During his whole career Xavier has always strived to look at challenges as opportunities. As a business leader with about 15 years of experience in the digital advertising industry, Xavier leads a very hectic life, which saw him operating across different cities including Paris, San Francisco, Berlin and Barcelona. While this was never easy, it proved to be a developmental experience over and over again.

In this episode of the Stepsero Podcast, we discuss the importance of stepping out of our comfort zone and keeping a positive attitude during the process.
In today’s work environment, many professionals are called to adapt to new situations all the time, as their businesses operate in a fast-paced world where what is relevant today might lose its value very quickly. For the exact same reason however, individuals might be drawn to overwork themselves and strive to be at the top of their game day in and day out, which is clearly detrimental for their mental well-being.

So, how can leaders look at challenges as opportunities, while preserving a healthy mental balance? How can professional step up their game without exceeding their stress limits?
Over the course of the discussion, Xavier shares a few actionable tips that worked for him:

• Give more room to people in your team and steer away from trying to be in control all the time. 
• Proactively look for feedback and open yourself up for growth.
• Communicate transparently, whether it is about good news or not. Sometimes leaders might want to avoid specific conversations in order to protect their colleagues, but this is not a sound approach in the long term. 
• Make enough space to take care of your life outside of work.
• Listen to both your rational and emotional inner voices. While it is in our nature to rationalize at all costs, sometimes it is ok to follow your gut.
• Seek inspiration from the people around you rather than focusing on celebrities only.