Lessons from a Recovering Workaholic Executive:
Why You Should Consider Slowing Down
Looking back over my career, from my early days as a mechanical engineer in the space industry to my current leadership role in the energy sector, my professional path was driven by relentless need to prove successes. This journey, however, came at a high personal cost. Starting from my mid-twenties, I evolved in the fast-paced lifestyle that allowed me to travel across continents, living abroad in Asia Pacific for a decade, managing multi-million-dollar projects, and enduring the pressures and stresses of a male-dominated environment. Yet, there was something crucial missing, something I had overlooked in my search for success. Over time, the demands of what I considered a successful lifestyle began to detrimentally impact my health, mental well-being, and decision making.
The Wake-Up Call - The realization that I needed a change did not come from a single incident but through a series of injuries that occurred within one tumultuous year. From a twisted ankle and shoulder tendonitis to broken ribs from snowboarding, a head trauma from a bike fall post-business trip, and a leg injury from kitesurfing, each of these events forced me to confront an unavoidable truth: I was pushing myself too hard. These weren’t just physical accidents; they were manifestations of an overwhelmed mind burdened with constant thinking, planning, and worrying.
The Quiet Realization - This cascade of events led me to a period of forced reflection following a significant surgery, where I began to see the necessity of slowing down. Working with a coach, I understood that my overfilled schedule was a way to dodge confronting uncomfortable truths in both my professional and personal lives. I was driven by a need to meet exceedingly high standards, at the expense of my own well-being. It took painful accidents and a reflective recovery to realize the imperative need for change.
Creating a New Path - This realization inspired me to reduce my work hours and explore new ventures that would bring more joy and fulfillment into my life, allowing for more time with my family. I started a business that aligned with my passion for creativity and entrepreneurship, but more importantly, it reconnected me with the essence of being present. Whether at work, home, or during my favorite activities like kitesurfing, I learned the importance of living in the moment.
An Invitation to Reflect - As executives, we often trap ourselves in a cycle of overachievement, where the pursuit of success can overshadow our well-being. I found myself neglecting my relationships with loved ones because I was not well myself. It's crucial to step back and reflect. Clearing your mind and reducing stress can help regain the focus and energy necessary for success.
Join the Journey - After realizing the benefits of slowing down, I found a unique form of active meditation in kitesurfing.
Connecting with nature and the elements during this activity helped clear my mind, providing a good contrast to my crazy highly paced life filled with endless to-do lists. I invite you to join me on one of the If We Kite adventures, not as an escape, but as a way to reconnect with yourself and create the mental space you might not even realize you need.

In the reign of executive pressures, don't wait for a wake-up call as severe as mine was. Consider taking a moment to pause and reflect.
Life is short, and the demands when you are at a leadership level, are intense.
By taking time to slow down and be kind to yourself, you’ll not only enhance your capabilities as a leader but also improve your overall happiness and health. This is ultimately serve you to clear your mind and be more performant in your life.
I look forward to hearing about your journey and would love for you to join me. You can follow or reach out through www.ifwekite.com or my LinkedIn. Let’s discover where this path of reflection and renewal might lead us-together. Take the first step toward reclaiming your life.