From a stressed overworked executive to healthy, productive leader
A few years ago, I passed out one morning while getting ready for work.
I’d spent over a year in a highly demanding phase of an executive role, routinely clocking over 75 hours a week. To be completely honest, it was longer than a year, but even now, it’s a number I sometimes feel ashamed to admit.
At the time, I didn't let myself see the real problem with it. I distinctly remember a friend telling me they didn't believe anyone who claimed to work more than 70 hours a week. I was genuinely surprised by their skepticism. I had become so accustomed to the relentless pace that I accepted it as completely normal. I assumed everyone in leadership roles was doing the exact same thing.
Looking back, I realize my mindset had subtly shifted. Telling myself that this extreme schedule was "necessary" wasn’t the truth—it was a coping mechanism, a wrong belief that it had to be this way because of the real challenges, organizational growth, and the context. I loved my job and valued the important work we did. I wanted to be a good leader to my department and for the organization; we were cutting edge.
The Ironic Wake-Up Call
The deeply ironic part of my story? I knew better. I had spent my entire 25-year career helping healthcare teams and leaders change how they work. I understood the science of lifestyle, and the risks of stress, burnout, and the impacts on our human systems. Yet, I set my own wellbeing aside for so long that my body finally had to step in and make the decision for me.
After hitting the floor that morning, I underwent a battery of medical tests. I got lucky. Despite more than a year of being entirely sedentary, chronically stressed, sleeping poorly, and gaining weight, the tests came back clear. Physically, I was fine (makes me laugh now).
But mentally, everything had to change. I realized I was living in the ultimate "knowing-doing" gap: I had all the health knowledge in the world, but zero execution.
Turning Knowledge Into Action
When I set out to fix my health, I quickly realized that willpower wasn't going to cut it. I was too accustomed to prioritizing my "very important" work over my own life. If an item wasn’t locked into my calendar, work would automatically swallow that time.
To break the cycle, I had to use the actual science of behavior change:
I needed structural accountability: I joined a structured, scheduled training group. If it was on the schedule, it became a non-negotiable appointment.
I needed community: I surrounded myself with other busy people who were actively building health habits into their chaotic lives. Being around them made it infinitely easier to keep going.
With that framework, I protected my time, did the work, and eventually ran the Toronto half-marathon. Being very goal-oriented, I needed that focus to help me reach a success I could recognize.
Leading by Example
An unexpected side effect happened when I started looking after myself: my leadership improved. My energy shifted; I started to feel more like myself again. I began using my own stories of personal challenge and behavior change during my normal work presentations. By being open and vulnerable about my own struggles and boundaries, I was able to authentically promote a culture of wellness among the healthcare teams I led. I shared how I came to see a problem within my own routines and worked to improve them.
You cannot successfully lead a culture of health for long if you are running yourself into the ground.
Close Your Own Knowing-Doing Gap
If you are currently clocking extreme hours, ignoring your sleep, and telling yourself, "I'll deal with my own health later when things quiet down," I want to invite you to a safe space to rethink that timeline. There is no better time than today.
I am hosting a free, one-hour masterclass designed specifically for over-scheduled healthcare leaders and providers who are ready to take their lives back.
Too Busy to Be Healthy? A Session for Healthcare Providers and Leaders
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026 at either 12:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. ET
We will discuss the real behavior change science required to build sustainable habits without sacrificing your career impact.
Register to Reserve Your Free Spot:
