Lonely Leaders
CHANTAL SAJAN: Two years ago, Mr Nick Jonsson’s life hit rock bottom.
He had just reached the summit and landed the job of managing director of EGN Singapore in January 2018. To all appearances, he seemed to be enjoying the trappings of a successful C-suite executive—attending high-profile meetings, giving inspirational speeches, and meeting ambitious targets. However, beneath the polished exterior lay a profound sense of numbness that weighed heavily on him. As he navigated the pressures of his role, he increasingly felt isolated from his colleagues, hiding his mental struggles behind a façade of confidence. The fear of being perceived as a “weak leader” drove him deeper into silence, leaving him to wrestle with his challenges alone, all while maintaining the image expected of him at the top.
Away from his parents and young son, who live in Sweden, he turned to alcohol and put on 20kg within three months. His left foot swelled to twice its size and doctors were initially baffled.
Later, it was discovered that the swelling was psychosomatic – triggered by his rapidly deteriorating mental condition. As the pressure of his daily life mounted, his mind began to manifest physical symptoms, reflecting the turmoil he experienced internally. Doctors initially attributed the swelling to a range of physical ailments, but as they dug deeper into his history and psychological state, the connection became clear. The mind, it seemed, had found a way to express distress through the body, transforming emotional strain into tangible signs of suffering. This revelation prompted discussions among his care team about the intricate relationship between mental health and physical symptoms, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to treatment.