The Unadvertised Version of Leadership: The Agony of Leadership

Leadership in 180 Seconds: Lessons I have learnt as a leader that few talk about

When was the last time you had real space to think?

I downloaded a “harmless” little numbers game on my phone. Within weeks, it was everywhere—waiting in line, on my day off, even stealing moments I’d normally use to reflect. It was eating my thinking time.

As leaders, space isn’t a luxury—it’s fuel. Without it, our decisions become reactive, creativity dries up, and resilience thins.

Here’s the truth: busyness is a choice. Protect small pockets of space and you’ll find clarity, energy, and focus again.

Try this: 15 quiet minutes before the TV, or looking out the window instead of opening your socials.

The gift of space might be the smartest leadership investment you make this week.

• Transcript

  When was the last time you truly had space to think? Not just a spare minute—but real, uninterrupted mental breathing room?

  I recently downloaded a harmless little numbers game on my phone.
  Simple premise: place a block, add the numbers, keep the grid from filling up. No big deal—until I realised I was playing it constantly.

  Waiting in line? Playing.
  On my day off? Playing.
  Even in moments I’d normally spend reading or reflecting—still playing.

  Within a couple of weeks, I noticed something troubling: this game was stealing my thinking time.

  As leaders, thinking time isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. We need space to process the day, to review what went well and what didn’t, to dream about what’s next, and to make sense of the bigger picture. Without it, our decisions become reactive, our creativity dries up, and our emotional resilience weakens.

  This isn’t just about phone games. It’s about anything that fills every available gap in our schedule—scrolling social media, binging shows, saying “yes” to too many commitments.

  During the COVID lockdowns, I asked people what they’d learned from the disruption. The number one answer? Space. They loved the slower pace, fewer commitments, and the chance to breathe.

  But a few years later, we’ve rushed back to something even busier than before. We tell ourselves space isn’t possible—work is demanding, kids’ schedules are relentless, and the to-do list never ends.

  The truth is: we do have a choice. We can decide to protect pockets of time for mental rest. And when we do, something powerful happens—we become more productive, more creative, and more present with the people who matter.

  Here are two practical ways to gift yourself space:

  1. Pause before default entertainment. Tonight, before turning on the TV, give yourself 15 quiet minutes to reflect, plan, or simply be still.

  2. Replace small distractions with presence. Next time you reach for social media, pause and look out the window. Let your mind wander.

  Our brains are at their most innovative when resting—not grinding. Space relieves tension, sparks creativity, improves mental health, and renews perspective.

  If you want to lead well, give yourself the gift of space. Protect it like any other critical resource—because it’s the fuel that makes your leadership sustainable.