Love Lessons for a Flourishing Career
Leadership is emotionally expensive. That’s not something they teach in business school—or write about in annual reports. But it’s something I hear again and again from leaders. The cost isn’t just time or pressure. It’s emotional depletion.
Leaders set out with a vision. They feel they can change something—build something. And they often do. But along the way, something quieter gets lost.
Especially in couples where both partners are ambitious, high-performing, and time-poor. Love becomes another thing to manage. Home becomes a logistics hub. Passion gives way to planning. And somehow, while nobody was looking, the relationship drifted into the background.
But what if love wasn’t something to protect from leadership, but something to bring into it?
Three Patterns of Strong Partnerships
Inspired by the work of INSEAD professor Jennifer Petriglieri and my own coaching practice, I see three patterns that help high-performing couples not just survive, but thrive. And I believe they offer lessons for leadership far beyond the home.
- They communicate deeply, not just efficiently
These couples speak about what matters. Not just tasks or calendars, but emotions, needs, and dreams. They make space to listen—not to respond, but to understand. This kind of communication doesn’t just move things forward. It keeps the heart open. - They protect boundaries between love and work
Strong couples draw lines. The living room isn’t a boardroom. They know that for love to breathe, it needs a different kind of space—one without KPIs or quarterly reviews. Clear boundaries invite true presence. - They invest in their relationship like they invest in their careers
They don’t leave love to chance. They give it time, energy, and attention. Not because it’s broken, but because it matters. That investment becomes fertile ground for joy, renewal, and a shared future that feels alive.
Love is Not a Luxury, it's The Foundation
These aren’t “soft” skills. They’re foundational. The same principles apply in leadership: real communication, emotional presence, and intentional investment.
What if you brought more love into how you lead?
What if you connected more deeply with your team?
What if you created healthier boundaries—and honoured them?
What if you gave as much to your relationships as to your goals?
Love won’t make your company weaker. It might be the strength you’ve been missing.
