Here's how you can achieve work-life balance as an insurance executive for success and well-being.

I manage my day-day with the old scool 'To-Do List'. Here are the categories I have: - Personal (mostly home/personal items/day-day) - ASAP (Urgent matters) - Web (all stuff related to our web assets) - EVP (all stuff related to the operations of the business) - Clients (all stuff related to clients, customer service, renewals, etc.) - Other (networking, payments to be made, etc.) With this, I rarely miss anything and stay on top of all aspects of my business along with my personal life. This has worked for me and can work for others as well.

Using tools like Planner can help keep you and your team on track and help you prioritise tasks. I always try to initiate any actions I have from meetings the day they arise so that they are started and don’t pile up. I also spend 30 minutes in the morning prepping for meetings I have during the day. Being able to delegate any non critical tasks and enlisting the help of team members helps and also allows their development. Setting boundaries is key, learn to say no if you aren’t able to do something or meet a deadline. Else ensure that you have enough of a work life balance to be productive when you are at work and able to concentrate on the tasks at hand.

Effective task prioritization is the foundation of work-life balance. As an insurance executive, you’re juggling multiple responsibilities, so it’s essential to differentiate between urgent and important tasks. Start by creating a daily or weekly plan that outlines key objectives, delegating when necessary, and avoiding distractions that can derail productivity.

In the high-stakes world of insurance, effective task prioritization isn't optional—it's survival. I focus on what drives impact, leveraging tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to cut through the noise. Urgent vs. important? I know the difference. I delegate strategically and confidently push back on tasks that don’t align with goals. The key? Recognizing that not every "urgent" ping deserves your energy. Master this skill, and you don’t just manage your workload—you thrive.

Whilst I always start out my day with the best of intentions in using a task management tool like Monday.com, somehow I always revert to simple Windows Sticky Notes across one side of my screen to remind me what needs to get done and remain as a constant reminder of my priorities, there in the corner of my eye.

Setting boundaries isn't a luxury—it's a necessity for sustained success. I’ve learned that clearly communicating my work hours and sticking to them protects both my focus and my well-being. It’s about being fully present: no emails at family dinners, no calls bleeding into personal time. In insurance, where stress runs high, creating mental space for rest isn’t just self-care—it’s strategy. Long-term performance requires a balanced mind. Boundaries don’t limit us; they empower us.

This question is not specifically unique to insurance. In fact, in many areas of insurance you are *less* likely to have external factors regularly impacting how you can control your time than other industries. A key think savvy insurance executives realise early is that there will always be external news, but rarely can you let it impact you directly. It there's a hurricane coming it may lead to lots of claims; similarly if there is a major marine or cyber or PVT issue. Yes, you will want to know the details and need to have answers ready for stakeholders, but save the times you engage "out of hours" for when it is truly time critical

Have rules, stick to them, especially if WFH. My main one is that I will always go downstairs and eat dinner at the table with my family at 6pm every night. I can still return to finish key tasks if I need to, but taking that break will often make you realise you don't.

Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential. As an executive, it’s easy to get pulled into late-night emails or weekend meetings, but without boundaries, work will consume all your time. Establish limits for when you’re available for work-related issues and when you're off the clock. This might mean turning off notifications after certain hours, making time for family commitments non-negotiable, or having candid conversations with your team about respecting your personal time. By protecting your personal life, you allow yourself to recharge, which ultimately enhances your productivity and decision-making at work.

Work-life balance doesn’t mean rigid schedules; flexibility is key, especially for executives in the insurance industry, where urgent situations can arise unexpectedly. Flexibility in how you approach your day, such as working from home, adjusting work hours, or incorporating breaks during intense periods, can prevent burnout. As a leader, embrace flexible work policies within your organization as well. Not only does it promote well-being for you and your team, but it also creates a more trusting and resilient work environment where employees feel supported.

