I have always slept well but of late there's never been a time when CEOs are more at risk of losing their wellearned sleep.
We are experiencing the end of a severe recession - the fall-out from the credit crunch. We have suffered global economic meltdown, with numerous banks failing, reduced lending, the most significant national debt ever, increased taxation (with more to come), rising unemployment, the pensions shortfall, equities falling, exchange rate weakness, high inflation and European economies in free fall.
Then there is the environmental challenge of the BP oil leak, North Korean instability, Iran developing offensive nuclear capabilities and of course goalkeeper Robert Green's fumbling of an easy shot in the World Cup ...
So why is it that I am still sleeping?
As last month's Emergency Budget proved we will continue to suffer to help reduce our national debt and deliver an economy that will sustain growth and ultimately improve living standards for the hard-pressed and often depressed UK consumer. The reality is that our confidence is shattered. Being an optimist I have to believe that eventually everything will return to normality.
However, as they say, there can be no gain without pain and we are all inevitably going to suffer. We are living in uncertain times and I believe that most people have a jaundiced view of politicians and their ability to lead us out of this mess, or at least create the conditions in which we are able to establish strong sustainable enterprises that generate value and deliver growth and opportunity for everyone.
Why should we accept that this set of individuals duly elected to run our country will be any different from those that went before? It's a difficult concept to grasp, that there really is no selfish intent and that professional politicians possess the experience, skill and determination to enable individuals and corporates to flourish once again.
In today's uncertain economic climate we seem to be just a keyboard button away from financial Armageddon, so yes I do manage to sleep but, is it justified? Shouldn't I and my compatriots be so worried that we just can not rest, that we shuffle aimlessly through the night wondering what abyss awaits us in the morning when we switch on our radios and televisions, or maybe even our computer for the more committed?
But hey, I think it will be business as usual. It's more demanding, more pressured, and for those of us who have a great team and an appetite not just to survive but to prosper, maybe there is a good chance that when the lights come back on we will be stronger for the experience and wiser to the causes of failure. So yes I will sleep. But will I also dream ...
of better times when we can relax just a tad and enjoy life without the reality of the current economic debacle and constant stream of media hysteria that consumes our minds and emotions.
As I sit here writing, I look at the clock and find it is 3.30 in the morning and I know that when I get to bed I will sleep well.
Tomorrow will be another day when I and thousands like me will be trying hard to overcome the barriers to success.
The reality is that we need strong, focused leadership with a clear vision, a determination to deliver, trust, integrity and, more importantly, hope. In addition we need to be supported in the delivery of the goal with a great team who share the dream, the vision and the joy of success. It's not too different from corporate life really. Goodnight.
Jim McCarthy is chief executive of Poundland
Poundland in a minute
Parent company: Warburg Pincus
Since: May 2010
Employees: 7,000 plus
Founded: 1990
Sells: every item at just £1
UK stores: 289
Turnover revenues in excess of: £700 million
forecast for 2011: Customers three million a week
