In the last post, I opened up about the real toll that global work can take, not just on time and energy, but on your wellbeing and relationships. This post is about what I’ve learned from the edge.
I once went to the doctor with what I thought was just a nasty sinus infection. I was run-down after weeks of non-stop travel, long hours, and trying to keep too many plates spinning across continents. Within minutes, I was being told I was on the verge of being hospitalised. My blood pressure was dangerously high. The combination of stress, disrupted sleep, poor recovery, and emotional overload had caught up with me, hard.
It was a massive wake-up call.
I survived, and I want you to, too.
So here are some of the practices that now keep me grounded, focused, and well when I’m on the move. These aren’t glamorous, but they’re essential.
1. Don’t land and run
Always give yourself a buffer. Even 30 minutes to reset, rehydrate and breathe before going into “go” mode makes a difference.
2. Build a morning anchor
My go-to? A simple breathwork and movement routine, antihistamines (a must for me), and a protein-rich breakfast; no matter where I am.
3. Respect your own bandwidth
No more back-to-back 15-hour days. I pace myself now, so I can be sharp and present when it counts.
4. Nourish wisely
I still enjoy local food, but I no longer use travel as an excuse to overindulge every meal. My body needs fuel, not fireworks.
5. Make time for meaning
Even on the busiest trips, I try to connect to the place; through a meal, a conversation, or a walk. Culture and context aren’t “extras”; they’re part of the work.
6. Know what you need
You learn to tune into your own signals: when to push, when to pause, and when to say no. It’s a leadership skill, and a survival one.
The truth is, you can’t deliver high-value strategic work if you’re falling apart behind the scenes. There’s no courage in burnout. No honour in collapse.
So if you’re building, leading, delivering, coaching or advising, especially across borders, please take care of yourself. The work matters. And so do you.
Next up: The final post in the series, how I’ve built a career across continents with connection, courage and the right collaborators by my side.
🔹 I drive capability and capacity so scaling companies can deliver complex strategies.
What can we work on together to exponentially improve your delivered value?
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@Strategist Solutions @International Coaching Federation @Project Management Institute @Major Projects Associatio;
