Why I Believe Time Off (and Travel) Makes Us Better at Our Jobs
Eventually, your creativity dips. You feel drained. And you stop producing your best work.
So even before we talk about travel, time off on its own is crucial. Making space for other interests and just having room outside of work helps you reset — emotionally, mentally, creatively.
Travel sparks something different
We work in a creative field. We’re storytellers. And to tell meaningful stories, you need fresh perspective. Travel gives you that.
Sometimes it’s literal inspiration — I’ve seen incredible marketing executions in other parts of the world that make me think differently about how we connect with consumers. But it’s also about meeting different people, experiencing how things work elsewhere, and broadening your view. That exposure reshapes how you think and helps you approach problems in new ways.
And you don’t need to get on a plane to experience that. “Travel” doesn’t have to mean crossing an ocean — it can be visiting a neighbourhood in your city you’ve never explored, taking a day trip somewhere nearby, or jumping in the car for a weekend road trip. It’s about shifting your surroundings enough to shake loose new ideas.
There’s also a psychological side to it. I’m not a neuroscientist, but I know there’s research showing that novel environments help spark creativity. That’s why ideas come to us in the shower — you’re out of the typical routine, and suddenly things click. For me, travel is a broader version of that. It gets my brain working differently, and I often return home full of new creative energy.
From intern to CEO
I’ve always believed in time off. That part hasn’t changed. But how I’ve brought it to life has evolved as I’ve grown in my career.
When I started in the agency world, I heard all the warnings — “Are you sure? You’ll be worked to the bone.” There was this mentality that success only came through constant hustle. Long hours were worn like a badge of honour.
I never bought into that. I’ve always believed that quality beats quantity — that working 60 hours doesn’t mean you’re doing your best work. As I stepped into leadership roles, I started to model that belief more actively. I stopped sending messages while on vacation. I tried to show my team that it’s okay to fully disconnect.
And when we implemented a four-day work week at PRAXIS, that was a huge part of the thinking. It was a bold move — and honestly, I was nervous. But we made it work. We still deliver strong client service (the best in the business, I’d say!), while giving people the time to recharge, pursue passions, and show up fully for the hours they are working.
Rest looks different for everyone
For me, I try to take one big trip a year — something adventurous that feeds my curiosity. It’s not about rest and relaxation in the traditional sense. I just got back from three weeks in China, and that wasn’t a “put your feet up” kind of trip. But it recharged me in a different way.
Alongside that, I’ll usually do one shorter, more restful vacation — maybe a week at the cottage or a low-key getaway. And then throughout the year, I listen to my body and my energy levels. If I need a short break or a rest day, I take it.
Everyone’s needs are different. Some people need frequent smaller breaks. Some need bigger bursts of adventure. The important thing is learning what works for you — and honouring that.
Stepping away to move forward
Throughout my career, I’ve noticed a clear pattern: if I’m stuck on something, stepping away helps. Whether it’s a major agency decision or a creative block on a project, taking time off — even just a few days — helps reset my thinking.
Sometimes the answer comes to me mid-trip. Other times I return without the solution, but with more energy and perspective to figure it out. That shift makes all the difference.
Leading by example
I can’t partially disconnect. If I leave notifications on or casually check emails, I’m not actually off. So I set clear boundaries. I turn off notifications. I tell my team to only text me if something truly urgent comes up. And because I trust them — and they know when to loop me in — I don’t spend my time off worrying.
If you’re in any kind of leadership role, people are watching what you do. So when I go on vacation, I sign off completely. Because if I don’t, others won’t either. And the culture we’re trying to build doesn’t work unless people see that it’s safe to rest.
To anyone feeling guilty about taking time off…
Listen to your body. If you’re grinding through 52 weeks a year, ask yourself honestly — are you doing your best work?
Then look at how you feel after a real break. Are you sharper? More energized? Most people are.
So don’t get caught up in the noise of hustle culture. Don’t compare your hours to someone else’s. Do the work to understand what you need — and make time for it.
Time off and travel aren’t indulgent. They’re essential. For your work, your creativity, your leadership, and your life.
(P.S. If you’re wondering — yes, China might’ve just been my dream trip. A perfect mix of hikes, city chaos, countryside calm, and incredible food. And yes, I stayed off Slack the whole time.)