Featured in Fortune Magazine talking about beating stress and burnout

I’ve just been featured in Fortune Magazine  and I’ve spoken about beating stress and burnout and you can read the interview here https://fortune.com/2023/02/02/opposite-world-ceo-technique-to-avoid-burnout-and-keep-productive/ 

A big thank you to ELEANOR PRINGLE AND ORIANNA ROSA ROYLE

Let's talk about how some of the world's top CEOs are staying productive and avoiding burnout by diving into their "opposite world." This idea, coined by leadership researcher Nick Petrie, is about engaging in activities that are the complete opposite of their high-stakes work environments. These unique hobbies help them recharge and bring fresh energy to their demanding roles. Here’s how they do it and why it works.

1. Listening to Death Metal Music Marcus Rader, CEO of Hostaway, finds solace in the intense, dark themes of death metal music. The heavy, distorted sounds offer a stark contrast to his day-to-day responsibilities, helping him put work challenges into perspective. When you’re listening to lyrics about war and death, suddenly, handling HR issues doesn’t seem so tough.

Why it works: The deep, resonant tones and complex themes offer a mental escape and help reframe daily stresses, making them seem more manageable.

2. Going to Circus School Iman Gatti, CEO of her own consulting firm, pushes her boundaries by attending circus school. Conquering her fear of heights on the trapeze mirrors the challenges she faces in her business life, teaching her that showing up and being willing to fail is the first step to succeeding.

Why it works: Trying something completely new and challenging not only keeps her mind sharp but also builds resilience, which is crucial for making tough business decisions.

3. Taking Showers in Airport Lounges Torben Friehe, CEO of Wingback, loves flying—specifically, hanging out in airport lounges and taking showers there. The act of being in transit helps him unwind and disconnect from his regular routine, offering a unique form of relaxation.

Why it works: The ritual of flying and the luxury of airport lounges provide a change of scenery and pace, creating a calming effect that recharges him for the next business challenge.

4. Competing in Snow Sculpting Competitions Martin Sharp, CEO and fitness coach, finds his escape in the art of snow sculpting. Competing in international events allows him to immerse himself in nature, far away from technology and daily stress.

Why it works: Engaging in a physically demanding and creative activity in nature offers a full mental reset, making it easier to return to work with renewed focus and energy.

5. Dressing Up Dolls on Mobile Angela Prentner Smith, CEO of This is Milk, enjoys playing a mobile game where she dresses up dolls. This simple, creative distraction gives her brain the breaks it needs, especially during stressful times.

Why it works: Engaging in a low-stakes, creative activity helps calm her mind, allowing her to manage her neurodivergence and maintain focus on her business goals.

Each of these CEOs has found an "opposite world" that helps them unplug, unwind, and come back to work more focused and productive. Whether it's the intense sounds of death metal or the calming simplicity of a mobile game, these activities work because they offer a complete mental and emotional break from the pressures of leading a business. So, what could be your "opposite world"?