Navigating the tightrope of leadership and personal well-being can be daunting, but the sage advice from seasoned CEOs in this article shines a light on the art of balance. With expert insights on everything from maintaining flexibility in schedules to the importance of self-care, this piece offers valuable strategies for those aiming to excel without burning out. Learn the key to sustainable success and why striking the right equilibrium is not just beneficial, but essential for any leader.
- Stick to a Schedule with Flexibility
- Balance Is a Necessity, Not a Luxury
- Make the Time for Self-Care
- Take a Breath and Lean on Others
- Shift Gears from Hustle to Sustainability
- Recharge to Lead Effectively
- Get an Efficient Assistant Early
- Ditch the Illusion of Invincibility
- Lead Effectively by Recharging
- Moderation and Hiring Good People
- Self-Care Is a Necessity for Leadership
- Unwinding Is Essential for Effective Leadership
- Work Hard, Recover Harder
Stick to a Schedule with Flexibility
Advice to my younger self about unwinding and finding balance as a CEO:
Stick to a schedule but allow for flexibility. Time blocking is incredibly effective—it provides structure, but it also gives room for spontaneity. For instance, block time for reading books you enjoy, or dedicate time to be in nature with family. It’s essential to recognize that personal well-being is just as important as business success.
For self-care, set boundaries with your time. I’ve found that I’m most productive when I designate specific hours for work, and then fully disconnect outside of those hours.
I’ve made it a rule to only be online during certain hours each weekday, treating that as my focused “money-making time.” After that, my computer is off, and I’m completely detached from work. My phone only has essential apps—just the authenticator and banking apps—no social media.
The key is not to go from one device to another, constantly tethered to work. I also avoid having a TV at home, opting instead for a projector for family movie or dance nights. This ensures that my downtime is truly quality time, spent with the people I care about. Prioritize your own health and happiness to be the best leader you can be.
Mira Eszter Kőmíves
CEO, Multilingual Virtual Miracles
Balance Is a Necessity, Not a Luxury
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: balance is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. As a CEO, the pressure to stay ahead can make you feel like rest is a weakness, but through the years, I’ve learned the truth: taking time to recharge is what fuels sustainable leadership. Prioritizing self-care isn’t selfish; it’s strategic. A clear mind and a healthy body lead to better decisions and a stronger team. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so make space for what rejuvenates you, whether it’s family, hobbies, or simply quiet reflection. It’s important to treat leadership like a marathon, not a sprint.
Jeff Carroll
CEO, Telepath
Make the Time for Self-Care
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: MAKE THE TIME. Leadership is a relationship, and like any meaningful relationship, it requires intention and effort to thrive. You simply can’t pour into others if your own cup is empty. The old saying about putting on your oxygen mask first holds just as true in leadership as it does on an airplane. Prioritizing your mental and physical well-being is not selfish—it’s essential.
When we lead by example—by exercising, eating well, taking breaks, and unapologetically stepping away to recharge—we create a culture that values balance and self-care. This isn’t just about being at your best; it’s about empowering your team to follow suit. Healthy leaders inspire healthy and loyal teams. And healthy and loyal teams drive sustainable long-term success.
To my younger self, I’d say: Remember, leadership isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. Make the time to pause, reset, and care for yourself. Your future self—and your team—will thank you.
Christine Perkett
CEO, Mindfull Marketing + PR
Take a Breath and Lean on Others
If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self about finding balance as a CEO, I’d say this: Take a breath. You don’t have to do it all right now. When I first started building REACH, I felt like every second had to be spent working, planning, or pushing forward. I thought taking a break was a waste of time. Spoiler: it’s not.
I’d tell my younger self to make time for the things that bring joy and keep me grounded—like playing tennis, which has always been my escape. Some of my best ideas have come not when I’m glued to my desk but when I’m out on the court, clearing my head. It’s in those moments, away from the chaos, that clarity finds you.
