In the high-stakes world of finance and leadership, ambition is often worn like a badge of honor. But Elmer Sarmiento, Certified Management Accountant (Australia), believes there’s a deeper truth most leaders ignore—you can’t lead others if you don’t take care of yourself first.
“Prioritize your own health, both mental and physical,” Sarmiento told Financial Adviser PH. “If you’re not in the best state, you won’t be able to contribute effectively to your company.”
It’s advice that goes against the grain of hustle culture, especially in high-pressure environments where leaders are expected to show up 24/7. But Sarmiento, who juggles corporate leadership and academia, has seen the cost of burnout up close—and he’s not buying into it.
His take? Well-being isn’t a luxury—it’s leadership strategy.
“Spend time with friends and family, connect with peers, engage in sports or exercise, travel, and create lasting memories,” he said.
Sarmiento doesn’t just recommend work-life balance—he lives it. By building in moments that recharge him, he stays effective and grounded, especially when navigating tough decisions or high-stakes projects.
In a post-pandemic world where leaders are being asked to do more with less, his message is clear: You’re not a machine—and pretending to be one will only hurt you and your team.
Great leaders, he says, don’t just drive performance. They model sustainable success.
So if you’re climbing the corporate ladder or running your own team, Sarmiento’s advice is simple but powerful: protect your energy, because you can’t pour from an empty cup.
In the end, your legacy as a leader won’t be how many hours you worked—it’ll be how well you lifted others, starting with yourself.
