Why Great Leaders Still Self-Destruct with Mark J Silverman

Mark J. Silverman on Leadership Capacity, Triggers, and Resilience Under PressureGeorge Wright III interviews executive coach and author Mark J. Silverman about why leadership breakdowns are often “capacity problems” driven by stress and unresolved childhood overlays in relationships. Silverman shares his journey from alcoholism and addiction to sobriety in 1989, later business success, midlife panic, depression, and rebuilding through endurance goals, therapy, journaling, and self-help—leading him into coaching. He explains allostatic load and how overwhelmed leaders lose composure despite knowing the material, then outlines practical foundations (sleep, food, downtime, family, contemplation) plus his framework from The Rising Leader Handbook: leading up, across, down, and self. He describes building capacity by repeatedly facing discomfort without overreacting, and flags warning signs like autocratic behavior, low curiosity, blaming, and resentment—prompting leaders to ask where they failed to set boundaries, ask for needs, or create clear agreements. He emphasizes preparation over prediction in an uncertain world, accepting unfairness, “working the problem,” and putting yourself on the list; contact is markjsilverman.com.00:00 Childhood Boss Overlay01:35 From Addiction to Success03:05 Midlife Crash and Healing05:17 Finding Coaching Purpose06:52 Leadership Capacity Explained07:21 Allostatic Load Basics10:37 Four Leadership Arenas12:07 Triggers and Trusted Advisor14:52 Building Capacity Practice16:51 Early Stress Warning Signs19:25 Leading Through UncertaintyThanks for listening, and Please Share this Episode with someone. It would really help us to grow our show and share these valuable tips and strategies with others. Have a great day.George Wright III“It’s Never Too Late to Start Living the Life You Were Meant to Live”FREE Daily Mastermind Resources:CONNECT with George & Access Tons of ResourcesGet access to Proven Strategies and Time-Test Principles for Success. Plus, download and access tons of FREE resources and online events by joining our Exclusive Community of Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, and High Achievers like YOU.Join FREE at DailyMastermind.comFollow me on social media Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin | TikTok | YoutubeGrow Your Authority and Personal Brand with a FREE Interview in a Top Global Magazine HERE.About GuestMark J. Silverman is an executive coach, best-selling author, and host of The Rising Leader Podcast. He works with high-performing leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives who are navigating the challenges of growth, pressure, and responsibility while striving to lead with greater clarity, resilience, and purpose. His work focuses on a simple but overlooked truth: leadership doesn't break down because people don't know what to do—it breaks down when pressure exceeds their capacity to stay grounded and effective. Through coaching, speaking, and thought leadership, Mark helps leaders strengthen their ability to perform at their best without sacrificing their well-being, relationships, or fulfillment.LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark22102Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.silverman.54/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markjsilverman