The huge focus on this quarter's results. The long hours and relentless pressure of walking a tightrope among conflicting interests. Intense back-to-back meetings. A hectic travel schedule and working away from home for extended periods. The unholy early mornings combined with frequent late nights. Incoming urgent issues and top-down requests that need attention. Challenges and conflicts with other functions, between functions or with headquarters. Dealing with dramatic changes in the external environment. Fighting a losing battle against email and time management, yet there is still a tremendous amount of work to be done.