A 59-year-old manager explains in an interview why he does not need a real work-life balance: He does not separate work and leisure, but skillfully combines both.
The English-language magazine Fortune.com spoke with Scott Mellin about his work. Mellin is the 59-year-old Chief Brand Officer of the French sports brand Salomon.
Under his leadership as Chief Brand Officer, he significantly transformed the company and turned the brand from a niche provider of outdoor sports into a billion-dollar streetwear phenomenon.
Manager emphasizes that he does not separate work and leisure
Mellin explained in the conversation that he starts his day with three to four double espressos and a ski or bike tour before arriving at the office around noon and working until the evening. He has maintained this daily structure for over 25 years.
His wife drives him to work in an electric car, and they use the travel time for their relationship. He explains: “My wife and I share a fully electric Škoda Enyaq. She takes me to work and picks me up at the end of the day. We use this time to connect.”
Mellin also emphasizes that he does not separate work and leisure – for him, nature is the best meeting room:
To be honest, I make no distinction between work and life. I love this industry and believe that the great outdoors is the best conference room. I spend the morning skiing or biking, which gives me time to think deeply about the business before I go to the office at noon.
I work into the evening or go to dinner with clients or partners. That may be different, but it’s a routine I’ve maintained for over 25 years.
Experts recommend clearly separating work, leisure, and life
What do experts think? The German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, for instance, found in a comprehensive analysis (PDF file) that those who balance work and private life are more satisfied in their jobs, more engaged, and more motivated. Companies typically benefit more from motivated and loyal employees than when the workforce feels burned out and chased by their job into their leisure time.
The magazine Clockify explains in its “Work-Life Balance Statistics 2025” that a good work-life balance lowers stress levels, reduces the risk of burnout, and decreases the chances of emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and depression.
The demands for more work remind one of a young boss who, too, does not know a real work-life balance. At least not for his employees. He explains that at his company, one must work 80 hours a week. However, that receives little positive feedback. He defends himself: As a startup, one has to compete with great competition, and one must assert oneself against it: The 22-year-old boss of a company demands 80 hours a week from his employees: “We do not offer work-life balance”
