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Prioritising Mental Health: Lessons From A CEO Who Learned The Hard Way

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In this article for World Mental Health Day, Gav Winter, the CEO of RapidSpike – a website monitoring software company – shares his experiences and insights from over a decade of senior leadership. In early 2018 and late 2019, Gav suffered from stress burnout and was close again in 2021; instead of just working harder to beat off the stress, he now uses strategies and coping mechanisms as a great way to manage these stressful episodes. In the fast-paced world of top-level leadership, mental health often takes a back seat. It's a tough journey to the top, but it can be an even tougher one to stay there. Refusal to show weakness is a trait that has been drilled into many of us. The pressure to project strength and resilience can be overwhelming and lonely sometimes, but it's essential to recognise that even CEOs struggle with mental health. Here are five key lessons and tips for better mental wellbeing: Self-awareness: know yourself and your limits One of the first lessons I learned is the importance of self-awareness. Recognising that what worked in the past may not work in the present is essential. Leadership roles evolve, and so should your coping strategies. Whether you've been a business leader for years or are starting your journey, understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and stress triggers is crucial. A key stress trigger is your values. If you are being asked to contradict your core values, the things that make you who you are, this is a hugely stressful thing to do and a difficult thing for some of us to manage. To react effectively and manage any situation, it's vital to maintain a clear understanding of your own mental state and be aware that other people have their own set of challenges. You have no idea what’s going on in other people’s lives, and it’s important not to judge them or yourself for having ‘off’ days. Invest in your personal life Your personal life can significantly influence your work life. While some can compartmentalise these aspects, others, like me, find it challenging. This is not a weakness; it's simply a personal trait. Therefore, I encourage investing in your personal life through exercise, spending time with family, or pursuing hobbies. You should do things that help your mental health in your own way. Generally, I found solace in science fiction, spending time with my family and friends, and coaching my daughter’s junior football team. This allows me to temporarily shift my focus away from work and find joy in a different arena. I now finally, after many years, exercise more frequently. I have had a troubled past with solo exercise as I love team sports, so the coaching alongside a couple of gym sessions helps me balance a love of sport and a need to exercise. I find it’s also essential to diversify your hobbies and interests to avoid relying on one activity too much in case setbacks occur, such as injuries that prevent you from exercising. Re-evaluate your habits Moderation is key. Recognise the role of unhealthy habits in your life, like using alcohol as a coping mechanism. Reducing alcohol intake minimises anxiety and improves mental health. Although I know it’s hard when alcohol is so heavily ingrained in the business world with events, awards and client dinners, for example. But, as leaders, fostering a culture that doesn't revolve around heavy drinking is vital. It’s good to see the younger generations recognise this and are increasingly embracing alternatives to drinking as sources of social enjoyment. At RapidSpike, 25% of our workforce are non-drinkers, and we love spending our social time doing different things that don’t revolve around the pub. Define boundaries: don’t send that 9 pm email A critical lesson learned is that you cannot be available 24/7 and shouldn’t expect others to be either. While you might feel like there’s no harm in getting some work done after hours, you’re not giving yourself a break, and it can unintentionally pressure others to work late. Also, leaders and employees can often find themselves apologising for taking holidays or time off to spend with family. But, these defined breaks are not just beneficial; they are necessary. Setting boundaries and learning to draw the line is essential for maintaining mental health and preserving relationships. Lead with empathy Leaders must be empathetic and open about mental health. Shatter the myth that leaders should be immune to weakness or anxiety. Instead, I encourage leaders to embrace their vulnerability and lead by example. Creating a compassionate and supportive work environment is paramount. My company, RapidSpike, holds wellness sessions quarterly, allowing employees to define their well-being routines. It's not about conforming to a specific standard but feeling well and supported. Mental wellness must be protected The journey of a CEO can be mentally draining, with unique challenges and pressures. However, it's vital to prioritise mental health, not just for yourself but for everyone in your organisation. Remember that mental wellness is a universal concern, and as a leader, your actions can inspire positive change throughout your organisation.

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