I made it to the C-suite of a media company and was the picture of success. Inside, I was falling apart.

My family was thrilled. My old staff rallied around me and sent me off in style. It was a crowning achievement for someone who had fought so hard in their career to get to the next level.

But as I ascended to the C-suite, I had a feeling of dread.

I knew myself, and something was wrong.

Working remotely was difficult for me

Not with my job, which I would learn was staffed with bright people who just needed to be supported and empowered. And not with my desire to lead the team to the best of my abilities. The problem was, it was 2021, and the pandemic was still in full swing.

All my interviews had…