Healthy Team, Healthy Business: The Transformative Power of Personal Wellness

"Treat the illness, not the symptom."?

It's a phrase often used in decision-making circles as a token of wisdom urging us to address the root cause rather than patching up surface issues.

But when I look back on the many times I’ve heard it (or some derivative of it) inserted into conversation, it’s never been in the context of health and wellness. In fact, the role of health in business is a topic we often skate over quickly and uncomfortably because it pushes the boundaries between work and life.

But here’s the reality: Business and health are inextricably bound. Leading a fulfilling life is easier when you find business success, and there is no business success without a happy, healthy life.

Success in the corporate arena isn't just about spreadsheets and strategies; it's about the people steering the ship. Reflecting on my own journey, I've come to realize that good business outcomes are often driven by people in good health.

A Dive into Personal Wellness

It often takes a seismic jolt to shatter our complacency, a moment of crystal-clear realization that the status quo is no longer tenable. Reflecting on my own transformative journey, I've come to see that the path to a healthier life was paved by a few key moments that triggered certain behavioral shifts.

2007: Testing the Waters of Change

During scuba diving training in 2007, the challenge of an open water swim—just six laps—proved to be unexpectedly difficult. Breathless, I called it quits after only one lap. Daily exercise soon became a requisite ritual that dictated my schedule, versus the other way around. Beyond the physical improvements, this newfound commitment brought a surge of focus, patience, and pride that followed me into the workplace.

2017: A Turning Point at Cleveland Clinic

A few life surprises propelled me towards a deliberate, data-driven approach to health. This journey led me to become a client at the Cleveland Clinic for Executive Health (CCEH). Here, a proactive health management plan became non-negotiable—a roadmap prescribing the way forward. Being part of an institution that championed proactive and preventative care not only added years to my life but ignited a passion to share this approach with those in my sphere of influence.

2019: Switching To A Plant-Based Diet

In 2019, a significant shift occurred as I transitioned to a plant-based diet. This wasn't merely a change in what I consumed; it was a conscious decision to fuel my body with intention rather than convenience. The energy gains were palpable, propelling me through busy days with newfound vigor.

The Impact on Leadership

"How has prioritizing your health made you a better leader?" Personal discipline begets strategic discipline.

According to Mayo Clinic, CEOs sleep 24% less than the average person and work 23% more hours, with a staggering 73% leading sedentary lifestyles. The pursuit of wellness in high-stress roles becomes a lifelong commitment that requires unwavering attention—an exercise in perseverance, commitment, and time management, all foundational qualities of effective leadership.

Maintaining a consistent vision for the future in the workplace necessitates equal focus. A lack of focus during personal time often spills over into professional endeavors, blurring the lines of separation we strive to maintain. Despite our attempts to compartmentalize our lives, we’re far more transparent than we’d like to believe.

Shifting the Health Narrative

It's time to shift the paradigm—from passive patients to empowered clients.

The symptoms? Burnout, stagnant business growth, and a lack of creative problem-solving. The root cause? Society's ingrained beliefs and stereotypes hinder preventive health measures.

Just as we secure insurance when buying a home—a clear safeguard against risks—it's time to embrace proactive management of our diet and exercise with equal enthusiasm.

One stark deficiency in corporate health efforts? The absence of comprehensive data. While creating a narrative around well-being is an admirable starting point, integrating tangible health metrics is the catalyst for genuine change. Operationalizing this change begins with robust education, influence, and equitable access to care.

As we wade the waters of personal well-being and business, a simple truth emerges: When individuals prioritize their health, the effects ripple throughout the organization. Enhanced decision-making, improved work quality, and healthier team dynamics become the norm.