For Lani Mitchell, work-life balance isn’t a soft perk. It’s a core part of her leadership philosophy—and a strategic move that directly impacts how her team performs.
A seasoned finance professional with credentials that include Certified Management Accountant (Australia) and Certified Global Professional Accountant, Mitchell has led teams across finance, HR, and administration. But one belief anchors her leadership approach: “When your people are burned out, your business pays for it.”
Mitchell says leaders often underestimate the cost of neglecting employee well-being. “Turnover, low engagement, absenteeism—those aren’t just HR issues. They’re business problems,” she explains. “And the solution starts with treating work-life balance as a long-term investment.”
Her approach involves more than just encouraging employees to log off at 6 p.m. It’s about creating policies and a culture that allow people to thrive both in and out of work. “You need open communication, clear expectations, and support systems that show your team their time is respected,” she says.
Mitchell also believes in building flexibility into the structure of work. “Not everyone works best in the same way or on the same schedule. If we want performance, we need to meet people where they are—and give them room to manage their energy, not just their hours.”
She ties this directly to business outcomes. “When people feel balanced, they’re more focused. They collaborate better. They’re more creative, more loyal, and less likely to leave. It’s not idealism—it’s operational efficiency.”
Her team is proof. “Some of our best ideas came from people who weren’t drowning in deadlines. When people have space to think, they bring their best to the table.”
The challenge, she admits, is consistency. “As a leader, you can’t just talk about balance—you have to model it. You have to show that performance doesn’t mean being online 24/7.”
Her biggest lesson? “Well-being isn’t the opposite of productivity—it’s the foundation of it. Companies that figure that out will win in the long run.”
For Mitchell, work-life balance isn’t a trend to ride—it’s a mindset to build.
