When I realised I was Don Draper

When I realised I was Don Draper

If you’ve ever watched Mad Men, you’ll know Don Draper — the 1960s ad man who could sell anything to anyone… except himself on the idea that he was truly happy.

On the surface, he was everything our culture celebrates:

Charismatic

Brilliant at his craft

A presence that could own any room

But Draper was also a man living under a stolen identity, haunted by a traumatic past, and endlessly searching for meaning. A master storyteller for brands, yet unable to tell himself a story he truly believed.

The first time I watched it, I couldn’t believe how much of his experience of work and life aligned with mine.

I lived that glamorous life — stylish clothes, beautiful home, Global CEO roles in leading Design and Fashion Brands, hitting every external measure of success — but inside, I was restless. Disconnected. Carrying a truth that no title or pay rise could fix.

I see it in so many of my clients today — founders, CEOs, creative leaders who’ve “made it”… yet:

The joy is gone — replaced by constant pressure

The drive is masking a loss of passion or even burnout

The titles feel hollow

Here’s what I wish someone had told me back then:

1️⃣ Strip away the noise — Write down every responsibility, project, and commitment. Circle only the ones that energise you. Everything else is up for review.

2️⃣ Reconnect with your compass — Ask: “If I could only work on three things for the next year, what would they be?” Let purpose, not pressure, set the priorities.

3️⃣ Find your ally — Whether it’s a coach, mentor, or trusted peer, don’t do this work alone. Clarity accelerates when you have someone holding the mirror.

Here’s the good news:

You don’t have to “pull a Draper” and give it all up.

You can cultivate aligned fulfilment while still smashing outrageous goals in your work and your life.

When you align who you are with what you do, success stops being a mask… and starts being an expression of something real.

So, ask yourself:

What’s my excellence rather than my expertise?

What lights me up and connects me to flow?

And then… which will you choose this week — to keep running at full speed, or to take one step toward your own version of aligned excellence?

💬 DM me if you’d like to explore your own excellence.