In this episode of the Leadership Wellbeing Series, hosts Aaron Wolowiec, FASAE, CAE, CMP Fellow, and Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP, are joined by Donte Shannon, FASAE, CAE, CEO of the Industrial Designers Society of America, to explore the shift from the traditional idea of work–life balance to a more realistic model of work–life integration. Donte shares how embracing integration helped him move beyond the guilt of addressing personal needs during work hours, tracing that mindset to rigid workplace norms and time-based measures of commitment. The conversation examines how leaders can focus on outcomes over hours, manage energy rather than just time, and normalize stepping away when needed, including taking mental health days. Donte also discusses practical culture strategies he uses to support wellbeing, such as pacing major initiatives across the year, closing the office on holidays, offering summer hours, and celebrating wins to reinforce healthy productivity. The episode concludes with a candid reminder that sustainable integration begins when leaders stop prioritizing external judgment and instead design work patterns that support both wellbeing and high performance.

This episode is sponsored by Matrix Group International.

The Leadership Wellbeing Series is produced by Association Briefings.