Thriving leaders are doing things differently.
A couple of years back, someone shared a news article with me which exposed the potential loss of top talent Australia would face if a Deloitte Survey was correct - that "70 percent of executives were contemplating leaving their roles for workplaces that prioritise their wellbeing".
At the time, my response was “Excellent. Bring it on.”
Before you judge me too harshly here, let me explain.
It's staggeringly easy to be drawn in by headlines telling us the bad news about what's to come - and it's been undeniably apparent for decades that good news stories don't sell.
CEOs leaving corporates for a simpler life is nothing new. People were downshifting way before COVID-19.
My skin is tingling as I type because it's how I felt in 2013 - and it's one of the reasons why I ended a CEO contract a year early.
I chose quality of life, health, wellbeing, and simplicity.
I love that more leaders are doing so – and continue to, in 2024.
When the pandemic gave people the option to be a 'leader from home' it shone a burning-hot torchlight on how to do things differently.
On returning to the office, CEOs and executives missed their families and pets and felt heartily sick of long-distance commuting.
My clients back then were clear that they wouldn’t be boarding planes every week and would no longer drive dazzling distances for one-hour appointments.
They took back control of their calendars, and refused to book a stream of endless video meetings. They took time out for lunch and exercise – and many of them still do.
They never knew how tired they used to be - because it was their 'normal' state.
Now it's not - and they have built, mostly, a simpler life.
Fourteen-hour days, thousands of kilometres of travel per year, dinners out every night, and weekly flights are not great for anyone's health. And CEOs usually do these things in their early 40s to early 50s - when their bodies are changing and need different things.
As Florence and the Machine say it best, the dog days are over.
It's time we all shared the good news stories, the people who are burning bright rather than out - and how they create workplaces that thrive.
I'm glad my clients choose to work differently. I'm delighted people are taking back control and creating intentional lives. It's excellent role-modelling for teams, too.
And it’s one of the reasons I landed on my big word, Renewal, for 2024. To me, renewal means:
Emerging towards my next decade as I arrive at the last two years of my 50s
Starting afresh, carrying no judgements, self-blame, or regrets about the past year - only understanding
Renewing connections with people who have brought joy to my life, and disconnecting from people who don't
Decluttering my space - mentally and physically, and
Owning the depth of my insights, expertise and knowledge, while learning more.
If you have a story to share about how much your leadership lifestyle has changed in recent years, do let me know – I’d love to hear it.
