By Judi Sheppard Missett, Founder and Executive Chair of Jazzercise, Inc., and a proud Member Sponsor of the 2025 WPO Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum.
While it’s doubtful that your company’s balance sheet contains a photo of your smiling, confident face, there can be no doubt that you—your ability to identify opportunities, set strategy, manage overall operations, expand profitability, inspire your team, and communicate to stakeholders—are an irreplaceable company asset. You know this in your bones, don’t you? But, like many CEOs, Presidents, entrepreneurs and founders, you are most likely not doing what it takes to maintain those bones, or the physical stamina, mental acumen, and spiritual clarity your role demands. And that can significantly impact your company’s bottom line.
How your personal health and well-being impacts company performance
A recent study of Swedish CEOs revealed the crucial link between CEO health and a company’s performance. Typically, most CEOs begin their roles in good health, but a failure to prioritize self-care and subsequent decline in health (related to chronic stress, anxiety, insufficient sleep, poor diet, and lifestyle choices) correlates to burnout, depression, impaired decision-making and a relative 6% reduction in company performance. And this was in Sweden, generally known for excellent health care and work-life balance. So, what’s an average American executive like you to do?
Mental well-being—the struggle is real, the toll can be debilitating
Over 400 years ago, William Shakespeare acknowledged the mental health risks of leadership: “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.” More recently, Businessolver revealed that 55% of CEOs surveyed reported a negative mental health issue within the past year. And among entrepreneurs, according to research by UCSF and UC Berkeley, that number climbs to 72% reporting mental health concerns.
Often the biggest challenge is to acknowledge the struggle—to yourself, a counselor, or a trusted peer group outside the company. Next, take active steps to bolster your mental health: access the mental health resources available to you, prioritize adequate sleep and self-care, develop your personal list of “non-negotiables” (boundaries on time and attention that are not in your best interest to cross), firmly maintain those boundaries, and delegate non-essential tasks to others. Further, consider the timeless advice of Grace Slick and Jefferson Airplane to “feed your head,” with enriching experiences that have nothing to do with your work—listen to a TED talk, attend a concert, visit a museum or art show, read a non-business book, share an event with non-work friends, cook a special meal with your loved ones, pursue an interest or hobby that delights you. Feed your head and your head will nourish you with greater creativity, easier problem solving, and clearer strategic thinking.
Physical health—prioritize strength, stamina, and ability to fight disease
You may see your mind as the engine of your sustained success, but your body is crucial transport in need of regular maintenance. Of course, food is the fuel that powers both your mind and body. The less processed, sugar- and unhealthy fat-filled, the better. For maximum mileage and consistent energy levels, consider a low carb, nutrient-rich mix of healthy proteins, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats (from nuts, olive oil and avocados), and plenty of hydrating water. Further, your body has a critical need for consistent physical activity. The good news is no matter when or where you start, even a small amount of exercise can have a major positive impact on your strength, stamina and stress reduction. Aim for at least 2-3 hours of moderate-intensity activity per week. Maintain your body and your body will maintain your ability to battle stress, disease, and the physical wear and tear of your demanding schedule.
Spiritual/ethical health—the core of your ability to lead
My first introduction to spirit was my mother telling me to “listen to your inner voice” and assuring me that “it will never steer you wrong.” And it never has. In fact, my only regrets are those times when I either didn’t listen, or there were too many outside voices demanding attention that I didn’t pause to hear what it was saying. Whatever you call it—your inner voice, intuition, emotional center, or moral compass—spirit enables you to make big decisions and solve crucial problems. Maintaining your spiritual health assures you, and those around you, that your actions will consistently align with your values. Further, it fosters trust, which is the essence of true leadership. Attending to your spiritual health requires time—regular time alone to simply breathe, listen, and meditate on deeper connections that must be considered. It can also involve time spent with loved ones, or on volunteer days, pro-bono work, or charitable initiatives. Investing that time regularly, even as little as an hour a week, will not only make you a better leader; it may just make you a happier person, and an even more valuable asset to your company, your community, and the world.
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About the Author
Judi Sheppard Missett is the Founder and Executive Chair of Jazzercise, Inc., the world's largest franchise dance fitness company. A renowned fitness expert and exercise pioneer, she has received numerous prestigious business awards, including the Presidential Commendation for Top Women Entrepreneurs, four Hall of Fame inductions, and the Sports Entrepreneur of the Year Award. For more hard-won insights and heartfelt advice on how to build your business and make the all-important Body-Mind-Spirit Connection, check out Judi’s national best-selling book Building a Business with a Beat.