That was the moment I realised success looks different for me.
A few years ago, I was travelling constantly. Big titles, international meetings, lots of staff, a packed diary. From the outside, it looked like classic career success.
Inside, I could feel I was too far away from what really matters to me.
Too little contact with candidates and clients.
Too much admin, too many alignment meetings.
Too little entrepreneurial freedom.
The turning point came when I realised:
I want a small, focused firm.
With a clear signature and clear values.
With a team that takes responsibility.
Today, success means:
- I work close to revenue, in conversation with top leaders.
- I can turn down mandates that don’t fit our corridor.
- I’m building something I can proudly hand over to the next generation.
For me, growth stopped being an end in itself long ago.
I’d rather have less complexity, more freedom and real impact.
How has your idea of success changed in recent years?
