Therapy, Pressure, Phone Addiction: How 1KOMMA5° Founder Philipp Schröder Deals with Overwhelm

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About this episode

When the CEO Hits Their Limits

Philipp Schröder leads 1KOMMA5°, one of the fastest-growing companies in renewable energy. But behind the success lie the less glamorous sides of founder life: stress, overwhelm, and the constant challenge of maintaining balance as a leader.

In a candid conversation, Schröder shares his experiences with leadership burnout and explains how he's learned to take responsibility not just for his company and team, but also for himself and his family.

Self-Reflection as a Leadership Tool

For Schröder, self-reflection isn't a nice-to-have—it's an essential leadership competency. "As a CEO, you're responsible for hundreds of people," he explains. "If you don't take care of yourself, you can't carry that responsibility long-term."

He views the willingness to critically examine oneself and seek professional help as a sign of strength, not weakness. Therapy has helped him recognize patterns and deal with stress more consciously.

Energy Management Over Time Management

While many executives try to find more time, Schröder focuses on something different: energy management. "You can't multiply your time, but you can learn to use your energy more consciously," he says.

This includes:

• –Creating conscious breaks and retreat opportunities
• –Clearly defining priorities and learning to say no
• –Identifying and utilizing your own energy sources

Especially in difficult moments, he's learned to consciously step back instead of falling into activism. "Sometimes the best thing you can do as a leader is take a step back and reflect."

The Challenges of Hyper-Growth

As CEO of a rapidly growing company, Schröder faces unique challenges. The pace is high, decisions are consequential, and pressure is constant. This shows how important it is to create structures early that enable sustainable growth.

"You have to learn to distinguish between what's truly urgent and what's just loud," Schröder explains. Making this distinction requires clarity about your own priorities and the courage to sometimes go against the current.

Responsibility for the Entire Ecosystem

Schröder's approach goes beyond pure business management. He sees himself as responsible for an entire ecosystem: his team, his family, and himself. This holistic perspective helps him make sustainable decisions.

"If you only focus on the company and neglect everything else, eventually the company won't work either," he explains. Finding balance is a constant challenge, but also the key to long-term success.

Practical Lessons for Other Founders

Schröder's experiences show that self-care isn't selfish—it's a leadership responsibility. Anyone who wants long-term success as a CEO must learn to consciously manage their own energy and get the necessary support.

This isn't about perfect work-life balance solutions, but about honest self-reflection and the courage to address uncomfortable truths. Therapy, conscious energy management, and the willingness to step back in difficult moments aren't signs of weakness, but of strategic thinking.