To build you have to breathe

Trading in my business suit and laptop for a few days.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or individual contributor, downtime isn't a luxury; it’s a necessity. Recharging your body, mind, and soul is essential if you want to lead, create, and perform at your best.

For most of my career, I lived on the road. Airports, hotels, and conference rooms became second nature. I'm comfortable traveling solo, grabbing dinner at the bar, and working from just about anywhere. But for years, I equated “success” with always being busy. I was ingrained in the "hustle culture". When I had my son 21 years ago, I got a 2-week "vacation" and then was back on the road.

As a professional, I’d fill my travel days with back-to-back meetings and late-night work sessions, convinced that the grind was the only way forward.

With time (and maybe a little wisdom), I’ve learned that hustle without recovery is a fast track to burnout. True success, the kind that's sustainable and fulfilling, comes from balance. It's about making space for rest, joy, and connection.

As we head out on a new adventure this week, I'm intentionally choosing to slow down and savor it. Time with my love. Sun on my skin. Late dinners and laughter.

Here's to recharging, resetting, and remembering that the best leaders don't just build, they breathe. 🌴☀️