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Why CEOs Need Grit — And How to Develop It with Aviva Leebow Wolmer, CEO Empower Leadership, LLC
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Being a CEO requires more than just strategy and experience—it takes grit. The kind that gets you through uncertainty, setbacks, loneliness at the top, and the pressure to always have the answers.
Take a listen to this conversation with Host Natalie Benamou and Aviva Leebow Wolmer, executive coach, Vistage Chair, and CEO of Empower Leadership LLC, about what it really takes to lead through challenge and constant change. From the courtroom to the boardroom, Aviva’s path has been shaped by one consistent theme: impact through resilience.
“Being a CEO is hard. It’s not for the faint of heart,” Aviva says. “You need passion and perseverance. Grit is what keeps you grounded when things feel uncertain—and it’s something you can develop.”
Whether you’re in the C-suite or rising to a leadership C-suite role, this conversation offers insight, connection, and reassurance that you're not alone.
What You’ll Take Away:
🔹 Grit Comes from Staying In It When Things Get Hard
It’s easy to shift focus when a challenge hits—but growth happens when you keep going. Aviva shares how the leaders she works with build staying power by committing to what matters most—even when the road isn’t clear.
🔹 Self-Doubt is Normal—But It Doesn’t Have to Hold You Back
Aviva shares her own story of rising into the CEO seat while navigating internal doubt, and how naming those feelings helped her move forward with clarity. “Someone saw something in me before I could see it in myself,” she says—a reminder of how powerful the right support can be.
🔹 You Don’t Need to Have All the Answers
"You’re not the only spot on the beach ball." This simple visual shows why diverse perspectives matter in leadership—and how being part of a trusted circle can expand your thinking and strengthen your decision-making.
Natalie and Aviva also explore the value of peer feedback and why leading with honesty and empathy is more important than ever.
🎙️ Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that will encourage you to keep leading—especially when it feels difficult.
Thank you Aviva for being our featured guest today!
Keep shining your light bright. The world needs you.
This podcast is sponsored by HerCsuite® Board Readiness Retreat. Join us May 1st-4th and land your next corporate board role.
About Our Guest
Aviva Leebow Wolmer serves as a Chair in Georgia for Vistage, the world’s largest CEO
coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. As a
Vistage Chair, she leads two peer advisory groups of CEOs eager to accelerate
toward their goals, along with a group of growth-oriented key executives
committed to driving transformative change within their organizations.
Vistage.com/chairs/Aviva.Leebow
Connect with Host Natalie Benamou, Founder HerCsuite®
Natalie is the host of "Women Leaders on the Move'', a top 25 Women's Leadership podcast by Feedspot. She is also the Founder of HerCsuite®, a powerful women's network with membership programs that advance women in the second half of their career. Natalie coaches executive leaders 1 -2-1 and leads HerCsuite® Mastermind programs. She is also the President of HER HEALTHX, a nonprofit focused on improving health outcomes for women.
Natalie Benamou on LinkedIn
HerCsuite® on LinkedIn
Interested in being a guest on the show- apply here https://hercsuite.com/apply-to-be-a-guest/
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