This month Global Chamber launched a supportive new series of monthly conversations aimed at helping its members grow globally and effectively. These globinars are designed to tackle critical topics that combine business leadership with personal well-being, and the first session, facilitated by Global Chamber CEO Doug Bruhnke, focused on the importance of balancing leadership skills with maintaining personal health. Doug stressed that while business success is vital, without good health, everything else falls short. He encouraged attendees to focus on global growth and leadership while also considering health as a foundational pillar to personal and professional success.
The session was led by Laura and Barry Ash based at Global Chamber London, both experts in health and wellness, with years of experience helping professionals manage stress and enhance their performance. Laura, a former police officer and counterterrorism intelligence officer, shared her personal journey of burnout, which prompted a business pivot in 2017. Her experiences with bipolar disorder and OCD pushed her to view mental, physical, and emotional health as integral to leadership. Barry, with over three decades in the health and wellness industry, provided a wealth of knowledge on emotional health, emphasizing its importance alongside physical well-being.
Watch the full video here
Energy Management: The New Time Management
The core theme of the session was energy management, a concept that Laura and Barry argued is far more effective than traditional time management. Laura explained that many high-achieving business owners, CEOs, and leaders often find themselves running on empty, relying on caffeine and sugary foods to power through their day. This unsustainable cycle of exhaustion, she argued, is the result of focusing solely on managing time, not energy. Instead, the key to greater productivity and resilience lies in how we manage our energy.
They shared the story of Evelyn, a client overwhelmed by her schedule. Evelyn had tried time-blocking and other time management strategies, but she still felt exhausted and drained. After a shift in focus from time management to energy management, Evelyn began aligning her tasks with her natural energy rhythms, tackling the most demanding work when she had the most energy. This approach led to significant improvements in both her well-being and productivity.
Identifying and Managing Energy Drains
During the session, Laura and Barry also explored common energy drains that many leaders face, including negative people, stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, and multitasking. These factors, they pointed out, can sap both mental and physical energy, preventing individuals from performing at their best. In response, they encouraged participants to find ways to restore their energy, such as taking breaks, practicing self-care, and eliminating unnecessary stressors.
A key takeaway from their discussion was the importance of recovery time. Both Laura and Barry emphasized that recovery is not optional—it is essential. Many high-achievers, they noted, try to push through exhaustion, resorting to quick fixes like caffeine or skipping breaks, but this only leads to burnout. Conscious recovery, such as rest, sleep, and taking intentional time off, is crucial to maintaining high performance in the long run.
Leveraging Natural Energy Cycles
The Ashes introduced the concept of circadian rhythms—our natural energy cycles that influence our productivity levels throughout the day. Most people experience higher energy in the morning, they explained, making it the ideal time to tackle the hardest tasks. Additionally, they discussed ultradian rhythms, which cycle every 90 to 120 minutes throughout the day. By taking short breaks after each cycle, individuals can reset and recharge, working smarter rather than harder.
Silence, Rest, and the Role of Mindfulness
The session also delved into the role of silence and rest in energy management. Participants emphasized the importance of stepping away from the constant hustle and bustle of work to recharge, whether through meditation, mindfulness, or even taking a simple walk. These moments of pause, they argued, can help restore energy and foster greater creativity and productivity.
The conversation extended into the use of technology for tracking energy and well-being. Doug Bruny shared his experience with the Aura ring, a device that monitors sleep, stress levels, and overall health. The data revealed important insights, such as stress spikes and the impact of rest on performance. Participants also discussed other tools, like the Whoop band, and highlighted the significance of mindfulness and meditation practices, especially within Indian culture, where techniques like Yoga Nidra are deeply ingrained.
The Power of Self-Care and Reflection
One of the more personal aspects of the session involved reflecting on how to manage energy levels throughout the day. Participants were encouraged to track their energy levels and align tasks with periods of peak energy. Nomi, another participant, shared how taking breaks—like going for walks—has led to more innovative ideas, highlighting how self-care and reflection can have a direct impact on both creativity and productivity.
The conversation also underscored the importance of respecting one's own limitations and incorporating rest into a regular routine. Laura and Barry stressed that taking breaks and giving the body and mind time to recover isn’t a sign of weakness but rather an essential practice for long-term success.
Practical Tips for Energy Management
The session wrapped up with several practical tips for managing energy effectively. Attendees were encouraged to track their energy levels and align tasks with high-energy periods of the day. Prioritizing high-impact tasks when energy is at its peak and taking breaks—whether through power naps or deep breaths—can help reset and recharge the mind. Listening to the body and avoiding the pressure to push through exhaustion were central to the discussion.
The hosts encouraged attendees to continue connecting on LinkedIn and using the insights shared to create a more fulfilling and impactful life. They reminded everyone that balance and health are key to being effective leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, and that managing energy wisely is an essential part of long-term success.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Leadership
The February 2025 Globinar provided an invaluable opportunity for Global Chamber members to explore leadership, health, and wellness in a new light. By focusing on energy management and integrating self-care practices into daily routines, leaders can avoid burnout, improve productivity, and sustain success over time. The session underscored the importance of taking a holistic approach to leadership—one that not only values business growth but also prioritizes personal health and well-being.
As Global Chamber continues to host these impactful discussions, it is clear that the future of effective leadership lies not just in achieving business success, but in maintaining a balanced, healthy, and sustainable approach to personal and professional growth.
About Global Chamber
Global Chamber® is a diverse, innovative and positive worldwide platform for CEOs, executives, investors and industry leaders across 195 countries and 525 regions around the world to find opportunities and effectively empower growth, success and progress. We're the only chamber of commerce operating in hundreds of locations that delivers strategic connections, information and resources to facilitate exporting, importing and investing across regions and borders, while addressing climate change and advancing sustainability.
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