How many of us know senior execs, small or large companies, who just will not act to prevent a looming problem? You are left frustrated – the issue is right in front of them and they are not motivated to do anything.

With some irony, the same theme has been raised in Mosques and Synagogues all over the world in the past few days. The fasting period of Ramadan has come to an end. Jews are honouring the 10 Days of Penitence, which culminates in the Day of Atonement. Rabbis and Imams are calling on their flocks to “wake up”.

Jews are accustomed to hearing the ram’s horn sound 101 times during their morning prayers at this time. Its symbolic purpose is to “blast” the believer into deep introspection. However, just hearing the noise is not enough. The person needs to drive on towards repentance.

So what encourages this need to seek forgiveness and strive for better deeds? Or, in parallel, what encourages a CEO to move away from their bad ways? Simply shouting is not going to do it. Nor is just another prayer or two.

What will make the difference?

Well, I offer you two completely estranged sources, who have ended up offering the same answers. First, I had the honour of listening to 3 rabbis over the past 72 hours. In their own way, each stressed the need for an internal – call it , spiritual – response. people have to examine themselves and ask what they are really want to achieve as individuals.

Fair enough. Now skip over to one of my favourite TV programmes; “The Biggest Loser” on NBC. Two top personal trainers cope with 20 grossly overweight Americans over several months. These people all end up losing some fat.

Significantly, the truly successful ones are often  those who have learnt to ask “what are they really trying to achieve in life”. To put it differently, they have dug deep and honestly to find out what is really holding themselves back. Once over that hurdle and losing the kilos sudenly becomes easier.

So, reverting back to my opening question, of those CEOs whom you doubt, perhaps you should ask how many have the ability to be truthful with themselves?