Nike, just slow down

Late last year, after many years of Bolaji (my co-founder) not taking leave, we booked him a 4-day resort vacation, before informing him. He resisted—it was a critical time in the business and not a time to rest. We didn’t listen. We kicked him off virtual meetings and forced him to rest.

One month after he returned, he shared a framework that shaped our defining business strategy for 2025. He later admitted the clarity came during those four days.

Most of us try to do the most, as fast as possible. But we would also admit that many times we are unsure we are doing the right thing, or doing it right.

Why do we do simply pack more on our desk though, especially when Vilfredo Pareto’s observation—that only 20% of our efforts generate 80% of our results—has been proven to be true?

Building a great business (or anything at all) requires pausing. Observing. Reflecting. Because you don’t see patterns when you’re nose-deep in to-dos.

Yes, you can book a vacation. But slowing down doesn’t need to cost a thing: a morning walk, dancing alone, reading a book, writing 5 things you're grateful for, calling someone just to say something kind. You are not even trying to strategize. But many times, clarity meets you in the middle of that road.

So yes—just do it, like Nike inspires us to. But also, sometimes, Adenike, just slow down.