Columnist

Are you flying too close to business burnout?

I recently flew business class for the first time – and what an eye-opener.

On board this Mumbai flight, chief executives and entrepreneurs downed glass after glass while devouring everything in sight.

They got their money’s worth – but I’m unconvinced they arrived in India ready to perform.

You see, there’s an unspoken problem limiting many business leaders: their health and wellbeing.

The lifestyle they lead – jet lag, pub networking, marathon days – should make it near-impossible to deliver.

Yet so many find a way. 

But like a car running on fumes, eventually it breaks. And a breakdown means you are in big trouble.

As an executive health and performance coach, I work daily with business leaders.

I’m qualified in both personal training and therapy, working to deal with the body, mind and behaviour together.

This niche attracts high-performing business leaders like Nikki Todd.

As managing director of Fortis Vision, Nikki’s job took a toll.

Overweight. Burnt out. Unable to prioritise his health while growing a successful company.

His story isn’t unique.

Data shows the chief executive lifestyle doesn’t equate to great health.

A 2026 Boston Consulting Group study revealed 70 per cent of chief executives lived with clinically high stress. Many didn’t sleep enough.

Previously, a major global study found those working 55-plus hours a week were 17 per cent more likely to become overweight.

I’m shocked the figure wasn’t higher.

Long hours, high stress, no sleep – and being away from your support network – is an almost perfect recipe for bad lifestyle choices.

There’s no blame. The pressure of running a business is immense. I know myself.

How do you eat healthily while living out of a suitcase?

That 6am London train doesn’t leave you with many breakfast options besides a Greggs bacon butty.

And if you can claim £50-a-meal in expenses after a brutal 14-hour day, nobody would blame you for winding down with three pints and a curry.

Food and drink are one joy amid a sea of stress. But those little joys soon add up.

In Mumbai, I saw how easily it can happen.

The hotel food was sensational – because it was dripping in fat.

That trip was partially for research, to see how long-haul flights impact the health of business leaders.

Why? Because I’m providing a unique new service – an executive health and performance concierge – for select business leaders.

The goal is to provide high-touch support and ongoing accountability to help clients monitor their health while travelling.

Because your body drives your performance.

Without a healthy body and mind, your ceiling for success shrinks.

That’s what Nikki realised; he’d even contemplated early retirement because he was so shattered.

Almost five stone lighter, he’s rejuvenated.

In Mumbai, I watched businessmen drink into the early hours – there was no chance they were at their best the next morning.

I know because I was an alcoholic. I almost died.

Five years sober, I know how devastating not caring for your body can be.

I want others to know too.

Paul Woodhouse is founder of Darlington-based performance coaching business PLW Fitness

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