KEY TOPIC

Looking Out for No. 1

How do you manage your health while managing a demanding career? We asked three business leaders.

Edited by John Soeder

Illustrations: Ken Kula

CC Phil WEB (CC Magazine 2025 Fall) 251113_1322 150 KEY

Trina Bediako

TRINA BEDIAKO

I believe it begins with taking care of yourself. Just like on an airplane — put your oxygen mask on first. I start my day with meditation or prayer and something physical to get my heart beating. That way, I know I’ve done something for myself. Working in a family business brings challenges: My father is chairman, and my husband and children work there, along with siblings. Boundaries keep us sane. We don’t talk business over meals or in bed. My kids ask, “Do you have the brain space?” before sharing, and if I can’t listen, I tell them. My husband and I make time for quarterly trips, even just long weekends, because he’s my truth-teller and support system. Sometimes I just need to talk to my dad, not my chairman. Clear boundaries and intentional time together keep both family and business healthy.

Trina Bediako is CEO of New Horizons Baking Company.

CC Phil WEB (CC Magazine 2025 Fall) 251113_1322 150 KEY2

Tricia Griffith

TRICIA GRIFFITH

For me, it’s always about priorities. With six kids, there were endless activities. So I’d ask each one, “What’s the most important thing this year?” and plan around it. My son Jack loved football, and during my final CEO interviews he asked me to be at all 10 games — on the 50-yard line. I was, and when a playoff game conflicted with my last interview, I thought, “I don’t need to be CEO, but I need to be Jack’s mom.” Thankfully, Progressive’s culture allowed me to do both. That’s why I remind employees: Set priorities. You’ll miss some things, but be there for what matters most. I don’t compromise on working out daily, strength training or meditation. I end workouts setting intentions and visualizing my day. My priorities are clear: faith, family, Progressive. That’s how I live my life.  

Tricia Griffith is President and CEO of Progressive Insurance.

CC Phil WEB (CC Magazine 2025 Fall) 251113_1322 150 KEY3

Rebecca Liebert

REBECCA LIEBERT

I tried the whole “balance” idea earlier in my career, but quickly realized it was about integration. My work requires heavy travel and odd-hour calls across time zones, and my family understands when I occasionally miss a gathering. We always make it up. Employees also notice. If you’re a workaholic, they’ll think they have to be, too. So I make sure to take time off, and they see that. I also keep my health front and center: working out whenever possible, carrying healthy snacks and water, being mindful of my diet. Staying consistent helps me handle stress and show up for my team. Integration isn’t perfect, but it’s healthier for my family, my company and me. Employees appreciate that balance looks different for everyone, and they see me as more grounded when I prioritize both them and myself.  

Rebecca Liebert is President and CEO of Lubrizol Corporation.