Somewhere between London and Bangalor, after multiple trips to India as well as the US and around Europe and Middle East, it hit me: I was exhausted. Not just tired from a long flight, but soul-tired. The kind of weariness that lingers in your bones no matter how flat your bed or how strong your espresso.
Global advisory work can be exhilarating. The global travel means navigating new sectors, geographies, and leadership teams; often in high-stakes, high-growth environments. But there’s a flip side we don’t talk about enough: the toll it takes on your body, mind, and relationships.
And I know this isn’t just an advisory or consulting problem.
Earlier in my career, I held a demanding executive role in Canada while living in Europe and the travel was not only intense, although entirely on my own dime and in my own time (lessons learned for better subsequent negotiations!). There was very little recognition, care or support from the organisation I worked for; no real thought given to the impact of relentless travel, time zones, or emotional bandwidth. It wore me down.
The travel wasn’t the only factor, but it played a huge part in what became a period of real burnout. My mental and physical health suffered, and so did some of my closest relationships. I ended up leaving that role under circumstances that weren’t ideal. And it taught me something important: even the most resilient among us can run out of road if we don’t manage it with care.
There’s a glamour to global work; especially in high growth markets. But somewhere between delayed visas, dodgy Wi-Fi, and fighting to eat clean in airport lounges, you realise:
Sustainability isn’t just about climate. It’s about you.
So here’s what I’m learning (sometimes the hard way):
· Build real recovery time into your calendar, not just weekends
· Say no to one more dinner (or lunch or breakfast) invite
· Pack electrolytes, compression socks and antihistamines before chargers and business cards
· Create personal rituals to feel grounded, wherever you are
· And if your body is whispering, listen; before it starts shouting
I wouldn’t trade the richness of this work or the privilege of supporting critical transformation at global scale. But I’m no longer willing to sacrifice my health or presence to deliver it.
Next time, I’ll share some of the little habits that help me stay anchored, even at 38,000 feet.
How do you manage the personal cost of professional travel?
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