Episode 56
Addiction & Leadership Recovery
Entrepreneurial coach and author David J. Greer opens up about the side of success most people never see: the quiet reality of high-functioning leaders living with addiction. Maartje van Krieken talks with David about how he built a global software company while privately battling alcoholism for more than 20 years and what finally pushed him toward lasting sobriety. How many leaders keep going at full speed while carrying that kind of hidden weight? And how much does it cost them both personally and professionally?
This episode looks at how entrepreneurial addiction can hide in plain sight, often normalized within business culture and difficult to spot in leaders who seem to have everything under control. David shares the signs worth noticing, how peers and boards can approach difficult conversations, and why lasting change only happens when the individual is ready. The conversation also examines other business coping mechanisms such as workaholism and gambling, asking listeners to reflect on whether they might be using any habit to change the way they feel.
David outlines what leadership recovery can mean in real terms, from choosing a single top priority each quarter to planning ahead for situations where alcohol is part of the environment. His approach blends strategy with self-awareness and shows how leaders can protect their own well-being while keeping their businesses strong. It is a reminder that a thriving business relies on a thriving leader, and that protecting your health is one of the most powerful business decisions you can make.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 The Dark Side of Entrepreneurial Success
01:59 David Greer’s Journey from Startup to Sobriety
05:03 The Turning Point: Admitting Alcoholism and Choosing Recovery
09:18 How to Recognize High-Functioning Addiction in Leaders
14:20 Breaking the Stigma: Alcoholism as a Mental Health Challenge
17:08 Coping Strategies for High-Pressure Business Environments
18:19 Business Coping Mechanisms Beyond Alcohol
22:46 Debunking the Myth of Alcohol as a Business Advantage
23:08 Leadership Recovery Through Daily Focus and Strategic Priorities
26:04 Free Coaching Offer for Entrepreneurs and Leaders
Connect with David J. Greer:
David J. Greer is an entrepreneurial coach, author, and facilitator. He is the catalyst who gets you to fully live your dreams now. Spend one hour reading his book Wind In Your Sails, attend a one hour talk with him, or get one hour of 1-to-1 coaching and you will have 3 concrete action items that will shift and accelerate your business within 90 days. David specializes in working with entrepreneurs challenged with alcoholism or addiction. He and his wife Karalee are committed to each other and their three children, spending time supporting them in the many and varied activities they are involved with. They live in Vancouver, Canada.
Connect with Maartje van Krieken:
Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.
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