The Power of Stepping Away: A Lesson from Carlos Garrido
Carlos Garrido, Managing Partner of Sandler in Miami, recently shared a profoundly vulnerable and insightful reflection on LinkedIn—a post that stopped me mid-scroll and stayed with me all day. In a world that idolizes hustle, Carlos had the courage to step back—and that, paradoxically, may have been his greatest move forward.
“Taking a month off is the smartest business decision I’ve made all year,” he writes, confessing that he’s “terrible at taking time off.” And yet here he is, three weeks into a month-long sabbatical in Spain with his family—no work calls, no client meetings, no strategies—just presence.
Carlos, a true high performer in every sense, admits to the same mental traps many of us fall into. The fear that rest is regression. That disconnection is defeat. That productivity is measured in meetings, notifications, and inbox zero. But his story is a masterclass in what every business coach knows deep down: true growth happens in the pause.
He describes walks with his wife, morning runs with his son, and meaningful conversations with his daughters—moments of connection that remind us why we do any of this in the first place. But it goes deeper. Carlos reveals a hard truth: many high achievers are addicted to being needed. We conflate being busy with being indispensable, and that mindset quietly builds a cage.
Then comes the breakthrough: solutions emerge when the noise quiets. Creativity flows when we unplug. And the business? It keeps growing. That’s sustainability. That’s leadership.
A Timeless Parallel: Churchill’s Walk in the Woods
This wisdom from Carlos echoes the approach of Winston Churchill, who during the peak of World War II often escaped to his garden or studio to paint. Critics saw it as reckless. But Churchill knew better: “To each, nature bestows some means of relaxation and renewal. Mine is painting.” These pauses weren’t indulgences—they were essential. They allowed him to return to leadership with renewed clarity.
Carlos’ time in Spain is his version of Churchill’s walk in the woods. And just like the wartime leader, Carlos returns to his business sharper, more visionary, and less burdened by false urgency.
Takeaway: Rest is a Business Strategy
In coaching, we emphasize sustainable success, not burnout disguised as performance. Carlos’ journey is a bold reminder that strategic rest is a power move, not a sign of weakness. The best test of a strong business is whether it can grow in your absence.
We must ask ourselves: Are we building businesses that serve us, or ones that demand our constant sacrifice?
If you’re leading a team, managing a company, or even just managing yourself—take a page from Carlos’ playbook. Disconnect. Reconnect. Reflect. You may just unlock the most powerful version of your leadership yet.
Thank You, Carlos
Carlos, thank you for sharing this moment so openly. Your willingness to step away has sparked not just your own clarity—but the creativity of many others, including myself. This blog would not exist without your courageous example. May your journey in Spain continue to be one of inspiration, and may more of us follow your lead by pausing to breathe, reflect, and return stronger.
