Navigating Leadership, Burnout, and Purpose   In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a profound conversation with Dennis Franczak, the founder and partner of Bright Matter Advisors. The discussion explores the complexities of leadership, personal growth, and the critical importance of understanding one's purpose in life and work. Dennis shares his personal journey through burnout as a CEO, the invaluable lessons he learned, and how he now dedicates his efforts to helping other executives navigate similar challenges. Dennis Franczak's story is a compelling narrative of resilience and transformation. As a CEO for nearly two decades, he faced severe burnout that had been building over the years. In 2022, recognizing the toll it had taken on him, he decided to take a six-month sabbatical to focus on self-healing and reflection. During this time, he disconnected from the demands of his professional life and engaged in deep introspection, ultimately realizing that he had lost touch with his identity as a leader and family man. Upon returning to the professional world, Dennis transitioned into a chairman role at his former ad agency and founded Bright Matter Advisors. His mission is to assist executives in understanding their true selves, their relationships with their careers, and what they want to be known for. A significant theme in Dennis's journey is the need for vulnerability among leaders. He discusses how executives often feel pressured to maintain a facade of strength and control, which can prevent them from seeking help when they need it. Dennis emphasizes that being vulnerable is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is a crucial step toward healing and growth. He encourages leaders to open up about their struggles and seek support before reaching a breaking point. At Bright Matter Advisors, Dennis works with high-performing professionals through one-on-one coaching, group sessions, and workshops, focusing on self-discovery, career alignment, and discovering their purpose and legacy.   About Dennis Franczak:   Dennis Franczak is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive advisor with a deep passion for meaningful impact and legacy. With over two decades of experience, Dennis has navigated the complex landscapes of advertising and business strategy, establishing himself as a thought leader in both fields. As the founder and former CEO of a highly successful advertising agency, he possesses extensive knowledge of the latest trends in advertising and brand strategy. Today, Dennis dedicates his expertise to CEO and executive advisory, helping leaders scale their businesses, optimize sales processes, and determine the right times to buy or sell their enterprises. Dennis's journey is marked by personal transformation. After experiencing burnout post-COVID and realizing the detrimental effects of maintaining a façade of the "perfect CEO," he took a six-month sabbatical to reconnect with his core values through therapy and self-reflection. This period of profound personal growth has equipped Dennis with unique insights into the challenges executives face, from loneliness and isolation to the struggle for authenticity in leadership. Driven by a desire to help others avoid the pitfalls he encountered, Dennis now emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, self-awareness, and leading with authenticity. His approach is a blend of practical business strategies and motivational guidance, aimed at fostering resilience and long-term success among executives and emerging leaders alike. He believes that true leadership is about creating a lasting, positive impact and leaving a meaningful legacy.   About Bright Matter Advisors:   Bright Matter Advisors is a team of former CEOs and executives who have been where you are. We've been in your shoes. We've had similar problems, challenges, failures, and successes. We remember the late hours, working on vacation, the stress that comes with our position, and of course making sure our people are taken care of. We've been stuck on a problem, whether it be growth, profitability, marketing, regulators, operational efficiency, sales. We could name dozens of more problems we've faced. But you get it. You've been there. We also remember the times when we wished we could talk to other people like us who've been where we are, who understand us, and get support from them. At times, being an executive can be isolating and lonely, and you have to put up brave front because everyone expects you to be perfect. Not here. Now you have a chance to work with people who you can share your struggles, get help, and find inspiration. Because we have been right where you are and we ended up achieving our goals. You can too. It's time to "level up" and enjoy your role knowing you have a group of colleagues who can relate to what you are going through, and help you unlock solutions that deliver previously unachievable results. The kind of results that change lives. The kind of results that turn leadership into legacy.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode:   Want to learn more? Check out Bright Matter Advisors website at https://brightmatteradvisors.com/ Check out Bright Matter Advisors on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/bright-matter-advisors/ Check out Dennis Franczak on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dfranczak   Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!     More from UpMyInfluence:   We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.