And yet, something feels off when a group of executives and leaders all tell me the same thing: their goal is to grow and achieve more.

But why? What’s the catch? Let’s break it down.

The first question I always ask is: Why? Why growth? What’s the purpose?
Is it about personal ambition? Wealth? Image? What’s at the core?

And where is it leading? What’s the goal?
What will change – and for whom?

When you project this growth into the future – say, five years – what’s different then?

It’s fascinating how rarely I meet people who can answer these, frankly, basic questions. And that includes leaders and entrepreneurs.
Then they wonder why their employees aren’t enthusiastic or driven.

But let’s be honest: we don’t do anything that doesn’t make sense to us or benefit us in some way. None of us do.
There’s always a reason behind our actions.

So let’s go back to the beginning.

I want to be clear: I think growth is fantastic.
I think striving to reach your potential, leave your mark, and create something meaningful is incredible. Truly.

What saddens me is when people lose their connection to this fundamental drive – when they stop finding joy in their work or in making a difference in the world.

But I also believe that, sometimes, we’ve lost our way.

When the pursuit of growth becomes an end in itself – or when it’s driven by ego and status rather than purpose – we lose sight of what really matters.

We forget that none of us exists in isolation.
Success doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

Producers need consumers. Entrepreneurs need clients. Leaders need teams.

From this perspective, “I” quickly becomes “you” and “we.”

So, when we evaluate “higher, faster, further,” we must also consider the impact on the bigger picture – on the community, on the “we.”

Because here’s the truth:

Real success isn’t about going it alone.
It’s about creating something that matters – and lasts.

Redefining success.