Acorns, Anxiety, and the Art of Becoming a Leader
Charlie didn’t plan on becoming CEO this year. She was still catching her breath from the last promotion, still figuring out how to lead sideways, let alone from the top. But the board had confidence. The timing was right. And ready or not, she said yes.
What followed wasn’t a dramatic implosion or sudden triumph. It was something stranger, slower, and more revealing.
This is a story about pressure, doubt, unexpected guidance—and a squirrel with surprisingly good instincts about executive leadership.
Sometimes, clarity shows up in the oddest ways. You just must stop long enough to notice.
The Ask: A talented but overwhelmed new CEO needs help finding her footing.
Shutting Down: Charlie takes the call but she's exhausted, overloaded, and emotionally checked out.
Rusty Arrives: A mysterious squirrel named Rusty shows up.
Rusty's a Squirrel with a Resume
Rusty pulls no punches as he walks Charlie through the real shifts she needs to make as CEO.
Charlie wakes up changed. Maybe it was a dream. Maybe it wasn’t. But she’s ready to act.
The Shift: Charlie is clear-eyed and ready. She says yes to coaching—and yes to change.