On March 27, our CEO, Chris Barbin, set off on an epic solo row from Monterey, California, to Punta Mita, Mexico, to raise awareness and over half a million dollars (so far) for mental health and addiction recovery. More than 1,700 miles later, he’s back on shore, recharged, enlightened, and with a fresh perspective on these two critical issues.
I had the chance to interview him shortly upon his return, which conveniently coincided with the end of Mental Health Awareness month and the beginning of Men’s Mental Health Awareness month.
We dove into the details around his motivations for taking the trip and what he learned during 38 days alone on the Pacific. The “bigger than big” experience left Chris changed and recommitted to “minding the drift” and prioritizing connection. There are some great lessons here, especially for CEOs and founders who must care not only for their own mental health, but also set the tone for their organizations.
For those who prefer the written word, here are a few highlights from our conversation:
- Be intentional about minimizing the noise. While more than a month alone on the open sea in a rowboat with no motor clearly isn’t for everyone, we all need to find ways to turn off the continuous stream of information bombarding us. Even if it’s just for a few hours each day.
- Mind the drift. On both the literal sea and the sea of AI, drift is a real thing. It can benefit you but also pull you way off track – an experience that was one of the scariest in Chris’ journey. Be aware of the drift, and the direction it’s taking you, especially if it’s pulling you away from human connection.
- Prioritize authentic connection. Chris calls connection the opposite of addiction. Making time to be present, with yourself and with the people who are most important to you, starts with authentically disconnecting from everything else. Maybe this means leaving the phone behind when heading out for a hike or turning on the do-not-disturb mode when sitting down to dinner with the family.
- Redefine strength and ask for help when you need it. So many leaders feel like they must have all the answers. The reality is, solving tough challenges takes a community. Even a solo rower needs a team behind him, helping to prepare for the journey and providing the emotional encouragement that’s like fuel along the way. Being willing to let the right people step in and contribute isn’t a weakness; it’s what makes resilience possible.
- Invest in a trainer for the brain. Just like sleep, diet, and exercise are nonnegotiable for wellbeing, so is taking care of the mind. Business leaders who may be open to the idea of an executive coach are often less receptive to talking to a therapist. That oversight can jeopardize mental health. Having a trusted professional to help manage the balance can be the difference between simply enduring pressure and developing the emotional stamina needed to navigate it well.
Challenge yourself this summer to put mental health first.
Chris’ journey was extraordinary. But the lessons behind it are deeply relevant to everyday life and leadership. Protecting mental health requires intention, especially in a world filled with digital and AI noise, and a hustle culture that pushes a 996 schedule as what’s needed to win. It means creating space to think clearly and to connect with people in meaningful ways. It means paying attention to the subtle drift that can slowly pull us away from what matters most.
As summer approaches, no matter how busy life seems, consider taking even a small step to unplug, quiet the noise, and reset your own perspective. Your health, your mind and your employees will thank you for it.
Watch the full interview with Chris to hear more about his experience, the mental and emotional challenges of the journey, and the lessons he’s bringing back to life and leadership. You can also learn more about Chris’ row and the mental health and addiction recovery causes he’s supporting at cbrows.com.