The Three Boundaries That Saved My Business (and My Sanity)

I used to think rest was the answer. But the truth? It’s not just about rest — it’s about integration.

Your work and life are already intertwined. That’s not a problem to solve;  it’s a reality to manage. 

So instead of checking out, what if you checked in with intentional, strategic boundaries that support your leadership?

At BELAY, we grow — consistently and sustainably — because I’ve learned the hard way that boundaries aren’t just helpful. They’re non-negotiable.

Every morning starts with a walk on the beach. People have thoughts about that. Some call it lazy. Others say it’s unnecessary. 

But for me? That’s where clarity lives. That’s where I tune in to what matters before I lead for the day.

But this isn’t about copying my routine. This is about crafting your own. The power of boundaries isn’t in what they look like; it’s in what they protect.

So let’s get tactical. These are the three boundaries that didn’t just help me survive. They helped me lead well and scale BELAY without losing myself along the way:

1. I don’t work nights or weekends.
   This is my sacred rule. And no, it didn’t come easy. 

I learned it the hard way — through constant exhaustion and the crushing realization that my daughters didn’t feel seen by me.

Now? No Slack, no email, no meetings after 5 p.m. My calendar blocks family time like it blocks board meetings. Because both are priorities. 

And if you don’t make it a rule, it will never be a rhythm.

Need help getting there? BELAY’s 40-Hour Workweek Guide (link in the description) can walk you through the structure that made this possible for me.

2. I don’t jump into escalations.
   Once upon a time, I handled everything. Every problem. Every upset client. Every red flag. 

But firefighting made me a bottleneck and robbed my team of growth.

Now, we have a clear escalation plan. Issues go to the right owner, not to me. I stay informed, but I don’t jump in. I coach. I ask, “What’s your plan?” And my team becomes stronger because of it.

I don’t need to solve everything. I need to empower people who can.

3. I block buffer time — every single day.
   Back-to-back meetings used to leave me drained and reactive. 

Now? 

Buffer time is baked in like oxygen. I block space to think, prep, and strategize. I even block Slack messages when I need to.

My executive assistant protects those windows fiercely. Because when I lead with intention — not reactivity — I make better decisions and lead a stronger company.

Key Takeaways

• Boundaries don’t hold you back. They hold you up.
• Leadership isn’t about solving. It’s about empowering.
• White space is where your best thinking happens.
• Your presence is your leadership edge. Guard it.

If that struck a nerve, you’re not alone — and you’re not stuck. 

Watch the full video to learn exactly how I implemented these boundaries and how you can build your own. Because burnout isn’t a badge of honor. And your leadership deserves better.

Let’s build a work life you don’t need to escape from.