Thriving at the Top: Rachael Harding of Club Med on creating “white space” within her day, optimising for continued learning and maintaining a sense of humour

Is work-life balance achievable for CEOs and other top level leaders? How do you make time for friends and family / hobbies / self-care?

Absolutely, work-life balance is achievable for CEOs and top leaders, but it does require a shift in perspective. It is not about achieving a perfect 50/50 split every single day; it's about a continuous process of adjustment. Certain weeks will demand intense work focus, while others might offer more flexibility for personal time.

The key lies in prioritising quality over quantity when it comes to your personal time. Scheduling dedicated time with loved ones is crucial, but it's equally important to be fully present and engaged during those moments. 

Furthermore, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Prioritise getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and engaging in activities that help you to manage stress and maintain a positive outlook.

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? 

This is especially hard when you work in global time zones—your availability needs to be flexible so finding a balance can be hard. However, you do need some downtime to be able to remain sharp and be your best and most efficient. Openly communicate your availability with your team. Delegate tasks effectively and empower your team members to make decisions and handle situations independently with a clear chain of command for urgent matters that arise when you are not available. This fosters a sense of ownership, reduces reliance on me being constantly available and ensures that issues are addressed promptly without requiring my immediate attention at times.

Technology is a double-edged sword. While it fuels productivity, it can also be a major source of distraction. I try to schedule specific times for checking emails outside of work hours. It’s inevitable that I’ll need to be connected at some point, however by knowing I have given myself a time over the weekend or even on leave, it allows me to relax and disconnect outside of this time. This helps me focus on the task at hand and minimise unwanted interruptions.

Exercise is a powerful stress reliever and mental clarity booster. I enjoy going for a run, taking a Pilates class, or simply spending time outdoors with my family. Physical activity helps me de-stress, recharge and return to work with renewed energy.

I also believe in leaving some unstructured time in my day. This "white space" allows for spontaneity and avoids feeling constantly obligated to be productive. It's about granting myself permission to simply relax and recharge. This might be immersing myself in the latest Netflix series with my husband, playing Lego with my son, walking my dog or just savouring a cup of coffee without the pressure of getting things done.

See also: Nasaa Narmandakh of Monpolymet Group on digital detoxes and setting boundaries in an ever-on culture

What other aspects are important for sustainable leadership?

Leading myself comes first. Sustainable leadership starts with self-awareness. I'm clear on my own values and purpose, which fuel my passion to inspire others to discover theirs. This self-leadership is the foundation for everything I do.

As a sustainable leader, I see the world through a wide lens. I understand that environmental, social and economic factors are all interconnected. This ecocentric, systemic and long-term mindset guides me as I develop clear visions and create adaptable, long-term strategies. It's a holistic approach, ensuring we do not solve one problem by creating another.

True leadership thrives on influence, not authority. I also believe diversity is a wellspring of strength, therefore I actively seek to understand the perspectives of people from different cultures. I want to build strong, meaningful connections with my team and stakeholders, fostering a sense of shared purpose that transcends geographical or cultural boundaries.

Continuous learning and personal growth are vital for sustainable leadership. What are some ways you invest in your own development amidst your busy schedule? 

To keep my finger on the pulse, I have set up alerts for current affairs, industry trends and emerging technologies. Whenever possible, I try to attend industry events and conferences. It's a fantastic way to network with others, hear about the latest ideas and stay on top of all the exciting developments happening in our field.

I believe in the power of lifelong learning. Even if it’s just a few minutes a day, I dedicate some time to activities that help me develop professionally. My commute becomes a mini-learning session with audiobooks or industry podcasts. Short breaks are perfect for catching up on relevant articles or educational videos. Every little bit counts!

See also: Harshika Patel of J.P. Morgan on learning from all of life's experiences and discovering the power of pausing

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? 

I don’t really listen to one genre, I flip between a balance of podcasts, apps and books dedicated to business, leadership, current affairs and well-being. For quick bites, I enjoy the TED business talks, Diary of CEO and the app Headway, which essentially distils books down to just the essential insights and ideas. This allows you to absorb the key knowledge from each book in just 15 minutes—genius and perfect for my availability. I also try to clear my mind with apps like Headspace and Calm.

Are there any tips you can share for managing the stress that often accompanies a CEO role and maintaining a positive mindset? 

• Schedule time to clear your head, whatever that is for you. For me, it’s a run or a swim. After many years, I have finally learnt that taking an hour to do this gives you back hours of productivity.
• Do not try to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks effectively and empower your team members to take ownership.
• Take the time to acknowledge your accomplishments, both big and small.
• Maintain a sense of humour and don't take yourself too seriously. Finding humour in stressful situations can help diffuse tension and maintain perspective.

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? 

Yes I am very distracted by emails, when I hear the sound of incoming mail on my phone or laptop I tend to prioritise it over the task at hand (personal or professional). This of course can wreak havoc on my productivity. Turning off notifications and silencing my phone when I can definitely help, but this is still a work in progress.  

What advice, key practices or principles would you share to ensure CEOs lead in a sustainable manner?

A lifelong learner's mindset is key: continuously soaking up knowledge, cultivating positive habits, embracing a can-do attitude and learning from stumbles. Finally, always be open to new possibilities.

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