How the Most Powerful Women in Business Power Down

As Black Enterprise highlighted the Most Powerful Women in Business this year, there was a lot of talk about the work that each of these esteemed women do to improve and advance their respective companies. But, we wondered, what are they doing to improve themselves and achieve personal growth when they’re not on the clock building a strategy for brand development, running the legal office of large corporations, or overseeing talent acquisitions, retention, and leadership development?

We decided to ask a few of the women on the list and found that from family time to reading, to fitness routines and sleep, they fiercely pursue work-life balance by prioritizing activities that allow them to wind down, relax, and refuel.

They’re not afraid to transfer the bold, boss moves they make professionally over to their personal lives by practicing routines that ensure self-care and self-improvement–and they’re unapologetic about it.

 

Corlis D. Murray, SVP, Quality Assurance, Regulatory and Engineering Services, Abbott

 

(Corlis D. Murray, one of Black Enterprise’s “Most Powerful Women in Business.” Photo credit: Abbott)

 

“Spending time with family is my foundation. It is invigorating to watch my grandchildren participate in their school and extracurricular activities.

For good health, my preferred activity is walking. I also use walking as a way to break up a challenging day.

Lastly, supporting the development of young talent has an energy that is contagious. I am sometimes able to power down by spending time with our high school STEM interns, a program I started five years ago. Talking to them is, frankly, inspiring. It helps refuel me if I’m feeling like I need a little extra ‘power.'”

What she gets most out of it: “The one thing I get out of my personal “power down” is energy. It serves as a means to enable me to start all over again the next day. It clears the mind to focus on things larger than myself and gives me the strength to do so.”

Why she thinks it’s important that professional women make it a priority to wind down and take some time out: “Women, on average, wear many hats. It’s important to take care of yourself to help you to be better for others. Energy is needed to tackle all that we face on a daily basis. Professional women must be strategic-minded, skilled in their profession, and possess the ability to consistently deliver with excellence. At the same time, the same qualities apply for the personal side.”

 

Cindy Augustine, Global Chief Talent Officer, FCB

 

(Cindy Augustine, one of Black Enterprise’s “Most Powerful Women in Business.” Photo credit: FCB)

 

“Sleep is the most important thing to me. I didn’t always make it a priority, but now I recognize that it’s more important than anything else. Next is meditation. This quieting of the mind–it doesn’t need to take a lot of time, but it does wonders in terms of restoring my mental and spiritual well-being.

Then, some sort of physical activity. I did Zumba with my daughter when she did it. It was a way to spend time with my daughter (primary reason) and have fun while staying in shape. When she’s not around (and not doing Zumba), nothing beats a runner’s high for me.”

What she gets most out of it: “I get more energy and ideas when I exercise. Also, l feel less stressed, more in control and happier.”

 

Deirdre Guice Minor, Managing Director, Client Advisor, UBS Asset Management 

 

(Deirdre Guice Minor, one of Black Enterprise’s “Most Powerful Women in Business.” Photo Credit: UBS Asset Management)

 

“Outside of spending time with my husband and three children, Lindsey, Maximilian, and Marshall, I also train and compete in triathlons. I’ve been a runner most of my life but started doing tri’s three years ago. I’m an adviser and member of Team TRIumph, a women’s triathlon group in New Jersey.

People often ask how I fit my training into my already busy day. Schedule permitting, I try to work out 4-5 days a week, whether it involves running with team members in the morning, working out with my trainer, cross training, spinning, yoga, swimming or stretching in the gym in the afternoons. I schedule my workouts like I do any other meeting and activity, by making them work with my schedule.”

What made her get into this activity: “My friend, Ironwoman Patricia Canning, mentioned a desire to start a women’s triathlon group as we were training for a half marathon in 2014. I’ve been hooked ever since, not only for the fitness and health aspect but also because of the friendships I’ve developed with this dynamic and diverse group of women. We now have more than 50 members and growing.”

What she gets most out of it: “One of the aspects I’m most proud of is setting a positive example for my children. It’s also a great way to de-stress and helps me prioritize sleep. I think women do so much for others, for our spouse, kids, work, but this is the one thing that I do just for me.”

