On paper, everything checks out. There’s a clear hierarchy. Job titles are neatly defined. Reporting lines make sense. The structure looks efficient, even elegant.

Some seasons in leadership aren’t about growth plans or stretch goals. They’re about staying upright when everything around you is shifting — reorgs, market changes, executive turnover, budget freezes, or cultural fractures that no one wants to name.

Shared services are supposed to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. But too often, they end up doing the opposite — creating bottlenecks, disconnecting teams, and frustrating the very people they’re meant to support.