More than three years ago, Alesia Visconti, CEO and President of FranServe, Inc., the world’s largest franchise consulting firm, coined the term “life-work balance.” In fact, she felt so strongly that life should come before work that she added it as a core value for FranServe. With the world busier than ever, now is a great time to revisit the definition of life-work balance and explore strategies to maintain it.
For anyone who doesn’t know Visconti, she is the quintessential example of a go-getter, and FranServe’s second core value, grow or die, reflects that. When asked if the two core values conflict, her response was unsurprising.
“No! For entrepreneurs, the journey will always be intense, but it doesn’t have to be all-consuming. Balance isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing what matters most with intention and clarity,” Visconti explained.
Typically, when entrepreneurs are building a business, especially from the ground up, the lines between work and life blur. Emails follow you home, to-do lists sit with you at the dinner table and your thoughts are consumed with ideas about logistics and strategy.
“Life-work balance isn’t about equal hours or strict separation; it’s about creating harmony between your professional drive and personal well-being,” said Visconti. “There’s a time to be all-in, but even during those times, you can create space for real life. Maybe you set a firm boundary, like no meetings after 6 p.m. or take a tech-free weekend. The key is awareness: knowing what fuels you, what drains you and adjusting accordingly.”
Redefining Balance
Entrepreneurs wear many hats as visionaries, marketers, leaders, accountants and more. The pressure to grow, manage and sustain a business can lead to long hours, stress and exhaustion. Visconti believes it’s essential to redefine balance not as a 50/50 split but as a rhythm that works for your life. Your business is an extension of you. If you’re not well, your business won’t be either. But just how do you do that?
Visconti recommends taking the following simple steps:
- Schedule downtime just like you do meetings: Put workouts, family dinners and personal time on your calendar. If it’s not scheduled, it won’t happen.
- Delegate wisely: Entrepreneurs often believe they must do it all. Hiring support, whether a virtual assistant, bookkeeper or business coach, can give you time back.
- Set daily non-negotiables: That might mean taking a 20-minute walk, journaling or being present for your kid’s bedtime stories. These small acts anchor your day and remind you of life beyond business.
- Define your “why”: When your business is aligned with your purpose, it’s easier to say “no” to distractions and “yes” to the moments that matter.
Visconti is a great example of how being a balanced entrepreneur makes her a better leader.
“Life-work balance isn’t selfish; it’s strategic,” said Visconti. “Leaders who are grounded, well-rested and fulfilled are more effective, empathetic and innovative. They relate better to others and make more thoughtful decisions.”
This is a three-part series. Be sure to read part two in our June issue to learn firsthand from FranServe consultants who have mastered life-work balance.
Nancy E. Williams