Summer rhythms: How leaders find balance, recharge, and thrive

In today’s fast-paced world, work-life balance can often feel like an elusive ideal –especially for those at the helm of business. Yet, even the most powerful figures recognise the vital importance of stepping back, recharging, and reconnecting during the summer months. We asked a diverse group of leaders – from the Chief Commercial Officer of Polestar to Sweden’s Deputy Ambassador to the UK, and influential voices in business – how they navigate the delicate dance between work commitments and personal well-being when the days grow longer and the pace slows. 

Anna Yazgan
Sweden’s Deputy Ambassador to the UK  

What does work-life balance mean to you during the summer, and how do you prioritise time for both work and personal moments?
To achieve a true work-life balance it’s important to accept, and take advantage of, the highs and the lows during the year. That is, to find time for recuperation after a peak at work and to do so regularly. Make it a habit to take it slower once the real intense time at work has passed. Rest assured that the intensity will come back and use the times in between to energise. Finding the balance in everyday life also means you don’t use the summer or Christmas vacations to recover, but to experience and to explore. During the parts of summer that I’m working, I try to allow for more flexibility in my schedule so I can enjoy spontaneous moments. I cherish the possibility for mini-breaks or staycations during the evenings and weekends, taking advantage of the longer periods of daylight. Parts of the summer could also mean possibilities to catch up on work tasks left behind during the year, which could be quite satisfactory.  

Do you have any summer rituals or habits that help you recharge and come back to work feeling refreshed?
During the longer vacations I aim to stay away from the inbox and work mobile. I make sure the ones at work who need to reach me can, i. e. give out an emergency number. With that, I can truly rest. I don’t have any specific habits or rituals during my summer holidays but try to focus on spending as much time as possible with my family and friends. If I should name one thing close to a habit that I wish for during summer, it would be the early morning walks or late afternoon outdoor yoga at the country house. Summer is also a perfect time to be off the grid and be fully present in the moments. 

Kristian Elvefors
Chief Commercial Officer, Polestar

What does work-life balance mean to you during the summer, and how do you prioritise time for both work and personal moments?
As a globetrotter, travelling all over the world every week, my vacation is all about not travelling, just relaxing with family and friends at our summer place. My routine is to work early in the morning for 45 min to one hour before everyone else wakes up so I can focus on being with family and friends for the rest of the day. 

Do you have any summer rituals or habits that help you recharge and come back to work feeling refreshed?
I do a lot of reading and loads of exercise. I love to run, and I do it almost every day, by myself or with neighbours. I also love to play golf with my family and friends. A lot of socialising and catching up. Reload the batteries with a lot of laughs and smiles helps you through the autumn. 

Duncan Sanders
Director of Partnerships, ABBA Voyage 

What does work-life balance mean to you during the summer, and how do you prioritise time for both work and personal moments?
I always take two consecutive weeks off over the summer as I find one week just isn’t long enough to fully switch off. During this time, I make sure I don’t check emails and endeavour to digitally detox from social media. It’s a brilliant way to clear your head and find space to think about the things that really matter. When working, it’s important to still enjoy the good weather and spend as much time outdoors as possible. There is nothing wrong with taking your laptop out into a garden or park to soak up the vitamin D, so I do this at any opportunity – and encourage my team to do the same. We spend all year looking forward to seeing the sun, so we need to enjoy every minute of it when it finally turns up!

Do you have any summer rituals or habits that help you recharge and come back to work feeling refreshed?
I like to be always on-the-go, so I find that I recharge best when I’m active. With the long summer days, I fit in as many activities as possible, starting with a walk before breakfast to get me ready for the day – something you just can't do through the long, dark winters. I also like to eat seasonal food, so opt to indulge in fresh salads and lighter dishes; I return to work with much more energy if I look after myself and get into good habits. And, the minute I get back to the work from vacation, I book a trip for later in the year… always good to have something to look forward to!

Geraldine Elliott
Partner, RPC

What does work-life balance mean to you during the summer, and how do you prioritise time for both work and personal moments?
Summer of course brings longer days, and so work-life balance improves with the season.  Prioritising work free weekends is the key to getting the balance right. Stop procrastinating on Friday.  It's the day for getting all those jobs done that have been lingering. With a clear to do list you can clear your mind and then really focus on the fun stuff. 

Do you have any summer rituals or habits that help you recharge and come back to work feeling refreshed? 
A super early walk. Summers in the UK have a schedule all of their own so I try to grab the sunshine when I can.  In the city I love the early morning when the air is clear and fresh and the streets are quiet. Taking that in with a walk before the rest of the city sets out for the daily commute is hugely energising – it both wakes me up and sets me up for the day. It's striking what you notice,  with eyes and ears, without quotidian noise and bustle – it's a different world. To be strongly recommended. 

Dr Caroline Theobald CBE
SCC UK North East Chapter Chair

What does work-life balance mean to you during the summer, and how do you prioritise time for both work and personal moments?
Someone wise once told me that ‘the less you work, the more resourceful you become’ and I’ve certainly found that. Time outside in nature refreshes both your body and your brain, and summer is the perfect time to get body and mind in balance. Summer is a special time and we live in a wonderful place overlooking the rolling hills of west Northumberland. So, my summer rule number one is not to work at weekends and to spend the time in the garden or with family and friends. Spending time gardening or just outside relieves the stresses and strains of the working day and allows you to live in and enjoy the moment.  

Do you have any summer rituals or habits that help you recharge and come back to work feeling refreshed?
My summer ritual is to use the longer days to go exploring and/or spend much more time outside. Outdoors is my happy place. I love visiting as many of the National Garden Scheme Gardens as I can too: it’s wonderful to spend time in the beauty of an English garden. The North of the UK is a wonderful place to explore – we’re going on as many ‘nature safaris’ as we can, seeing bats, beavers, and birds in their natural habitat. Dogs are wonderful and a great excuse to find places off the beaten track. My cocker spaniel never shouts at me or puts me under pressure.  She also needs walking a couple of times a day so that means exercise is guaranteed – essential for a healthy mind and body.

Magnus Dalhammar
Head of Investor Relations, Investor AB

What does work-life balance mean to you during the summer, and how do you prioritise time for both work and personal moments?
I try to take advantage of any lulls in the workload, and luckily, as Swedish evenings get longer, you can enjoy them together with friends and family after work, before you go on vacation.

Do you have any summer rituals or habits that help you recharge and come back to work feeling refreshed?
I try to stay outside as much as possible, regardless of weather. I also try to stay in the water as much as possible. Be it the Mediterranean, a small country lake, or the clear waters off the Swedish West Coast, having spent a lot of time in the water is crucial for a great summer and recharging.