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leadership lab

This column is part of Globe Careers' Leadership Lab series, where executives and experts share their views and advice about leadership and management. Follow us at @Globe_Careers. Find all Leadership Lab stories at tgam.ca/leadershiplab

In recent years, there has been an inordinate amount of digital space devoted to the topic work-life balance. My father once told me he didn't envy my times or me. He said, in his day it was easier – you got a job, got married and spent your career working at that job until you retired. How you did it was pretty much decided for you. I, on the other hand, "have the illusion of so much choice," he said.

The concept of work-life balance (and its definition) varies by individual, it is neither a new concept nor a different one. As career professionals progress and take on senior roles, their responsibilities inevitably grow and the work-life equilibrium shifts. To me, balance is paying attention to my family, my career and my mental and physical health, all of which are very important to me.

Work-life balance for the C-suite

I spend 60 per cent of my time travelling. That's the reality of leading an organization with a vast geographic footprint. In any given month, I will visit an average of five cities (mostly in North America, but sometimes beyond). If I'm home once or twice a week for dinner with my wife and son (my adult girls have long since left the nest), that's a good week.

Some might view such a lifestyle as void of work-life balance, but it doesn't have to be. Everyone – even those in the most demanding roles – has to find their own way of achieving work-life balance, and find time to spend with family and friends doing things they love. My family has always been a key inspiration behind my success, and it's critical for me to ensure that even when work gets demanding, there's still time enough to spend with the ones I love.

That means ensuring my wife travels with me at least once a month. As you read these words, I could quite conceivably be as far away as China, sitting in a Hong Kong board room for days or even weeks at a time. But when I'm not stuck in an office tower, I'm having an incredible dining experience with my wife, or taking in some of China's fantastic culture.

Similarly, I am lucky enough to visit my mother in Vancouver at least once a month during one of my regular trips to our office there.

Turn business travel into memorable moments

Business travel can undoubtedly cut into family time, but it can also afford executives the opportunity to experience things with family members they may otherwise have been unable to do.

Some years ago, while leading a media company that owned Elle Magazine, I had the opportunity to attend Fashion Week in Milan. My daughter happened to live in Milan at the time and the two of us attended the week's festivities. The end result was an extraordinary experience for her and what became one of our most memorable father-daughter moments.

I enjoyed a similar experience with my son, daughter and mother, with whom I attended some of the Vancouver Olympics while they were living in Vancouver and Victoria and I was visiting.

Heal the soul

In a previous column, I highlighted the personal and professional impact sculpting has had on my life and career, but my artistic side didn't come to a grinding halt when I reached the C-suite. On the contrary. When life gets hectic, indulging in one's artistic side can help put everything in perspective. That's why I seek out opportunities to sculpt when I can (yes, even when I'm on the road), but also to visit local art galleries or take in some theatre.

Strengthen the body and mind

In addition to the arts, I make it a point to ensure I keep fit and work out regularly. It's not easy. Being on the road a lot means having to be flexible about how, where and when I work out. I can't be fussy about the facilities or equipment available. When I'm in Vancouver, I take advantage of the city's great parks to go for a morning run; but when travelling abroad I might squeeze in an early-morning or after-dinner workout at the hotel. Yet, while the means may change, the intent to stay healthy doesn't. I make sure to keep active, not only for the sake of my physical health but also to keep my mind sharp.

Find the time

Some of my colleagues would suggest it's impossible to find the time to do the things I've suggested here, but it all boils down to priorities. Scheduling in time for family, friends and culture may seem odd, but it's what gets you through the day, week and month, and restores your energy, allowing you to refocus and ultimately be a better leader.

John Clinton (@johnclinton122) is the CEO of public relations firm Edelman Canada (@EdelmanTO).

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