Men’s Health Awareness Month: Build a Healthier You, Build a Better Business

The Wake-Up Call: From Surviving to Thriving?

There was a time when I was far from thriving. I could barely climb a flight of stairs without getting winded, and my business felt just as out of shape. I was grinding, stressed, and stuck in survival mode.?

Then reality hit. According to the CDC, men have a life expectancy of just 74.8 years, compared to women at 80.2 years. That’s not just a number—it was a wake-up call. For me, it wasn’t just about living longer but living better, for myself and for the people who count on me. The turning point? Deciding to make small, consistent changes. Those changes became the building blocks of a healthier me and, in turn, a healthier business.?

Here’s what I learned along the way:?

?? Small Wins Build Big Momentum: I didn’t start with marathons or heavy weights. I started small—10-minute runs, quick workouts, and building consistency. ?

?? Mental Health Fuels Every Success: Dealing with past baggage wasn't fun, but very necessary. When I addressed my mental health, it was like flipping a switch. Suddenly, I had focus, energy, and clarity I hadn’t felt in years.?

?? What You Eat Shapes How You Lead: Nutrition isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about respect. Eating whole, nutritious foods improved my energy, focus, and overall performance. Research backs this up: the gut-brain connection is real, and what you eat directly impacts how you think and feel.?

Health is Leadership: Show Up for the Long Haul?

Being healthy isn’t about vanity metrics or gym selfies—it’s about showing up as the best version of yourself, consistently. As a dad to Jayden, Skylar, and Ava, and a husband to Rachel, I’ve realized that prioritizing my health is about more than me. It’s about being present for the milestones—first steps, big wins, and everything in between.?

The truth is, when you prioritize your health, you’re not just investing in yourself. You’re investing in your family, your team, and the people who look up to you.?

Here’s why it matters:?

?? Your Health Sets the Tone for Your Team: Leaders who prioritize their well-being inspire their teams to do the same. It’s a ripple effect.?

?? Mental Clarity Drives Better Decisions: Simple practices like meditation or a 10-minute walk each day can clear your mind and keep you grounded in high-pressure moments.?

?? Energy is Contagious: When you take care of yourself, your energy radiates outward. It boosts morale, strengthens relationships, and helps you show up as a better leader.?

What Big Businesses Can Teach Us About Health?

It’s not just individuals focusing on health—some of the biggest companies in the world are stepping up. Take KPMG, for example. They launched an Energy Check-In initiative to identify employees at risk of burnout. Their pilot program had incredible results:?

77% of employees said it improved their well-being.?

88% of managers found it helped them better support their teams.?

Sandy Torchia, KPMG’s Vice Chair of Talent and Culture, put it best:?“We’re corporate athletes, and we need to be both physically and mentally ready to do our job.”?

It’s a reminder that whether you’re running a Fortune 100 company, 500 company, or a solopreneur business, investing in health isn’t optional—it’s essential.?

The Intergration of Business, Health, and Family?

Building a business is demanding. Add in the responsibilities of being a parent and partner, and it’s easy to let your health slip. But here’s the thing: your health is the foundation of everything else.?

For me, it’s about integrating health into my daily routine. Some days, that looks like a Peloton session. Other days, it’s a walk outside with Frankie our goldendoodle, or lifting weights while chatting with Jayden. It’s not about perfection—it’s about showing up consistently. And let’s talk about mental health for a second. Meditation has helped me so much in my mental wellness journey. It’s one of the simplest ways to reset, refocus, and show up stronger in all areas of life.?

For decades, men have been taught to wear their stoicism like armor—to suppress emotions, “man up,” and present an image of unshakable control. This pressure, especially in leadership and entrepreneurship, can be suffocating. But in 2024, we’re seeing progress: conversations about masculinity and men’s health are becoming more open, but there’s still a long way to go.?

I’ve felt that pressure firsthand. In business, the expectation to “have it all together” can feel relentless. Suppressing emotions to fit into a mold isn’t strength—it’s a disservice to ourselves and the people we lead. True strength is about recognizing when we’re struggling and having the courage to face it head-on. ?

For me, the moment I started confronting my mental health was the moment my life changed. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Facing the emotions I’d been bottling up didn’t just make me a better leader—it made me a better father, husband, and friend.?

Here’s the reality:?

??Over 6 million men suffer from depression annually, yet male depression often goes underdiagnosed.?

??More than 3 million men in the U.S. experience panic disorders, agoraphobia, or other phobias.?

Men’s Health Awareness Month reminds us that health isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, mental, and relational. It’s about dismantling the outdated notion that vulnerability equals weakness.?

November: A Perfect Time for Reflection and Action?

November isn’t just about turkey and pumpkin pie—it’s a prime time to set the stage for the coming year. Here’s how you can use this month to level up your health and your business:?

?? Set Your Physical Health Goals: Start small. Block time for workouts and treat it like an important meeting.?

?? Prioritize Your Mental Health: Take a few moments each day to reflect, meditate, or journal.?

?? Plan for 2025: Map out your goals now, so you can hit January with clarity and confidence.?

Pro Tip: Treat your health like your most important client. Schedule it. Show up for it. And watch how it transforms everything else.?

Your Health is Your Legacy?

You know, there was a point in my life where everything looked perfect on the outside—multiple companies, big wins, and the kind of success people dream about. But behind the scenes? I was falling apart. I was in my 30s, juggling way too much, and feeling completely disconnected from myself and the people around me.?

To make things worse, I was going through a tough divorce. It hit me like a ton of bricks. Suddenly, all the "success" in the world couldn’t make up for the fact that I wasn’t happy, healthy, or fulfilled. I was burned out, stressed out, and just... lost.?

That’s when I made a decision that scared the hell out of me. I shut it all down—every company, every project. With less than $1,000 to my name, I moved back in with my parents. Talk about a humbling moment. But honestly? It was exactly what I needed. It gave me the space to step back and figure out what really mattered—not just in business, but in life.?

I realized that the way I’d been working, the way I’d been living, wasn’t sustainable. I needed to start integrating my passions, my relationships, and my work in a way that actually supported my health and happiness. That was the turning point for me, and it’s shaped everything I’ve done since then.?

I share this because I know I’m not the only one who’s felt this way. Sometimes, we get so caught up in chasing success that we forget to check in with ourselves. But trust me, if you don’t make time for your health—mental, physical, and emotional—it’ll catch up with you eventually. And when it does, it’s not pretty. ?

Men’s Health Awareness Month isn’t just about quick fixes or checking off boxes. It’s a call to action to take ownership of your health, not just for yourself but for the people and goals that matter most. When you prioritize your well-being, you’re building a foundation for sustainable success—in your business, your relationships, and your life.?

So, here’s my challenge to you:?

?? Reflect on your health—physical, mental, and emotional.?

?? Set one actionable goal for the month.?

Share your journey. Let’s inspire each other to show up stronger, every day.?

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