Powering Up: The Business of Wellness in the C-Suite

Creating balance when it comes to overall wellness is a balancing act in of itself. Trust me, I know. The good and bad news when it comes to this practice is, knowing is half the battle...

Over the the span of my career, I've devoted myself to continuously building on my foundational knowledge of overall wellness focused activities and habits. And even though it's not always a "perfect" balance all the time, I've developed an ever-expanding arsenal to pull from when things get skewed.

Wellness is many different things for many different people; as evidenced by the significance of it's market share in the United States and the world. According to Christina Gough and Statista 2024, the size of the wellness market worldwide stood at 5.61 trillion U.S. dollars in 2022. This figure was projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.6 percent, reaching an estimated 8.47 trillion U.S. dollars by 2027. In 2022, North America emerged as the leading region in the global wellness market, with the region accounting for a little over 1.9 trillion U.S. dollars of the global market. Asia Pacific and Europe secured second and third positions, respectively.

Size of the wellness market worldwide from 2017 to 2022, with a forecast to 2027 (in trillion U.S. dollars)

It's abundantly clear that people prioritize their wellness around the world. Let's explore a few wellness practices that myself and other dynamic women who are already rocking the C-Suite have committed to their routines to help them stay balanced.

Dancing All the Way to the Boardroom

Anyone who listens to Beyonce or Katy Perry's music knows the healing and restorative power of dance. But body movement shouldn't simply be viewed as a desire to be seen. As a busy woman in the business world, I've discovered the incredible benefits of dance and body movement for stress relief and improved performance. Many of my collegues and friends have as well. Such as Karin McCleery, Digital Technology Executive at Collins Aerospace, who's life was changed with a style of dance called "Groove", so much that she has become a facilitator for others to join.

Groove is a unique dance workout that allows you to move freely and express yourself. It can be modified for any fitness level, and ensures a judgment-free and inclusive environment with "The Five Groove Truths".

C-Suite Contradiction Creator Torri Smith taking a Dance Moment in her Home Office In Atlanta, GA

"When I'm feeling overwhelmed with deadlines and meetings, taking a break to dance around my office or participate in a quick impromptu solo "Zumba" class instantly lifts my mood and clears my mind. Moving my body not only relieves tension but also boosts my energy levels, allowing me to tackle tasks with renewed vigor. Plus, by incorporating movement into my routine, I find that I'm more creative and open-minded when it comes to problem-solving at work and school." - Torri Smith

Meditation for All Around Success

In the face of today's fast-paced business landscape, C-suite executives encounter immense pressure that can hinder performance. Amidst the chaos, meditation serves as a potent tool that can aid in stress management, focus enhancement, and improved decision-making. The incorporation of regular meditation practices into their daily routine empowers executives to cultivate balance, clarity, and leadership skills, ultimately fostering more effective decision-making and enhanced business outcomes.

One particular meditation style, Vipassana, focuses on the deep interconnection between mind and body, which can be experienced directly by disciplined attention to the physical sensations that form the life of the body.

Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills, i.e., an Art of Living. It's a practice that thriving women like Jay Amburkur, Managing Director at Accenture, commits to practice to stay mentally and physically fit and inspired.

Jay Amburkar, Managing Director at Accenture Song

"I believe it is essential for a leader to bring their full self to their work, family, and community. To achieve this, incorporating mindfulness practices into our routine is crucial. I practice Vipassana meditation, which helps me maintain focus and harmony in mind, body, and soul. These practices have brought significant positive changes in my life, allowing me to serve as an effective leader who is present in the moment and able to think clearly." - Jay Amburkar

Keeping the Variety Present

Wellness expands into many different areas for me when it comes to balance. There are a variety of strategies and practices that I've implemented to help enhance physical health, mental clarity, and overall well-being to be successful. From stress management through regular exercise to promoting a healthy work-life balance with mindful practices like dance and meditation, the importance of self-care and prioritizing wellness is essential to excel in high-demanding positions. It's not always easy to incorporate into our busy schedules, however, doing so will ultimately lead to improved performance, increased productivity, and a greater sense of fulfillment both personally and professionally.

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About the Author

Torri Ylan Smith is a dynamic leader in business, technology, and lifestyle. Throughout her career, she has led exceptional design teams in Engineering and Technology, driving innovation across multiple industries. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering and an MBA from top-tier universities.

At this stage in her journey, Torri is dedicated to mentoring and sharing her expertise with emerging business and technology professionals. In her free time, she enjoys traveling the world, taking reflective solo walks, exploring beaches and water activities, nurturing her many plants, experimenting with new recipes, and cherishing moments with her chosen family and friends.