Client Testimonial: How Serenify Helped CEO Andreas to Thrive at Work and at Home

For Andreas, the CEO of a rapidly growing health tech startup in Stockholm, juggling the demands of his professional and personal life had become overwhelming. Leading an innovative company meant high-stakes decisions, constant pressure, and long hours. At home, as a husband and father of two young children, he felt stretched thin.

“I’d leave work feeling like I hadn’t done enough and come home only to feel the same way with my family,” Andreas recalls. “I was always trying to keep up, but no matter how hard I worked, I felt like I was falling behind in both places.”

A Realignment Through Coaching

When Andreas began Serenify’s coaching program, he wasn’t sure what to expect. What he found was an approach that seamlessly blended the scientific rigor of clinical psychology with the practical tools of executive coaching. His bi-monthly sessions with a licensed performance psychologist started with a thorough assessment of his challenges, priorities, and stressors.

“They didn’t just dive into giving advice,” Andreas says. “We spent time unpacking the beliefs and mental habits that were driving my stress.”

Using techniques from clinical psychology, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), his psychologist helped him identify unhelpful thought patterns. “One big realization was how much I tied my self-worth to being ‘perfect’—at work and at home,” Andreas explains. “We worked on reframing those thoughts and focusing on progress, not perfection.”

Tangible Changes in Leadership

The sessions also provided Andreas with practical strategies to improve his leadership effectiveness. Andreas’ psychologist guided him in setting priorities and streamlining his workflow.

“One of the exercises we did was a delegation audit,” he shares. “We listed all my tasks and categorized them by what only I could do versus what I could delegate. It was eye-opening to see how much I was holding onto unnecessarily.”

To ensure accountability, they established weekly check-ins where Andreas reported on what he had delegated and the outcomes. “At first, I was skeptical,” Andreas admits. “But as my team started taking ownership, I saw how much more time and mental space I had for strategic decisions.”

They also worked on his communication skills, particularly during high-pressure situations. Role-playing exercises helped Andreas practice giving clear, decisive feedback while managing his team’s emotions and expectations.

A Renewed Presence at Home

At home, Andreas applied similar principles to improve his family life. “My psychologist introduced me to boundary-setting techniques,” he says. “One example was creating a hard stop at the end of my workday. We practiced setting a ritual—like closing my laptop and taking five minutes to reset—so I could shift my focus before stepping into my role as a dad.”

Mindfulness techniques, integrated from the clinical side, became part of his daily routine. “One of the most helpful exercises was a simple grounding technique we practiced during a session,” Andreas explains. “Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I pause and take a few deep breaths, focusing on the present moment. It’s helped me stay calm, especially during chaotic evenings with the kids.”

The coaching also helped Andreas and his wife align expectations about shared responsibilities at home. “We had a conversation about how we could support each other better, and that’s something I wouldn’t have done without my coach encouraging me to address it directly.”

Effort That Paid Off

The coaching sessions weren’t always easy, and Andreas admits there were moments when he didn’t feel like doing the work. “There were weeks where I dreaded unpacking my stress or sticking to the habits we’d agreed on,” he says. “But just like going to the gym, I always felt better after each session. It wasn’t just talk—it was action.”

Progress tracking was another key component. Andreas’ psychologist worked with him to set measurable goals, such as reducing his weekly work hours and increasing time spent with his family. “Seeing those numbers improve over time was incredibly motivating,” he says.

A New Perspective on Balance

Three months into the program, Andreas reflects on the changes he’s experienced. At work, he’s more focused, strategic, and confident in his leadership. “I’ve learned to trust my team and focus on what only I can do. That’s made me a better leader—and honestly, a happier one.”

At home, he feels more present and connected. “I’ve stopped treating my family time as just an item on my to-do list. It’s become something I look forward to because I’m not carrying work stress into those moments anymore.”

The coaching has given Andreas more than just tools—it’s given him a mindset shift. “It’s not about achieving a perfect balance every day,” he says. “It’s about building a system that works for my life, where I can be both the leader and the father I want to be.”

And while the effort was significant, Andreas wouldn’t have it any other way. “It wasn’t always comfortable, but it was worth it. I finally feel like I’m leading my life, not just reacting to it.”

Disclaimer: This article is a fictionalized example created to illustrate the challenges many high achievers face and how Serenify’s approach can help. While Andreas is not a real client, his story reflects common experiences and the tangible benefits of integrating performance psychology with executive coaching.