I started my work life at a job in a work-study program when I was 15 years old. That first job was at GallenKamp Shoes, and little did I fully appreciate at the time that it would be the spark for my career. Decades later, after climbing the corporate ladder and founding a multi-million global nonprofit and several social enterprises (all focused on shoes), I continue to focus on work-life balance. But I also recognize that everything we need is found inside us.
In the age of social sharing, all of it boosted by algorithms, people share their thought leadership. Candidly, so do I. But I’ve come to realize that personal growth is really something that’s innate. All we have to do is be self-aware. That self-awareness may come from outside sources that spark something deep inside of us. That’s why I’m shifting my sharing to reminding people how to find the answers within themselves.
Over the coming year, I will share what I’ve learned and experienced—not because I know more than you, but perhaps because it might spark something inside you. I’ve had plenty of times when a conversation, movie, article, or some other thing reminded me of the path. Now that you know where my headspace is, let’s start with work-life balance. Again, the balance or equilibrium is within each of us. Access my free resources here.
A Shift Toward Purpose
I’ve always worked hard, and that’s true for so many Americans. We’re a hard-working group. To climb the corporate ladder, I did everything I had to do, and eventually, I made it to the top as CEO and President of FSI, which included Nautilus Footwear and others. When the Indian Ocean tsunami devasted countries in the Pacific, I worked harder. As a shoe man, I knew that people who lost so much needed footwear against disease and to be able to live and work.
Through the years, I’ve realized that work-life balance is an illusion—a mirage. If you don’t love what you do, making money, or both, then your work years are just about waiting for the end of the day. That’s never been who I am; perhaps you’re like me. You want your work and life to mean something. I know I do, and aside from my family, my work purpose has been my driving force.
Intertwining my work with a purpose aligned with my values and eliminated the struggle some people have to achieve work-life balance. For me, if I’m with my family, I’m happy. If I’m working with my team, I’m happy. Work and life are one because of my passion for what I do, which makes getting up every morning easy. My day often starts before 5 a.m. because I love what I do and create.
Tapping into Self-Awareness to Find the Path
Along the way, I’ve had people talk to me about how to improve their circumstances. I’m a true believer that each day is an opportunity. Every day, we all have the chance to change how we perceive our reality, and in many cases, if we don’t like it, we can take the initial steps to change things. For me, I made it a point to align my values and create a work-life balance that worked for me. But it all began with developing self-awareness.
- Self-reflection. When I found myself in a tough situation, I took my foot off the gas pedal. The fact is that sometimes you just need to stop. Often, when I make important decisions, I sleep on things. We all need space to process. It may take weeks or a couple of months, but reflection is the first step for self-awareness.
- Challenges. During reflection, it’s important to consider the setbacks you’ve experienced along the way. In my view, everything comes with a price—even peace and happiness. But often, challenges give us insights as to whether or not we want to continue down the path. It’s okay to keep going or turn around.
- Achievements. Further, when you think about how you want to paint the picture and its work-life balance, it’s essential to consider what’s been accomplished. Sometimes, along the way, I’ve realized that the wins have changed the course of plans. When reflecting, what stands out? That’s a question I often ask to focus on where I want to go next.
- Relationships. My biggest priority is my family. Perhaps it’s the same in your life. So, for me, work-life balance means prioritizing spending time with my wife, daughter, son-in-law, and grandkids. But I also appreciate the impact my team and I make and our relationships with people worldwide.
Balance in Work and Life
You can read more about my thoughts on work-life balance and the things to keep in mind in the resource that accompanies this article. However, to sum things up, I want to share this with you. No one comes into this world with an instruction manual tucked under their arm. Most are doing things the best they can, and figuring it out is simply focusing on hearing and reading from the people who give you energy, ideas, and that almighty spark.
© 2025 Wayne Elsey. All Rights Reserved.