 

Dr. Helene D. Gayle, CEO, McKinsey Social Initiative

 

(Dr. Helene Gayle, one of Black Enterprise’s “Most Powerful Women in Business.” Photo Credit: McKinsey Social Initiative)

 

“I have no one thing I do to relax since I think we need to use mind, body, and spirit in an integrated way to relax. So for my mind, I try to give it a break from work and read non-work related novels or nonfiction. I enjoy movies on a regular basis and listening to live music.

For my body, I exercise regularly in the morning before work, doing a combination of aerobic (treadmill or running outside) and weight/resistance training. For my spirit, I take time once or twice during the day (optimally in the early morning) to be still and reflective.

I like to start the day off with an inspirational reading–a positive outlook–and be able to return to that reading in my mind throughout the day. ”

Why she thinks it’s important that professional women make it a priority to wind down and take some time out: “I sometimes think we should add to “work hard, play hard”–relax hard–to signify that we should be as deliberate about relaxing as we are about the other aspects of our life.”

 

Keisha Smith-Jeremie, CHRO, News Corp.

 

(Keisha Smith-Jeremie, one of Black Enterprise’s “Most Powerful Women in Business.”  Photo Credit: Anne Wermiel/NY Post via News Corp.)

 

“My absolute favorite leisure activity is reading novels. There is no more peaceful activity for me than to be perched in a hammock near the ocean with a nightstand stocked with great reads. This past Christmas holiday, I “gifted” myself time and space to read one book each day. The last two months of the year were particularly stressful, and so to relieve some of that stress, I started collecting book recommendations from friends and the top 10 lists in my favorite magazines. Each evening I would come home to a new book in the mail, and just the anticipation of diving into those books did wonders for my soul.”

What made her get into this activity: “I’ve been an avid reader since I was a very young kid. My mom often tells the story that she would take me to the bookstore and invariably, by the time we reached the register, I would proudly announce that I had already finished reading one of the books. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been relying on books to take me to wondrous places, to broaden my perspective, to deepen my knowledge, and to slow the pace of my sometimes overactive mind.”

Why she thinks it’s important that professional women make it a priority to wind down and take some time out: “A great deal of responsibility falls on the shoulders of any senior executive. We are expected to show up ready to solve problems, articulate vision, mitigate risk, and dispense sage wisdom, all before lunch. We do ourselves and our teams a disservice if we show up to these important jobs without the fuel to go the distance. Nurturing your body and your mind is absolutely essential if you intend to play the long-game at the top of the house.”

 

Lisa Opoku, Global COO, Technology Division and Strategists, Goldman Sachs

 

(Lisa Opoku, one of Black Enterprise’s “Most Powerful Women in Business.” Photo Credit: Goldman Sachs)

 

“When I am not at work I love to spend my time with my family and my charity. My kids, parents, and siblings are my best friends. I make it a priority to get home every evening and spend time with my kids. They have great personalities and they put everything into perspective.

I also love philanthropy. I am the chair of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Orthopedics and Complex Spine (FOCOS). It may sound unusual to work hard for a charity and consider that winding down but it is so rewarding to put my energy into saving the lives of disadvantaged children all over the world.”

What she gets most out of it: “Philanthropy or giving of your time and talent makes you grateful for all of the ways in which you are blessed. It is important that we don’t take anything for granted.”

Why she thinks it’s important that professional women make it a priority to wind down and take some time out: “I think professional women have many important roles to play in their families and at work. There are many times that the many roles we play in life seem to exceed 100%. We need to be very certain that we prioritize our families, ourselves, and our own happiness in the allocation of time and effort.

I believe the most important advice for working women is to recognize that you have to be comfortable delegating some things. You can’t achieve balance without it. But once you delegate, use the time and space you create for yourself and your own happiness.”

 

Tara DeVeaux, Chief Marketing Officer, BBDO New York

 

(Tara DeVeaux, one of Black Enterprise’s “Most Powerful Women in Business.” Photo Credit: BBDO New York)

 

“I go to the gym 4-5 days a week. I hate going, but afterward, I’m always glad I did. I have more energy throughout the day and because I started by day that way, I feel more productive all day long. We black women often have a family history of health issues–high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease–exercise has a positive impact on all of these so besides keeping me looking good, I hope it will help me live a longer, healthier life. That’s reason enough to get up at 5 a.m.!”

