CEO of Canva Melanie Perkins used to work seven days a week, “barely pausing to breathe” as she focused on her to grow the Australian tech unicorn she co-founded back in 2013. Launched by Perkins, along with her now-husband Cliff Obrecht, and Cameron Adams in Sydney more than a decade ago, Canva is now one of the most valuable tech companies in the world. Last year, the value of the online design platform ahead of a highly anticipated and upcoming IPO.
Over time, Perkins learned that working in that fashion—all out, without time to rest and recharge—was “unsustainable” and she now takes a different approach to work, wellbeing and productivity. In a on LinkedIn, Perkins explained that she now uses five key tools to help her to recharge intentionally and plan effectively. She covers everything from meditating daily, to using AI tools to record (and later organise) her thoughts while she walks.
“Social media is quick to glamorise working all hours and pushing through without taking breaks. In recent conversations with founders, I noticed a common theme: they’re so focused on achieving their big goals that they’re leaving nothing in the tank for themselves,” Perkins wrote. “One founder told me they worked through every weekend last year, taking just a handful of days off.
Another shared how they felt completely stuck after a setback, without tools to navigate the emotional toll.” Perkins said she could relate to these experiences as a founder. “For years.
