Cover Linda Burgoyne, CEO, Matilda International Hospital, Hong Kong
Linda Burgoyne, CEO, Matilda International Hospital, Hong Kong
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For our Thriving at the Top series, female leaders from Asia share how to sustain success as a CEO. Here, Linda Burgoyne discusses spontaneity, the benefits of lifelong learning, and why we need to engage with the next generation of bright young minds
In 2023, the highest number of CEOs at US companies left their post according to research by Challenger, Gray & Christmas since it began tracking 22 years ago. With the rate of new CEOs who are women rising year on year, the percentage of women leaving the top spot was 24 percent in 2023, up from 19.5 percent in 2022.
In our new series, Thriving at the Top, women CEOs share their insights on avoiding burnout and setting boundaries, balancing life and work, managing stress and investing in personal growth, as well as their advice for how other CEOs can lead with resilience and longevity. Here, Linda Burgoyne, CEO of Matilda International Hospital in Hong Kong, weighs in.
How long have you been in the role of CEO?
I’ve been the CEO of Matilda International Hospital for eight years.
CEO burnout is common. Can you share any personal experiences or challenges you have faced in managing your workload and avoiding burnout as CEO? How did you overcome them?
Oh, absolutely. I've had my fair share of late nights, stress-induced snacking, and the occasional "deer in the headlights" moment. But here's the secret: surround yourself with positive and smart people. Delegate, trust your team, and remember, you don't have to be the hero in every situation.
Is work-life balance achievable for CEOs and other top level leaders? How do you make time for friends and family / hobbies / self-care?
Now, let me be honest here—if you're expecting me to say that I have a perfectly scheduled routine of yoga, meditation and mindfulness, you might be in for a surprise. I've tried, really, but sitting still and keeping calm is just not my strong suit. I wish I had that zen-like ability, but alas, I'm a work in progress.
I find my relaxation in spending quality time with my family. There's nothing like getting lost in a good book, taking long walks, or simply immersing myself in nature to recharge my batteries.
But what really ignites my soul? Travel. Exploring new places and experiencing different cultures not only broadens my mind, but it also reminds me that we're just tiny specks in this vast universe. It puts things in perspective and helps me appreciate the bigger picture.
As for the idea of carving out time and being disciplined—truth be told, I'm more of a spontaneous soul. I like to embrace the unplanned moments and go with the flow. I make it a point to seize opportunities when they arise and do things that bring me joy, even if they weren't initially on the agenda.
In the end, work-life balance is a constant juggling act, and we all find our own unique ways to make it work.
Many CEOs feel the pressure to be constantly available and connected. How do you set boundaries? What routines or habits do you do that help you disconnect from work?
I can certainly relate to the pressure of feeling constantly available and connected. Having been in the healthcare field throughout my career, I'm accustomed to the demanding, around-the-clock nature of the work. While I strive to carve out personal time for myself, it remains an ongoing challenge, especially considering the critical nature of healthcare. I am fortunate to have an exceptional team of professionals who are highly skilled and reliable. It's important for me to trust in their expertise and judgement, knowing that they can handle emergencies and urgent matters in my absence. This allows me to maintain a sense of manageability, even when I am not directly involved and gives me more opportunities to step away and recharge. It's a delicate dance, but one that's essential for leading effectively over the long term.
The process of engaging with [university] students has proven to be more beneficial to me than any other resource I have come across
What other aspects are important for sustainable leadership?
Managing stress and maintaining a positive mindset are crucial and for me a personal support system is essential. As a CEO, it's easy to get caught up in the notion that you need to have all the answers, but trust me, you don't. Having a strong support system in place—whether it's a partner, family member, or close friends—is crucial in reducing stress and maintaining a sense of sanity. They're the ones who'll remind you that you're human, not superhuman. Plus, they’ll be there to pick you up when you inevitably trip up. I belong to an amazing group of women leaders who are always there as cheerleaders—life is so much better with them in it.
Continuous learning and personal growth are vital for sustainable leadership. What are some ways you invest in your own development amidst your busy schedule?
I'm a firm believer in lifelong learning. Whether it's attending conferences, reading journals, or simply picking the brains of colleagues, I'm always looking for inspiration and ways to improve. I am very curious by nature and find the best value in simply talking to people and hearing their stories. I'm constantly in awe of the diverse life experiences and unique perspectives that others bring to the table. I find that these real-world examples and anecdotes often provide the most impactful and memorable lessons.
Are there any resources that have been helpful to you in your role as a CEO, e.g. books, podcasts, etc, that you would recommend?
As a CEO, I am an avid reader, devouring everything: journals, academic papers and books. However, one resource that has been incredibly valuable to me is engaging with university students. When I speak with these bright minds, I am invigorated by their questions and strong opinions.
I find immense value in being exposed to their ways of thinking and different perspectives. It forces me to question my own assumptions and delve deeper into topics that pique my curiosity. It ignites a spark of intellectual curiosity that drives me to conduct further research and explore new avenues of knowledge. The process of engaging with these students has proven to be more beneficial to me than any other resource I have come across.
So, while I don't have a specific book or podcast recommendation to offer, I encourage seeking out opportunities to engage with diverse thinkers, whether through discussions, debates, or even mentorship programmes. Embrace the chance to have your ideas challenged and to learn from those who bring fresh perspectives to the table. It's this dynamic exchange of ideas that truly fosters growth and keeps me continuously engaged in the pursuit of knowledge.
As a CEO, I know there will inevitably be setbacks and difficulties to navigate. But I try to view those as stepping stones rather than roadblocks
Are there any tips you can share for managing the stress that often accompanies a CEO role and maintaining a positive mindset?
Keeping a positive mindset is so important. I try to focus on being grateful for what I have and celebrating even the small wins. When challenges come up, I try to reframe them as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than just seeing them as problems.
Surrounding myself with positivity is key and resilience is essential in this role. As a CEO, I know there will inevitably be setbacks and difficulties to navigate. But I try to view those as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Failures are a chance to learn and improve. Maintaining a solutions-focused mindset helps me keep moving forward.
It's all about that positive, resilient mindset. It is very hard and takes work to cultivate, but it makes such a difference in how I approach the challenges. Little by little, I'm building that mental toughness to keep going no matter what comes my way.
Are there any bad habits with regard to your work that you have identified and would like to or are in the process of trying to change?
There are a few work habits that I'm actively trying to change. One habit that I've been working to break is the compulsion to respond to every email or message the moment it comes in. I've found myself constantly glued to my phone or computer, unable to disconnect and truly be present, even when I'm with my family or trying to unwind.
What advice, key practices or principles would you share to ensure CEOs lead in a sustainable manner?
My advice for other CEOs is simple: Take care of yourself, trust your team, and don't forget to laugh. In the end, we're all just trying to do the best we can, and a little humour can go a long way in making the journey a whole lot more enjoyable.
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Rachel Duffell is regional content director for Power & Purpose, including Front & Female, and former regional content director for Tatler Dining. She is a journalist and editor who has been covering people, gender, impact, leadership, culture and lifestyle for more than 15 years.