I’d also remind myself that it’s okay to lean on others. Back then, I felt like asking for help meant I wasn’t capable. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that building something great, whether it’s a company or a community, is never a solo act. Trusting my team and delegating not only lightened my load but made us stronger.
And here’s the kicker: burnout doesn’t make you a hero. It makes you less effective. Hustling is important, but so is taking a step back, whether that means spending time with friends, going offline for a day, or just catching up on sleep. Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s what keeps you in the game.
So, younger Dylan, remember this: your mental health and well-being aren’t just personal—they’re part of the foundation of your success. Take care of yourself, because your company and everything else you’re building depend on it. And trust me, you’ll still get where you want to go—probably even faster.
Dylan Huey
CEO, REACH
Shift Gears from Hustle to Sustainability
If I could give my younger self advice about unwinding and finding balance as a CEO, I’d say this: it depends on where you are in your journey. When you’re just starting out, you’ve got to put in the hours—sometimes every hour of the day. I remember working until 6am on a presentation, then driving straight to Honda to deliver it. It wasn’t ideal, but I knew if I didn’t seize the opportunity, someone else would. Those moments are tough, but they’re often necessary to build the foundation for success.
However, I’d also remind myself that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. While those early sacrifices might pay off, it’s equally important to learn how to step back and recharge when you can. If you don’t, burnout will catch up with you eventually. The rewards will come, and when they do, you need to allow yourself to enjoy them. The hardest part is recognizing when it’s time to shift gears from hustle mode to a more sustainable pace.
So, to my younger self, I’d say: give it everything you’ve got when you’re starting out, but don’t ignore the signs when your mind and body need a break. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s what will keep you going for the long haul, allowing you to enjoy the success you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Jm Littman
CEO, Webheads
Recharge to Lead Effectively
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: success as a CEO isn’t just about how hard you work—it’s also about how well you recharge. When I was starting out, I thought pushing through and burning the candle at both ends was a badge of honor. But over time, I’ve learned that leadership demands clarity, creativity, and resilience—and you can’t bring your best to the table if you’re constantly running on empty.
I’d tell my younger self to make unwinding a non-negotiable part of the routine, whether it’s spending time with family, getting outside, or simply stepping away from work to reflect. Prioritizing self-care isn’t selfish; it’s what enables you to show up as the best version of yourself for your team and your business. Balance isn’t about doing less—it’s about being intentional with your time so you can lead with focus and purpose.
John Watling
CEO Nutun Group, Nutun
Get an Efficient Assistant Early
If I could go back in time and speak to my younger self about relaxation as a CEO, it would be the following quote, “Get an efficient assistant as soon as possible.” I used to think that I had to spread myself that thin—be the one who books meetings, follows up with clients, runs operations, but also strategizes. It was never going to work out. Striking that balance was troublesome as I neglected my health and before ever knowing it, I was burned out.
The moment I appointed an assistant was the moment everything fell into place. All of a sudden, my perception changed from having chaos all over the clock to having a noticeable difference. For instance, my assistant would help me organize my calendar so that meetings would only be held in the mornings and my afternoons would be reserved for deep working sessions or a short time at the gym. This did not just add structure to my workdays, more importantly, it increased my output level. I could direct my full focus towards mapping out the goals of the business and overseeing the team.
But the best part? It allowed me to relax. By delegating the monotonous responsibilities to others, I was able to make space for evening strolls and frequent holidays. It did not mean that I was trying to take the easy route, it was about recharging myself to be a much more effective leader.
In retrospect, I would tell my younger self that the purpose of leadership is not to win a race. The fact that you delegate is a sign of wanting to go the long distance. Sometimes the best time you can spend your money is on individuals who allow you to save your time.
Soubhik Chakrabarti
CEO, Icy Tales
Ditch the Illusion of Invincibility
Looking back, I’d tell my younger self to ditch the illusion of invincibility. The truth is, we can’t keep pushing ourselves relentlessly without burnout.
Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for effective leadership. You can’t truly help others if you’re not taking care of yourself first.
