn from each other. Nick is also a #1 Best Selling Author of “Executive Loneliness”. Executive loneliness is an incredibly serious condition and, in some cases, fatal, as Nick explains in this book.

The motivation for the book was the learning that senior business leaders felt quite lonely in the way they had to make decisions. The background research leading upto the book, showed that upto 30% of senior business leaders felt they were depressed. Following this up with the in-person interviews brought out specific stories that’s captured in the book. A key finding was that senior leaders are often working across cultures and laws over various countries which impacts decision making and makes it complex.

Andy Lopata and Nick Jonsson continue their discussion about executive loneliness. Nick shares his views on the importance of positive professional relationships and how he encourages his colleagues and contacts to have a plan and a strategy when meeting people. Relationships should not be developed if they are formed on the wrong basis. Nick recommends books that have influenced his journey.

And Lopata and Nick Jonsson discuss leadership problems for senior executives who are unable to share challenges and their vulnerability within their company. A survey showed that this is a general problem and is explored in his book, ‘Executive Loneliness’. Nick also suggests ways to get support and feel safe to share with others.

CallumConnects Micro-Podcast is your daily dose of wholesome entrepreneurial inspiration. Hear from many different entrepreneurs in just 5 minutes what hurdles they have faced, how they overcame them, and what their key learning is.

Nick Jonsson is the Founder & Managing Director of EGN (Executives’ Global Network) Singapore where he works with senior executives in confidential peer groups where they can help each other face challenges and identify opportunities. As you will hear in our interview, Nick is Swedish but has worked and lived in Asia, Australia and Europe. He is passionate about assisting people who are suffering from executive loneliness and sharing his own experiences of executive loneliness.

As the old saying goes: “It’s lonely at the top.”. Not addressing this topic may cause difficulties for executives to keep functioning normally. That’s why Lead to Succeed guest Nick Jonsson, will be focusing on this topic.

On the next episode of The Leadership Communication Show, I speak with Nick Jonsson, co-founder and managing director of EGN Singapore, one of Asia’s premier networking organizations. He’s built a caring community that provides hundreds of executives a safe haven to share their challenges, and receive support and learn from each other.

Chris talks to Nick Jonsson about anxiety, depression and how even those executives of the business world struggle to show some vulnerability.

Nick talks about the role peer networks play in supporting like-minded professionals. How having conversations with people at your level can help you grow. We also focus on the importance of personal resilience for those building professional resilience programs.