In an era marked by economic volatility, global trade uncertainties, and the unrelenting pressure of leading large organizations, CEOs are reimagining their approaches to stress management—drawing from meditation, nature immersion, and even curated social media use to maintain their well-being. A recent report from Business Insider highlights how prominent executives are using a mix of traditional and modern wellness tactics to thrive under pressure, offering practical insights for leaders and professionals in Thailand who may be experiencing similar workplace stressors (Business Insider, 2025).
The COVID-19 pandemic popularized the idea of executives sharing their self-care routines, but the need for resilient coping mechanisms has hardly subsided in 2025. For Megan Gluth, CEO of Catalynt Solutions—a chemical supply company—stress comes from both external market disruptions like tariffs and internal obligations to her company and family. In addition to her demanding leadership role, Gluth teaches yoga weekly and meditates regularly to provide the mental clarity and composure required for challenging negotiations and tough decisions. “I have 55 families, essentially, that depend on me every day to not lose my shit,” Gluth candidly shared. “I need to be centered, and I need to be balanced.” The focus on mindfulness and physical health reflects a growing recognition across global executive circles that self-care is not self-indulgence but a foundation for effective leadership (Business Insider, 2025).
This perspective resonates deeply in Thailand, where hierarchical leadership, communal harmony, and the concept of “ใจเย็น” (jai yen—cool heart) remain culturally significant. However, as local executives face mounting economic pressures, adapting evidence-based wellness strategies can provide much-needed support. For example, the mindfulness practices favored by Gluth parallel Thailand’s longstanding Buddhist meditation traditions. Thai business owners and managers might find not only cultural resonance but also scientifically documented benefits—such as reduced stress hormone levels and improved emotional regulation—from integrating mindfulness into their routines (PubMed, 2022).
Other executives employ different strategies to stay grounded. Keith Lambert, CEO of Oxidizers and InCheq, leans heavily into physical activity and consistent family time—waking up as early as 3:30 a.m. on some days to walk through his neighborhood. Lambert incorporates daily movement, scriptural reading, and quality time with his wife, son, and their whoodle (a wheaten terrier-poodle mix) as a way to establish a healthy work-life balance. “I guess you could say I do my best to practice a balanced life,” he said, underscoring the importance of integrating personal values and supportive relationships with the drive for professional achievement.
Meanwhile, Michelle Volberg, founder and CEO of Twill, highlights the restorative power of nature. Once or twice a week, Volberg spends about 45 minutes hiking with her husband in the woods—a practice known as “forest bathing” that has its roots in Japan (shinrin-yoku). Studies have shown that forest bathing can reduce blood pressure, improve mood, and lower cortisol levels (PubMed, 2020), offering a compelling case for leaders in Thailand, where access to parks, mountains, and rural landscapes is abundant. “That completely grounds me and calms me with all of the chaos that generally surrounds founders and CEOs,” Volberg noted, reiterating that disconnecting from digital devices in nature can be a strategic advantage.
Interestingly, technology—a frequent target of blame in discussions about rising stress—can also play a positive role. Kyle Hanslovan, cofounder and CEO of Huntress, described his morning ritual of “purposeful scrolling,” spending about an hour each day on selected social media platforms before work. By meticulously curating his information feeds, Hanslovan transforms digital browsing from a stressor into a mentally stimulating, restorative experience. “I need stuff that is still mentally stimulating that is not work,” he explained, sharing how inspirational quotes and diverse opinions gathered during this time often feed into his company’s communications and leadership approach. In Thailand, where social media penetration is among the highest in Southeast Asia (Statista, 2024), this approach offers an alternative: turning “doom-scrolling” into “inspiration surfing” through careful content selection.
These varied approaches align with research from the American Psychological Association, which reports that physical activity, social connection, nature immersion, and structured routines can all help reduce occupational stress among high-responsibility leaders (APA, 2023). Thai workplace wellness experts increasingly encourage similar habits, often blending global best practices with local values such as “สุขภาพดีนำพร” (sukkapap dee nam phorn—good health brings blessings).
However, the realities of modern leadership—in Thailand or abroad—include unique stressors. Global economic headwinds, fears about AI replacing traditional jobs, and hybrid work’s erosion of clear boundaries mean that absence of stress is no longer a reasonable expectation for CEOs, business owners, or public-sector leaders alike. Rather, as Gluth’s teaching of “responding rather than reacting” suggests, the goal is agile, constructive coping that sustains decision-making capacity under pressure.
For Thai professionals, these international insights are worth considering—and adapting. Practicing yoga or meditation, for example, is not just for Buddhists or the health-conscious elite. Community centers, temples, and even corporate HR departments across Thailand increasingly offer mindfulness classes, recognizing their universal benefits. Forest bathing, or simply spending lunch breaks in Lumpini Park, can offer a boost in urban environments. And while social media is often criticized for fueling unhealthy comparison and anxiety, curating feeds to include inspiring, positive, or educational content can help transform technology into a tool for well-being, rather than merely a source of stress.
Balancing the adoption of these strategies with unique Thai traditions is important. The influence of phirom sabaai (a relaxed, cheerful mindset), family loyalty, and community support networks remains strong, and organizations that acknowledge and reinforce these values often report higher employee satisfaction and lower turnover (Bangkok Post, 2023). Some local companies have begun following the example of leading multi-nationals and encourage walking meetings, group fitness breaks, and peer-support groups, echoing the peer exchanges described by Volberg and her network of “VC Backed Moms.”
Looking forward, the growing visibility of executive wellness practices is likely to drive further innovation in employee health programs across Thailand. As the Thai workforce grapples with the challenges of economic competition and lifestyle diseases, leadership’s embrace of mindfulness, movement, nature, and digital self-regulation can set a powerful example. Academic literature continues to support these trends, indicating that widespread adoption could reduce burnout, enhance productivity, and foster greater organizational loyalty (PubMed, 2024).
For Thai readers contemplating how to incorporate these lessons, start small: try a short daily meditation or yoga routine, join an outdoor walking group, or thoughtfully edit your social media feeds to focus on positive, informative content. Companies can take the lead by scheduling mindfulness sessions, organizing communal lunches outdoors, or encouraging peer support for stress management. Ultimately, the willingness of leaders to prioritize self-care—for themselves and their teams—promises not just a healthier work environment, but a more resilient, productive economy.
Sources:
- Business Insider, 2025
- Mindfulness meditation and stress reduction | PubMed, 2022
- Forest bathing and well-being | PubMed, 2020
- Social media penetration in Thailand | Statista, 2024
- APA Topics: Stress | American Psychological Association, 2023
- Bangkok Post, 2023
- Occupational stress interventions | PubMed, 2024