“Success is being excited to go to work and being excited to come home.”
– Will Ahmed, CEO of health wearables company WHOOP
For leaders, true balance is about steadiness; showing up grounded in both work and life.
When I interviewed Tara — a seasoned Executive Director — for my book, her approach to leadership captured this beautifully. She told me:
〝As I’ve taken on senior leadership roles, I’ve gained more influence and decision-making power – but with that comes immense pressure and responsibility. Holding these two things together – formal authority and intense stress – can be a slippery slope if you’re not careful.〞
We spoke about the paradox of responsibility: when you hold power, you must also hold yourself steady. Without emotional regulation, leadership can easily tip into reaction or control.
Part of Tara’s approach to sustaining perspective is deliberately stepping outside of work to reconnect with herself. For her, this means creating space for routines and connections outside of her role:
“One of the best decisions I made was building routines that have nothing to do with work. For me, that includes visiting art galleries. Walking through a gallery in silence, absorbing creativity, and stepping into a different world – it’s both soothing and inspiring. It reminds me that I am not just ‘my role’, but a person with broader interests and a need for balance.”
She also leans on people who keep her grounded:
“I rely on the people in my life who keep me real – family, old friends, and a broader community who don’t care about my title. They remind me that I am more than my job. My adult kids, especially, keep me humble when they tell me to stop working so we can share a meal together and chat. It’s a good reality check!”
➡️ It’s a powerful reminder that the best leaders protect perspective, remain well-rounded, and lead as grounded humans first.
🧐 What habits and relationships keep you steady so you can be excited about both work and life beyond it?
