Leadership, Health, and Doing What's Right: What Won’t You Do for Money?

By Dylan J. England | Health, Fitness & Leadership Coach

This week we are pivoting to a leadership and ethics conversation in relation to health.. it’s interesting as we so often think about how nice it must be for those we might idolize in their roles in the spot light…..

Being a leader at the top of a company looks glamorous. People imagine big paychecks and fancy offices. But the truth is, it’s a tough job that demands a lot—way more than most people are willing to give. Top executives don’t just manage teams or make plans. They’re the ones putting out fires, stopping problems before they start, and making hard choices that affect the whole company. Leadership means working long hours, often over 80 hours a week, and doing things others won’t. But being a great leader isn’t about money or sacrifices alone. It’s about what you refuse to give up—your health, your values, and doing what’s right for your team. So, what won’t you do for money? That’s the question that shows who you really are.

The Hard Work of Leading

Leadership isn’t easy. It’s not just about giving orders or setting goals. Leaders deal with emergencies—like fixing a big mistake or handling a customer complaint before it blows up. They also work to prevent problems, like spotting risks or keeping the team on track. This can mean working late nights, missing family time, or skipping weekends. It’s exhausting, and it takes a toll on your body and mind.

But here’s the thing: ignoring your health to keep working isn’t smart. If you don’t sleep, eat well, or take time to move your body, you’ll burn out. A leader who’s too tired or stressed can’t make good decisions or help their team. Taking care of yourself—like going for a walk, getting enough rest, or spending time with family—makes you a stronger leader. It also shows your team it’s okay to take care of themselves, too.

Standing Up for What’s Right

Money can’t buy everything. Great leaders know this and stick to their values, even when it’s hard. Sometimes, a company might push a leader to do something wrong—like cutting corners to save money or ignoring a problem to make a profit. But choosing the right thing, like keeping products safe or treating workers fairly, builds trust and respect. Those choices show what you’re made of.

For example, imagine a company makes a product that’s not safe. A bad leader might hide the problem to keep the money coming. A good leader will fix it, even if it costs a lot, because it’s the right thing to do. These choices affect more than just the company—they impact workers, customers, and even the environment. Doing what’s right, even when it’s not easy, is what makes a leader someone worth following.

Taking Care of Yourself and Others

We’re all human. We need to stay healthy, feel connected, and live in a way that makes us proud. But leadership can pull you away from that. Working too much might mean you skip exercise, eat poorly, or feel stressed all the time. That’s not worth it—money can’t buy back your health. Ignoring friends or family can also hurt your relationships, leaving you feeling alone. According to Maslow’s hierarchy, we all need love and belonging to feel whole.

Think about your own life. Have you ever had a job that stressed you out so much it hurt your health? Or one that asked you to do something you knew was wrong? Those moments test you. Choosing to protect your health and stick to your values isn’t giving up—it’s being strong. It’s saying, “I won’t let this job break me or make me someone I’m not.”

Leading the Right Way

Being a leader is a big responsibility. It means working hard, solving problems, and making sacrifices. But it also means knowing what you won’t do—no matter how much money is on the table. Don’t sacrifice your health, because you can’t lead if you’re falling apart. Don’t sacrifice your values, because doing the wrong thing hurts you and others. Great leaders take care of themselves and their teams while doing what’s right. That’s the kind of leader people remember—and the kind you should aim to be.

___________________________________________________________________

Ready for a coach who can help you sharpen these habits for life?
Check out my coaching program at www.dylanjengland.com. Let’s build the foundation for your best life—together.

👉 Visit our blog for more tips: dylanjengland.com/reading-blog
👉 Connect with us on social media for daily inspiration:

Have questions or need personalized guidance? Email us: Fitnesstherapyde@gmail.com

Let’s make your goals a reality—together.

England Coaching