I read something recently that really struck a chord with me. Carl Hazeley, CEO of Finimize, recently wrote on 100CEOs.com: “I’m constantly questioning whether I’m making the right decisions. That’s exactly what makes me good at my job – but I can’t talk about it.”

It’s a powerful and honest admission, one that rarely makes it into leadership conversations. Leaders are expected to project absolute confidence. Any hint of doubt can be perceived as weakness, indecision, or lack of conviction. And yet, as Hazeley points out, questioning yourself is not a flaw in leadership: it’s an essential part of it.

At Cooper Edwards, we see this every day in our work with CEOs and senior leaders. The best leaders aren’t those who never doubt themselves: they’re the ones who know how to live with that doubt. Those who know how to challenge their own assumptions, test their thinking, and make better decisions because of it.

When we assess candidates for CEO and executive roles, Emotional Intelligence is one of the most important qualities we look for. It’s not simply about interpersonal skills: it’s about the capacity to stay self-aware, manage emotion under pressure, and recognise when to question your own judgement.

Leadership at the top can be deeply isolating. The expectation of certainty can make it difficult to admit vulnerability or seek advice. That’s why CEOs with genuine emotional intelligence tend to create healthier, more transparent cultures, ones where others feel safe to think critically, challenge constructively, and ultimately, perform better.

The ability to question yourself, and still lead decisively, is not a contradiction. It’s the mark of a mature and responsible leader.

At Cooper Edwards, we believe the most effective leaders are those who combine confidence with humility, conviction with curiosity, and strength with emotional depth. That’s what makes leadership human, and ultimately, what makes it successful.

#Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #ExecutiveSearch #CourageToLead #CEOMindset #ThoughtLeadership #CooperEdwards

Cooper Edwards
Where Exceptional Talent Drives Business Success
www.cooperedwards.com