Last week, I found myself in Las Vegas, not for the usual reasons people flock to the Strip, but for something far more meaningful—future-proofing leadership. Alongside fifteen Goodwill CEOs from across the U.S., I spent two days diving into emerging societal and technological trends, seeking to understand how exponential change will shape the future of our businesses.
It was a powerful and thought-provoking experience that reinforced a simple truth: great leadership requires constant evolution. But that’s not actually what I want to talk about today. Instead, I want to share an unexpected lesson I learned that had nothing to do with business strategy—yet everything to do with leadership.
The Magic That Wasn’t There
After our sessions, I decided to stay an extra night and make the most of my time. I was staying at the MGM Grand, where David Copperfield was performing. Seeing a world-renowned magician up close? Seemed like a no-brainer.
I settled into my third-row seat, excited to witness a master at work. But as the show unfolded, something felt… off.
Technically, the illusions were impressive. The tricks worked. But the spark—the magic beyond the magic—was missing. Copperfield, a legendary performer, moved through his routine with the enthusiasm of someone checking items off a to-do list. His words felt forced. His smile, hollow. It was as if he were dragging himself through the motions rather than reveling in his craft.
It wasn’t the performance I expected, and honestly, it was unsettling. Here was someone who had reached the pinnacle of his profession, yet he seemed disconnected from it. How does that happen? How does someone go from greatness to disengagement? From passion to obligation? From inspiration to burnout?
And then it hit me—this wasn’t just about a magician losing his spark. This was about leadership. If one of the most revered leaders in magic was struggling, could all leaders share similar challenges?
When Leaders Lose Their Magic
I’ve seen this same phenomenon in leaders across industries—brilliant, driven individuals who once radiated energy and influence but suddenly seem tired, uninspired, and even robotic in their work. What happened?
While I don’t know the exact reasons behind Copperfield’s performance that night, I do know that burnout in leadership often stems from a few key factors:
- Boredom – Doing the same thing, day in and day out, without challenge or variety can dull even the brightest talents.
- Stress – The relentless pressure of being in the spotlight, making tough decisions, and carrying the weight of expectations can drain even the strongest leaders.
- Hubris – When success comes easily for too long, it’s tempting to believe we’ve mastered the game. That belief can lead to stagnation.
- The Wrong People – Surrounding yourself with ‘yes-men’ instead of those who challenge and inspire can lead to complacency.
- Insulation – Losing touch with reality—whether due to status, isolation, or a lack of fresh perspectives—can leave a leader detached from their purpose.
Any of these factors can sap our energy, creativity, and drive. The question is: when you feel this happening, do you quit—or do you recharge?
Guarding Against Leadership Burnout
Success, if left unchecked, can be as dangerous as failure. That’s why leaders must be intentional about keeping their fire alive. Here are some ways to protect and replenish your leadership energy:
- Stay Grounded – Engage in service work. Volunteer. Remind yourself that leadership is about serving others, not just achieving milestones.
- Fuel Your Creativity – Read. Listen to music. Write. Paint. Do anything that reignites your imagination.
- Prioritize Health & Energy – Eat well. Move your body. Get enough sleep. A physically drained leader cannot inspire others.
- Surround Yourself with the Right People – Seek out those who challenge you, energize you, and push you to grow.
As I left the theater that night, I couldn’t shake the feeling of sadness. Yes, he is still one of the greatest magicians of all time, but he was missing his spark that night. Maybe Copperfield was just having an off night. Maybe he still loves what he does. Or maybe, like many leaders before him, he’s reached a point where he needs to step back and rediscover the magic—not of illusions, but of passion.
What About You?
Have you ever felt like you’ve lost the magic in your leadership journey? If so, how did you get it back?
Let’s keep the conversation going—because together, we can Soar, not just Settle.