Crasner Consulting launches wellness event series - Mindful Mornings

Despite all of its hardship, the global Covid-19 pandemic has had many a silver lining. One of these being the growing awareness and appreciation of mindfulness. Generally speaking, busy professionals have had the opportunity to think about their work/life balance, how they want to work and what focus they want to give to their health.

 My working method:

 In my 20s, whilst I was building an investment bank and a pre-eminent retained search and consulting business, I often worked 6 days a week and a staggering 18 to 20 hours per day. Occasionally, between working like that and sometimes travelling to three countries a week, I would find time to catch up on sleep, to join my rugby team for training, to spend time with friends and family or to visit the gym.

 Whilst it seems excessive, I worked like that for a goal that I wanted to achieve: FREEDOM.

 I wanted to reach a point where my businesses were self-perpetuating, where I could buy my dream home, become a Dad, where I could look after my parents, but most of all where I could have more of the word’s most precious assets – time.

 In 2019, just before my daughter was born, I realized I had achieved that goal. I took a step back and I started to enjoy the time and freedom I had worked so hard to achieve.

 What I have learnt since becoming a Dad:

Since becoming a Dad, I am proud to say that I haven’t returned to the crazy hours, to the insane travel or to the mindset of being constantly engaged and online. Instead, I have maintained a healthy work practice and a strong deal flow, but I have done this all whilst becoming:

• Hyper efficient
• more discerning with my time, what I spend it on and who I spend it with.
• Routine orientated to allow for a) a day a week completely dedicated to my daughter and b) no interruptions in the morning or evening which I call the “golden hours” with my little angel.

 I had always heard from many working parents that there is a shift in work practices when they had children and it’s completely true. Whilst Covid-19 accelerated my reorientation, I was already on the path – the same path that many of my colleagues, friends and peers have also tried to navigate.

 In addition to focusing my time on my beautiful family, I have also started to put exercise, wellbeing, and mindfulness at the centre of everything that I do. This shift has had demonstrable results on my mental and physical wellbeing.

 Helping busy professionals:

Helping others has always been a core value of mine and this came from my parents who were academics and diplomats and completely selfless. With that in mind, I spent much of 2020 thinking about how I can bring my newfound Zen to others and how I can use my experiences to help others find the balance and wellbeing I have. 

Upon reflection, I ask myself what my approach to work in my 20s was at the detriment of, and whether if I had my time again, I would change it. The honest answer is yes.

I genuinely believe that people (particularly hardworking entrepreneurs and legal professionals – which is the industry that Crasner Consulting serves) should avoid the path that I took in my 20s and focus much earlier on “efficient and conscious” working, and here is where I come in. I want to help people do this. 

Over lock down, I have spent a lot of time speaking to my wonderful wife (who found Zen and balance much earlier than I did) and brainstorming ideas. The culmination of our discussions is the creation of – “Mindful Mornings”.

What is ‘Mindful Mornings’?

Mindful Mornings is a wellness series focused on helping lawyers, entrepreneurs and other professionals ease back into the City, after a year like no other, with more perspective and a healthier approach. A series that will hopefully move mindfulness up the respective personal agendas of those involved and , that will help these individuals achieve a better balance where they focus as much on their wellbeing, as they do their work.

Inclusive Events:

‘Mindful Mornings’ will be a completely inclusive event series.

Before Covid-19 when I was working a lot, I wanted to find a more inclusive way to network, build relationships and build my ecosystem. After all, I have always been a passionate advocate of gender equality, diversity and inclusion.

I used to believe that business was done over dinner, drinks, events and late nights in Cigar lounges or Mayfair nightclubs. Whilst this can still be true, I discovered that this isn’t the only way, and I decided to change my networking model to something more inclusive that focused on physical and mental health. I now always suggest a healthy game of table tennis or squash or even a coffee and walk rather than always leading with a lunch, or dinner meeting.

This shift has had an impact on the depth of my relationships and the sense of inclusion from the people that I interact with.

With inclusion at the core, Mindful Mornings are open to anyone, from any background but a particular focus on the legal profession. The events will consist of a yoga class taught by a high-profile teacher, a guided gong meditation and the option to catch up with peers over a fresh smoothie or coffee. The events will offer rooftop views of the City and will be set up with Covid-19 safety front of mind, so you can come along before your day starts to unwind, recharge and reset, all with the added benefit of meeting interesting and likeminded people.

I can promise you that you will be a better professional by attending one of these events. I can also promise you something that defines me - events that are impeccably organised, focussed on delivering value and that will form part of the community that I have built which embraces diversity, openness, value orientated connections and health.

When is the first Mindful Mornings event, and where can you get your tickets?

The first Mindful Mornings event will take place on Thursday 8th July 2021 at the beautiful Aviary Root top in the City of London.

You can get your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mindful-mornings-by-crasner-consulting-tickets-156654851879. I really hope you will join us!