A new year is an opportunity for leaders to rethink and reset. So, how can they get off to the best possible start in 2025? Four health-focused leaders share their top tips:
1. Be refreshed
Mark Robinson, CEO of New Zealand Rugby, believes that being refreshed is the best way to get off to a good start. So, he begins the year by spending time at his holiday home in New Zealand’s beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. “It’s great to spend that time with my wife and our three kids,” he says. “We all have busy lives, so this time together is really special.”
Robinson says that taking some time out gives him a good opportunity to catch up on reading, as well as potter in the garden or work on pet projects. One of his current projects is the restoration of a 1962 Ford Falcon. He says: “We might be able to take a few drives in it this summer!”
2. Get into good habits
“I’m focusing on the habits that give me energy and perspective and exercise is foundational to everything I do,” says Iñaki Ereño, group CEO of healthcare company Bupa. “On days when I run or cycle, I feel better in both body and mind. That’s why I’m committed to making time for sport and movement as part of my routine in 2025. These activities not only help me manage pressure but also bring clarity and joy.”
In 2025, Ereño also plans to spend more time with friends, family and colleagues, sharing experiences and strengthening connections. “These relationships are crucial when challenges arise,” he says, “and make the day-to-day journey of life all the more enjoyable. By prioritizing our physical and mental health, we can lower our chances of falling ill and build resilience for our future selves.”
3. Meditate
“Adding meditation back into my routine could help me manage stress and maintain mental clarity,” says Alice Aedy, co-founder and CEO of climate content studio Earthrise. “It will ensure I’m prepared to capture the nuance and depth of stories and projects I’m taking on.”
Aedy intends to create a wellness schedule so that her body and mind are fully equipped for the demanding nature of her work “and do justice to those generous enough to share their stories with me.” She also plans to build skills in AI so that she can better connect with audiences and communicate complex climate issues as efficiently as possible.
4. Prioritize good nutrition
Richard Whitehead, Paralympic gold medalist and CEO of the Richard Whitehead Foundation, says that his priority for 2025 is good nutrition. He’s looking to make incremental 1% improvements in performance that will result in a significantly improved performance overall.
“Because I’m a double above-knee amputee, I use five to six times as much energy as other athletes,” he says. “So, the question is, how am I going to combat that going into races? Then how am I going to empower my team around me to investigate that and what are we going to put in place?”
Whitehead also plans to keep developing himself and be creative. “For me, it really is about how I’m evolving as a leader,” he says, “and still seeing performance at the heart of what I do.”
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