For Darnell, Well-being Begins with Balance

When Darnell, Analysis & Reporting Analyst, AVP, isn’t busy supporting our bustling Mergers & Acquisitions business, you can catch him getting some reps at the gym or hitting the heavy bag.

Fostering a culture that enables colleagues to bring their whole selves to work every day makes us stronger and better able to realize the promise of our Credo, calling us to do the right thing and strive to be at our best every day. We talked to Darnell about how he prioritizes physical fitness to maintain a strong work-life balance.

How do you practice well-being in both your professional and personal life?

I am a big advocate of breathing and working out. I use both tools daily to maintain balance in my life. I don’t separate my work from my professional life because both require the same skills to balance. I was an amateur boxer for many years, and I maintain active training. This allows me to stay calm under pressure and rely on my mind to think through uncertain situations.

Can you share any specific wellness routines — or support systems — that you find particularly beneficial?

I always strive to think before I act. That conscious pause has saved me numerous times. I make sure that I do some form of working out daily (push-ups, sit-ups, squats), go outside on my break and drink a full glass of water each morning.

What do you do to maintain work-life balance?

My greatest tool to maintain work-life balance is to be conscious of my thoughts. I have trained myself to be aware of when my feelings and attitudes are shifting. This active awareness allows me to know when I need to do something to get back to being balanced. I am also a pool shark, so I find activities such as billiards allow me to put the stresses of the day behind me.

What advice do you have for colleagues who may be struggling to balance the need for productivity with the importance of mental health?

Really take the time and get to know yourself. Also, I would tell people to write lists and put their priorities in order.

Why is well-being important to you?

My well-being is important to me because I am important to me. Knowing yourself and loving yourself enable you to prioritize yourself.

Learn more about our commitment to colleague well-being here.