At Thrive Global, in honor of International Women’s Day, we’re inviting women business leaders to share how they Thrive.
Thrive Global: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about prioritizing your health and well-being?
Sally Keane: Work-life balance in today’s world where we are “always on” is more a work-life blend — creating time for you that is sacred is important. For example, schedule the gym in the diary and make others around you aware that this time is non-negotiable and cannot be eaten into.
TG: What’s the best advice that you would give women about preventing burnout?
SK: Be honest with yourself about how you are feeling. Try to recognize the signs and ask for help.
TG: What’s important in your life outside of work?
SK: Family and friends! As a working mum, my number one priority is spending time with my daughter then my husband, family, and friends.
TG: What helps you thrive?
SK: I thrive by being surrounded by people that I love and also helping others thrive. It’s where I really come alive.
TG: With a demanding schedule, how do you make time for these important things?
SK: I always get asked ‘How do you fit it all in?’, or, ‘I don’t know how you do it.’ Well, I prioritize my time on what I find the most fulfilling and that sometimes means that I miss out on seeing my friends, but I am OK with that.
TG: What obstacles have you overcome in your career, particularly obstacles that had to do with your gender? What did you learn from those experiences that you wish you’d known before?
SK: The biggest obstacle that I have had to overcome is myself — like many women (and men) I have suffered from impostor syndrome and still do, especially returning to work after having my daughter.
TG: How do you prioritize when you have an overwhelming amount to do?
SK: I won’t pretend that I am an expert at prioritizing ,but I have learned a lot — I find using a model of “Do Now,” “Do Later,” or “Not Important” to delegate helps.
TG: When you notice you’re getting too stressed, what do you do to course correct?
SK: I go for a run or go to the gym. It works every single time.
TG: How do you reframe negative thinking so you can feel “unstuck” and move forward?
SK: Through positive action.