After 20 years of high-functioning denial, David J. Greer finally admitted to his coach—and himself—that he had a problem with alcohol.

The two had built trust over the past 18 months, and he knew that once he said the words out loud, there was no going back. He could never again lie about it to himself, because his coach would hold him accountable.

“I knew he would never let me off the hook.”

That same day, he walked into a recovery meeting and began a journey that would not only change his life, but reshape his purpose.

Sixteen years later, David is sober, thriving, and coaching entrepreneurs to find the same clarity and courage that saved him. In this penetrating conversation, he shares this what addiction taught him about leadership, how entrepreneurs can build resilient companies by starting with themselves, and he speaks with rare poignancy on why the most compassionate thing you can do, for yourself or others, is to confront your deepest fears.

All addictions—whether to work, media, sex, or substances—are rooted in the same deep, subconscious fears of inadequacy. They play out in the same cycles of shame and compulsion.

His professional approach blends strategic rigor with deep empathy, and a rare understanding of what it means to change your life from the inside out.

“This is my purpose in life,” he says. “To share my experience, strength, and hope. And to let people know: if you struggle with alcohol, there is a solution. But you can’t solve it on your own.”

This episode is packed with practical wisdom for anyone who wants to lead with more courage, clarity, and care. Whether you’re leading a team, navigating change, or struggling quietly with your own demons, his message is clear: you don’t have to go it alone.

What you’ll learn:

* How coaching and accountability helped David confront a 20-year addiction—and why it took 18 months to admit the truth

* Why true kindness in leadership means giving people honest feedback and holding them accountable

* What “being selfish” can really mean—and why it’s essential for high performers to replenish themselves

* The hidden emotional costs of overachievement and people-pleasing—and how to break the cycle

* How culture stems from founders’ values—and how to discover and shape those values intentionally

* Why not every company is a good fit—and how to evaluate culture before taking the job

* Why it’s never too early to start leading from where you are

* What recovering from burnout and addiction can teach us about being fully present

Some takeaways:

* The most selfish thing David does? Keeping a coach. Because if he doesn’t take care of himself, he has nothing to give.

* “Being kind” doesn’t mean avoiding hard conversations. Real kindness is helping people grow.

* Your leadership values mean nothing unless you live them.

* You can’t think your way into recovery—you need support.

* Culture isn’t about whether people like the same sports team. It’s about shared values in action.

* Introverts and quiet leaders have just as much to offer—sometimes more.

* Coaching isn’t just for executives. If you can’t afford one, find a mentor.

* You don’t need to wait for permission to start leading. Show up now.

Where to find David J. Greer:

Website: coachdjgreer.com

Free 1-hour coaching offer available through his site

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) David’s journey from startup executive to coach

(01:45) The challenge of staying sober in high-pressure business environments

(04:00) The importance of self-care and the permission to be “selfish”

(07:30) David’s addiction story—and the playground moment that opened his eyes

(10:00) The deeper fears behind addiction: people-pleasing, overachieving, feeling not good enough

(13:00) The turning point: 18 months of coaching, and finally a breakthrough

(16:00) Building trust with a coach—and why accountability was everything

(22:00) Celebrating 16 years of sobriety—and the support that made it possible

(23:30) Coaching others through recovery, entrepreneurship, and culture change

(29:00) Why founders must live their values—or no one will

(32:00) Culture fit, job hunting, and asking better questions in interviews

(34:00) Kindness vs. niceness—and why accountability is love

(39:00) Finding work that energizes you—and coaching others to do the same

(41:00) Advice for aspiring leaders: don’t wait to start leading

(42:00) Where to find David and his free coaching offer

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