What made her get into this activity: “Once I hit 40, I started naturally waking up around 5 a.m. I would toss and turn until the alarm went off an hour later. One morning I just said to myself that I could have done something productive with that time. I was mad that I’d wasted it. And now that my kids are older, I can slip out while they’re still asleep and trust they’ll be dressed and ready for school by the time I get back. For a single mom of two, that newfound independence is something to celebrate.”

Why she thinks it’s important that professional women make it a priority to wind down and take some time out: “Both men and women should make it a priority to wind down. I just think it’s we women that need the reminder to do it. Many men already make it a priority and they don’t feel bad about it.

In my experience, I find that women can always think of something else we should do in place of self-care. But we have to make ourselves the priority. Stress kills, so we must take care of mind, body, and soul before anything else. If for no other reason than we are the lifeblood of the family. So taking care of ourselves really is taking care of the entire family.”

 

Angelia E. Pelham, CHRO, Cinemark Holdings Inc.

 

(Angelia E. Pelham, one of Black Enterprise’s “Most Powerful Women in Business.” Photo Credit: Cinemark Holdings)

 

“I am naturally “wired” so it is not easy for me to turn “off,” but when I do it is during those special family moments with my husband of 28 years and my 14-year-old daughter. When we spend family time together, going to dinner; watching a movie; or simply laughing and talking, I am most relaxed and at peace. My family and I enjoy traveling; we have visited 15 countries in the last few years.

I also find peace through my faith in Jesus Christ; it is during times of worship and prayer that I find greater perspective and ultimate comfort. ”

What made her get into this activity: “I love to travel. When I was young, we were very poor so I could only imagine the places that I now get the opportunity to visit. I want my daughter to see and experience the world; I enjoy watching her experience new culture and diverse people beyond the borders of her normal surroundings.”

Why she thinks it’s important that professional women make it a priority to wind down: “Mind, body, and soul–we all need to nourish and nurture all three. Much like a three-legged stool, in order for it to function effectively and do what is was created to do, the three legs must be properly secured in place. The same holds true with mind, body, and soul–these three must be securely in place so that we can fully function in our “calling” and do what we were created to do.”

 

Mareilé Bayard Cusack, SVP, General Counsel, Ariel Investments

 

(Mareilé Bayard Cusack, one of Black Enterprise’s “Most Powerful Women in Business.” Photo Credit: Ariel Investments)

 

“I turn to two activities on a daily basis: I exercise and I read. In particular, I love running, taking long vigorous walks, and doing yoga. When I’m not working or exercising, I spend my time reading. I love reading historical novels and biographies; I am currently reading Chernow’s book on Alexander Hamilton and really enjoying learning about our founding fathers.”

What she gets most out of it: “Both exercise and reading enable me to relax, greedily take a moment for myself, and gain greater perspective.”

Why she thinks it’s important that professional women make it a priority to wind down and take some time out: “I believe that taking a moment for yourself is important not just to recharge, but to gain better perspective, to prioritize, and to make better, more thoughtful decisions. The demands of our professions often require immediate responses, but I believe that we all make better, more thoughtful decisions when we are able to take time away from the job and recharge, think, and center ourselves.”

 

Marie Perry, Chief Financial & Administrative Officer, Jamba Juice

 

(Marie Perry, one of Black Enterprise’s “Most Powerful Women in Business.” Photo Credit: Jamba Juice)

 

“More recently, I’ve been learning more and more about the power and importance of sleep. I have been diligent about protecting my sleep time to ensure I get at least seven hours a night.”

What she gets most out of it: “When I get the right amount of sleep, I’m more cognizant, aware, and in tune with my surrounding and simply am happier.”

Why she thinks it’s important that professional women make it a priority to wind down and take some time out: “Your body is not a machine, but sometimes we treat it that way. Trying to squeeze every ounce of productivity out of an already full day. This is one of few times that less is truly more and that we need to ensure we get the right amount of sleep for our bodies and brain to reset.”