Unplugging from the grind: Holiday retreat to leadership reboot

TRIGGER WARNING: This article mentions eating disorders, and some readers may find this content distressing. Need help? The Butterfly Organisation is there to assist. In crisis? Contact Lifeline: 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800.

I can safely say my time away from my business over the 2023 Christmas-New Year period was one of my best breaks ever. While there was still learning and a focus on self-development involved, this year I made a real effort to mix things up a bit, committing to at least 60 minutes a day of uninterrupted reading or listening that wasn’t all obviously business-related, writes Samantha Dybac, Founder and CEO of The PR Hub

As someone who finds it challenging to sit still and who ordinarily ‘gets back to work’ as soon as the new year ticks over, it wasn’t easy. But now, as we power into February and find our rhythm back in the office, I feel particularly energised and revitalised.

Giving myself permission to take a well-earned break and carving out time for guilt-free, not-strictly-business related self-discovery and -development, has made all the difference.

And here are some of the fantastic books, personalities, and podcasts I tuned into in the process.

1. Erin Deering, Hanging By a Thread

Not being overly familiar with the Triangl brand or its founder’s – Erin Deering’s – backstory, I picked up Hanging By a Thread for the simple fact that I’ve vowed to read more autobiographies and biographies this year, and fewer highly obvious business and management books!

I was impressed with Erin’s candour, having recently publicly shared some of my own journey with an eating disorder via my podcast, Influence Unlocked. I felt a deep connection to many of the concepts Erin shares in her book. Of course our challenges shouldn’t define us, but that Erin was able to share some more personal, private insights, knowing that they might help others, should be celebrated.

I have worked with dozens of entrepreneurs and been in business for decades, so I know first-hand there is no such thing as an overnight success. For all the great PR and social media wins, there are times that challenge us to our core, so to be reminded of others’ resilience was really inspiring.

2. Kim Scott, Radical Candor

Wow. Radical Candor wasn’t on my radar either, but after not being able to find the book I went in for, the bookshop assistant convinced me to find an alternative (great sales skills!).

I didn’t want just another business/leadership ‘self help’ book. As a founder (and also as a mother) I am constantly looking to evolve my leadership style and this book, unlike other management-style books, focuses on how as a manager or leader you can “be successful while retaining your integrity and humanity.”

I was hooked, despite having to overcome some of my own hurt pride in recognising a few questionable management decisions I’ve made over the years, and acknowledge areas where I can improve. But this is the power of self-education, of ‘doing the work’ on our professional development; rather than beating ourselves up we should congratulate ourselves for wanting to constantly improve as leaders.

I highly recommend this one for anyone wanting to improve their business leadership style and feel great knowing they’re being the best leader they can (and have their teams feel the same).

3. Dave Grohl, The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music

Though I was a massive Nirvana fan back in the day, I’m not 100% sure why I picked out Dave Grohl’s autobiography, The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music. I think it was partly me just trying to switch off my default ‘self-education mode’, and read something purely for pleasure.

I left my trademark Post-It notes aside so I could truly immerse myself in Dave’s story without feeling I needed to take or learn anything from it. And aside from being a great read, I inadvertently learned so much about one of the world’s most successful musicians (Dave has a reported net worth of $330million US), like the time he returned to the stage after breaking his leg in front of a live crowd.

His decision to go on with the show showed a man absolutely committed to his values and core principles. Perhaps not the smartest move on a personal front, but his commitment to his fellow band members and fans showed his enormous sense of leadership and loyalty.

4. Dr Rangan Chatterjee, Feel Better. Live More. podcast

I’ve tried to develop a daily habit of journaling many times over the years and have found it impossible; partly because I am a ‘typer’, but also because my mind moves faster than I can write. My other excuse is being a lefthander who holds the pen ‘incorrectly’, so my writing sometimes even leaves me wondering what it was I wrote!

That was, until I began listening to the Feel Better. Live More podcast, hosted by Dr Rangan Chatterjee. Episode 413 is titled ‘How to make 2024 your best year yet: 3 questions to ask yourself each day’. In it, Dr Chatterjee talks about the transformative power of journaling and the ‘The 3 Question Journal’.

Whether it was because I tuned in on New Year’s Day or that I’d resolved to introduce new things into my life in 2024, something stuck, and I’ve journaled every day since. There is something transformative about writing down the answers to these same three questions each day that I take with me, and that helps me stay accountable for the things that I am committing to each day.

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions or start any new practices to enhance your professional life in January? Discover any books or podcasts that made an impact? I’d love to hear about them. As a business leader, investing in my own development and personal growth is ongoing; I strive to be – and lead with – the best version of myself possible every day, whether I’m in a suit and heels, or a bikini!

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