Robert Gilbreath is a fractional executive specializing in CEO, CMO, and COO roles for SaaS and e-commerce companies. He provides consulting services in areas including go-to-market strategies, SEO, product development, and C-suite coaching. Robert is also an Executive at Rivur, a technology startup for managing construction projects online. Previously, he served as the Vice President and General Manager of ShipStation, where he led teams of over 175 employees and managed substantial marketing budgets.

Running a business requires constant decision-making, but over time, even high-performing leaders can find themselves mentally drained. The barrage of choices, from the smallest daily tasks to high-stakes strategic moves, can lead to decision fatigue, quietly killing momentum, clarity, and joy. How can founders and executives protect their mental energy while leading effectively?

According to fractional executive Robert Gilbreath, leaders can reduce decision fatigue by simplifying routines, creating clear macro-level goals, and building frameworks that empower teams to make decisions independently. He suggests documenting your decision-making process, blocking out your calendar, and leveraging structured frameworks like SBAR (situation, background, assessment, recommendation) and the double diamond diagram to clarify problems and guide teams. Additionally, prioritizing sleep and exercise and reducing unnecessary decisions allows founders and leaders to preserve mental clarity for crucial choices.

In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris interviews Robert Gilbreath, fractional executive CEO, CMO, and COO, about overcoming decision fatigue in business leadership. Robert talks about breaking decision-making paralysis, how fear impacts leadership choices, and how to empower teams to make informed decisions.