Remember, some of the most brilliant solutions and innovative ideas often emerge when your mind is at rest. When you allow yourself to unwind and create space for yourself, you open the door to unexpected breakthroughs.
Fabienne Raphaël
CEO & Founder, Speaking Business Coach & International Speaker
Lead Effectively by Recharging
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice about unwinding and finding balance as a CEO, it would be this: You cannot lead effectively if you’re running on empty. I’d remind myself that while ambition and drive are essential, they’re not sustainable without taking time to recharge. Leadership isn’t just about delivering results, it’s about showing up with clarity, creativity, and resilience, all of which come from prioritizing self-care.
I would tell my younger self to treat downtime as non-negotiable, just like a critical meeting or deadline. Whether it’s carving out time for daily exercise, spending uninterrupted moments with loved ones, or simply disconnecting from technology for a few hours, these breaks are investments in long-term success. I’d also stress the importance of setting boundaries, like designating times when work stops and personal life begins, to prevent burnout.
The demands of leadership can make it tempting to put yourself last, but I’d urge my younger self to remember that a thriving business starts with a thriving leader. Taking care of your mental and physical health doesn’t mean you’re less committed, it means you’re committed to showing up as your best self for your team, your business, and your vision. Balance isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for enduring success.
Darryl Stevens
CEO, Digitech Web Design
Moderation and Hiring Good People
I come from a generation that believes in working hard and playing hard. We did, and we still do. Looking back, moderation would be the way to go. We also didn’t have cell phones, we did get pagers, and the need to be 24/7 available just wasn’t there so you could enjoy your weekend. Yes, there was always someone that wanted to work 80-hour weeks but that wasn’t really my way, and still isn’t, because when you hire good people, you don’t need to worry as much. Hiring better is one thing I wish I had done for a few situations.
My advice is more for us now, give up your phones for the weekend. Your life balance was lost the first time you took a call, that was not an emergency, after hours (whatever that means to you).
Keith Brooks
CEO, B2B Whisperer
Self-Care Is a Necessity for Leadership
One piece of advice I would give my younger self is that prioritizing self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity for sustainable leadership. As a CEO, it’s easy to feel like taking a break will slow you down, but the truth is, burnout hinders progress far more than stepping away ever could. I’d tell my younger self to schedule time for activities that recharge her, whether it’s exercising, meditating, or spending time with loved ones, and treat that time as nonnegotiable.
When I first started my business, I often skipped breaks and worked long hours, believing it was the only way to succeed. Over time, I realized that I was more creative and effective when I allowed myself space to decompress. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it’s a way to ensure you show up as the best version of yourself for your team, your business, and your vision. Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint, and balance is what keeps you in the race.
Jessica Marren
Entrepreneur, Bella Bar Medspa
Unwinding Is Essential for Effective Leadership
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: finding balance isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. As a CEO, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, constantly pushing forward and prioritizing the needs of the business above your own. I’d tell my younger self to embrace the idea that unwinding and recharging are as important as hitting milestones. The best way to lead effectively is by showing up as your best, most rested self.
I’d also remind myself that self-care isn’t about grand gestures but consistency. Small, intentional acts or slivering projects instead of chunking them out—like taking breaks, setting boundaries, and carving out time to unplug—can significantly impact your mental health and decision-making. Navigating leadership demands requires clarity and resilience, starting with taking care of yourself first. Prioritize your well-being, and everything else will follow more smoothly.
Angela Ficken
Psychotherapist and Entrepreneur, Progress Wellness
Work Hard, Recover Harder
I would tell my younger self to “work hard, recover harder.” Rest and recovery require discipline and intent just like the duties required to be a meaningful CEO. In my honest opinion, dedicating oneself to R & R is the true key to a successful career and purposeful life. When you balance work and life (or family), you have to make sure you’re disciplined enough to make your schedule functional to avoid being a cranky co-worker or parent.
Benjamin Farber
President, Bristol Associates, Inc.