Flexibility isn’t about abandoning structure—it’s about adapting it. In the unpredictable world of insurance, I’ve learned to find a rhythm that works for me. Whether it’s an early start to fit in a mid-day workout or shifting hours to attend a child’s event, flexibility enables me to meet both personal and professional priorities. The key? Balance responsiveness with boundaries. By embracing flexibility, I stay agile, effective, and grounded—ready to handle the unexpected without losing sight of what matters.

I make my schedule work for my performance. My brain does not kick into gear until mid-morning, so I adapt my priorities around that, using the mornings for mundane admin and the afternoons for the work that needs thinking about.

Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s smart risk management. As insurance professionals, we preach preparedness; why not apply that to ourselves? Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quality sleep are non-negotiables, but true self-care goes deeper. Whether it’s meditation, reading, or a favorite hobby, these moments reduce stress and recharge the mind. When I invest in my well-being, the returns show up in sharper focus, better decisions, and sustained energy. Taking care of yourself isn’t time wasted—it’s performance optimized.

Your role as an executive requires peak mental and physical performance, and self-care is a non-negotiable part of maintaining that. Prioritize activities that help you decompress and recharge—whether it’s exercise, meditation, reading, or spending time with loved ones. Make self-care part of your daily routine by scheduling breaks or time away from work to recharge. This might mean taking a walk during lunch, setting aside an hour for personal development, or even scheduling vacations without guilt. By investing in your health and well-being, you ensure you have the stamina to meet the demands of your role.

Integrating golf into my routine has proven to be an effective way to balance work and well-being. I’ve found that golf offers more than just a game, it’s a valuable self-care practice. Not only does it provide a much-needed break , but it also allows for physical exercise and mental relaxation in a serene setting. The time spent on the course offers a chance to clear the mind, reduce stress, and build meaningful connections, whether with clients or colleagues

In my experience, one of the biggest game-changers has been learning to delegate effectively. Early in my career, I thought success meant being involved in everything. But as I took on larger roles, I realized that trusting my team—not micromanaging—was key. For example, when we were expanding into a new market, I focused on strategic oversight while empowering my team to handle day-to-day operations. Not only did this lighten my workload, but it also gave my team room to grow and shine. Another thing that’s made a difference for me is carving out non-negotiables for personal well-being. For instance, I block time on my calendar for non work related things and I stick to it as religiously as I would a client meeting.

Technology is a tool, not a trap—when used intentionally. I leverage productivity apps to streamline tasks and automate the routine, making room for what truly matters. Virtual meetings? They cut down on travel, giving me back valuable hours. But the key is balance: I schedule tech-free time to disconnect, recharge, and reconnect with myself and loved ones. When you control technology, not the other way around, it becomes a powerful ally in achieving both efficiency and balance.

I use AI extensively to prepare email communication and marketing plans. There are so many technology tools and platforms out there to reduce the time spent on mundane tasks. I found that I spent a lot of time proofreading emails and using AI as a tool to reduce that time, enabled me to save over an hour a day. I also started using a calendar link platform through Calendly, and I spend half the time I used to managing my calendar.

Technology can be a powerful tool in managing work-life balance, but only if used wisely. Instead of letting emails or notifications dictate your day, leverage automation, AI tools, and task management platforms to streamline workflows, reduce manual tasks, and stay organized. Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Asana can help facilitate communication and project tracking without needing constant in-person check-ins. Insurtech solutions can also assist in automating tasks such as data analysis or claims management, giving you more time to focus on strategic decisions rather than operational details.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of life outside of work is personal relationships, and as a busy insurance executive, it’s important not to neglect them. Family, friends, and even your professional network contribute to your mental and emotional well-being. Make time to nurture these connections. Building strong relationships at work can also foster a positive environment where tasks can be shared, and collaboration becomes easier. Surround yourself with a trusted team that supports your leadership and can help carry some of the workload when needed. Delegation is not just a business strategy, it’s essential for reducing personal stress and preventing burnout.