A week in the life... Ivan Hollingsworth

Ivan Hollingsworth, founder of Newcastle-based Centric Consultants, provides an insight into his typical working week, highlighting how he balances commercial sector demands with life outside the office.

Monday: What gets you motivated for the start of the working week?

It’s about routine and discipline.

I’m up at 5.45am every morning, and I always try to train first thing on a Monday to set the tone for the week.

Getting up early means I’ve already had two hours of quiet before the family and work starts, and that early solitude gives me clarity.

Starting the week in this way is essential for me.

Tuesday: The diary is full of meetings and commitments – how do you balance responsibilities with productivity?

I’ve got strict rules about my calendar, and the main one is that I don’t do back-to-back meetings.

Every meeting has buffer time before it, even if it’s just 15 minutes to reset and be present.

Productivity isn’t about how much you do, it’s about doing the right things well.

I also try to prioritise responsibilities beyond work: I do the school run most mornings, have dinner with my family and we watch films together too.

I also block space in my diary for my own mental health, which is either walking the dog or training. 

Wednesday: Halfway there – how do you stay focused and re-energise yourself for the days to come?

Routine again.

I try to stay consistent to avoid those peaks and troughs in motivation.

Every day includes exercise, reading, mindfulness and a cold shower.

These aren’t indulgences, they’re safeguards.

Since launching the business, I’ve found there’s no such thing as ‘hump day’ really; you just need to find your own rhythm and protect it.

Thursday: The weekend draws closer – how do you remain on top of your to-do list?

I have a confession – I hate a to-do list!

I use my calendar instead and each task is diarised with the time I think it’ll take.

That way, I never hit Friday and suddenly realise I’ve got a heap of work I didn’t plan for.

I also scan three weeks ahead to spot what’s coming and plan backwards.

It’s less about ticking things off and more about ensuring things get done with purpose.

Friday: The last day – how do you approach Fridays and how do you unwind over the weekend?

I don’t plan meetings in the afternoon unless a client really needs me to, and I use it instead to plan for the week ahead and spend some time with my family.

Weekends are for quality time: a walk with my wife, spending proper time with our kids, time in the garden or a solo bike ride.

It’s not about unwinding, as I don’t feel I need that come the weekend.

I look at it more as recharging my batteries ready for the week ahead. 

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