Nurturing Leadership: Walking the Camino, ASICS, and a Dash of Succession

You know those moments when you feel like Kendall Roy from Succession, juggling endless demands and power plays, only to realise... hang on, where’s the time for me in all this? And yes, for the record, I’m still hoping for a rewritten ending (HBO, you listening?). But seriously, it’s World Mental Health Day, and what better time to pause and talk about something we often overlook as leaders: the importance of nurturing ourselves.

I’m a firm believer in the power of taking breaks to recharge. For me, it’s not just about a quick stroll around the block (although that helps too). It’s the big break... such as my recent walk on the Camino. Twenty days, 300+ kms, 527,583 steps, and a backpack that gets lighter (thank goodness) along the way. It’s my way of hitting reset, to recharge, and reignite mind, body and spirit. It’s my version of reconnecting with myself and disconnecting from the daily grind.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: 20 days, Carolyn? I can barely find 20 minutes!

Enter the ASICS | World Mental Health Day challenge #moveforyourmind #deskbreak. Have you seen the video? It’s a brilliant reminder that taking small steps, literally, can make a massive difference to our mental health. It suggests that even just a few minutes of movement each day can have a profound impact. You don’t need to walk across Portugal and Spain to reset (though, if you fancy it, I highly recommend it). Sometimes, all it takes is a quick stroll around the office, a stretch between meetings, or a simple walk to the local coffee shop. Trust me, it counts.

The Science Behind It

Walking isn’t just good for your legs, it’s proven to boost creativity, improve mood, and reduce stress. A study in The Lancet found that physical activity, like walking, can reduce the risk of depression by 26%. Imagine what those extra steps between Teams-meeting calls could do for your well-being. ASICS promotes this very idea: taking small steps consistently leads to big results. It's the perfect reminder for all of us glued to screens that those brief breaks are investments in our mental health.

Lead by Example

As leaders, it’s easy to get caught up in the “busy” trap. We’ve got team meetings, zoom calls, rolling RAILs, deadlines, and sometimes, like Logan Roy in that ASICS challenge video, we’re sitting at our desks with a professional top and activewear below (I see you, Logan). Who isn't rocking their best business top with active wear these days?

We feel the need to always be available, always on the go, and always ‘switched on’. But here’s the twist, if we’re not taking the time to nurture ourselves, how can we effectively lead and nurture our teams? The answer is: we can’t.

Walking the Camino is my big ‘reset’ button, but it’s also a reminder that nurturing doesn’t have to be grand or time-consuming. Back in my home office, I still channel that mindset. Yes, I’ve embraced the Logan Roy look - blazer on top, active wear below - but I also take breaks to move and reset, knowing it’s crucial for my productivity.

Leading by example can be as simple as scheduling short breaks throughout the day, making time for a walk, or encouraging your team to do the same. When they see you prioritising well-being, they’re more likely to follow suit. And a team that’s nurtured is a team that’s more productive, engaged, and happy.

Move For The Mind

Here are three practical strategies I use to keep the habit of nurturing myself.

1. Set Meetings for 45 or 50 minutes (instead of an hour)

We often fall into the trap of scheduling hour-long meetings because it’s the default, but research shows meetings will expand to fill the time allotted—this is known as Parkinson’s Law (Grow Your Future Leaders Today )(Neil Pasricha) . By scheduling meetings for 45 or 50 minutes, you not only make them more efficient but also give yourself a 10-15 minute buffer for a quick reset - whether that’s a short walk, a stretch, or just taking a moment to breathe. Trust me, those small breaks add up!

2. Establish a Walk and Talk Routine

Steve Jobs was known for his walking meetings. Instead of staying glued to your desk for phone calls, Zoom meetings, or brainstorming sessions, try taking them on the move. A Stanford University study (Why Walking Will Make You More Productive and Creative ) (Stanford Study Finds Walking Improves Productivity ) found that walking increases creative output by 60%, making 'walking meetings' a fantastic way to refresh while staying productive. I know through my own experience, my best creative ideas come when walking or riding my bike. It’s the perfect way to channel your inner Logan Roy - professional on the top, active on the bottom - because who says you can’t mix business with a little movement?

3. Get your Pomodoro Rhythm On

It’s tempting to power through your day without breaks, but just as we schedule meetings, we need to schedule time for ourselves. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break) to create a rhythm of focus and rest. Studies by DeskTime (Does the 52-27 Rule Really Hold Up? ) found that the most productive people work for 52 minutes and then take a 17-minute break (52-17 ratio), or more recently, post-pandemic, a 112-26 ratio. There is no one-size fits all, the key outcome from the studies is demonstrating that regular breaks can enhance focus and output. Studies show that regular breaks enhance productivity and reduce burnout. Think of it as your chance to re-energise and come back stronger, whether you’re strategising like Logan or just looking to get those steps in like me on the Camino!

By incorporating these three strategies, you not only promote your own well-being but also set an example for your team, showing that small habits can lead to big changes in productivity and mental health.

Ready to Walk the Talk?

So, on this World Mental Health Day, I challenge you to find those small ways to nurture yourself daily. You don’t need to trek across Spain to find that balance. Whether it’s through shorter meetings, stretching those legs under your desk (where no one can see your activewear), or simply stepping away from your desk, these actions make a difference.

Remember, when we nurture ourselves, we’re better equipped to nurture others: our teams, our customers, and our communities. And if it helps, channel your inner Succession character for that power walk. Just don’t forget the ending is still up for negotiation. ??

#ElevateYourLeadership #WorldMentalHealthDay #Leadership #NurtureYourself #Camino #ASICS #DeskBreak #MoveForYourMind #MentalHealthMatters #LeadByExample