Issue #100

Cadence - Life & Work in Motion

Hi Reader -

September marks a massive milestone for me: the 100th edition of the Cadence newsletter. It’s been quite a journey since we first started back in 2018.

This summer, I ran a little experiment: working 4-day weeks for six weeks, spending my fifth day hiking in the Lake District. This was equal parts research, pleasure, and active rest. The results? Remarkable.

My creative output over four days rivalled (and often exceeded) what I’d usually do in five. Alongside client work, I mapped out the new podcast season, launched a Substack and wrote five articles, created three October masterclasses, and designed my 8-week Cadence Catalyst mastermind that launches in November.

The bonus of six hours a week immersed in nature? More energy, sharper focus, and deeper creativity. This is exactly what studies on rest and recovery confirm.

While I’ll shift back into a faster rhythm this autumn, I’m carrying forward some of the practices that made this summer so productive and replenishing.

And that brings me to this month’s 3-2-1.

Ready? Here we go!

1 Action - Borrow From Denmark

Work Less, Produce More

Being first in and last out of the office isn’t a badge of honour, it’s often a sign of inefficiency.

Danish work culture flips the script: respect time, prioritise outcomes, and leave space for life beyond the office, as work is just one part of a bigger life ecosystem.

Studies show that keeping reasonable hours doesn’t diminish productivity, they can enhance it. My own 4-day cadence proved that: extra space for my life stuff fuels better focus, stronger outputs, and greater wellbeing for work stuff.

Bottom line: Time outside of work is an investment for better working, not an indulgence.

Read Elena Costantini’s LinkedIn post for more insights on this.

2 Thoughts - Reset After Summer

Need help getting back into "go" mode?

1 - Protect Time, Protect Energy

If you work odd hours, don’t pass the stress of receiving 'out-of-hours' comms onto the people you need communicate with. Use scheduling tools so your messages land during workday hours.

(In France, it’s law. Elsewhere, it’s simply good etiquette.)

2 - Dress for your Mindset

WFH in socks or slippers? Try shoes. It’s a simple psychological shift that signals “I’ve got somewhere to be and something to do.” This small act has a surprising effect on motivating your mindset to work.

(Hat tip to Ed Matthews-Gentle, a past Creating Cadence podcast guest.)

3 Resources - Resilience, Rhythm & Nature

1 - Rustout: The Other Side of Burnout

We talk a lot about burnout, but disengagement is just as corrosive.

“Rustout” describes the apathy, mental decline and emotional stagnation caused by boredom, bureaucracy, and under-stimulation.

• Here’s why it matters: RTE Article​

2 - The Case for Four Days

Flexible work is no longer a perk, it’s a dealbreaker employee expectation. With 11% of the UK workforce already on 4-day weeks, the concept going mainstream in Holland, and studies showing flexibility equates to feeling like having an 8% pay rise, businesses ignoring this shift do so at their peril.

• Explore the research: Guardian article / Inc article​

3 - Words for the Wild

Our vocabulary for nature is shrinking, and so is our connection to it, driven in part by our over-reliance on digital connection. Researchers warn this loss affects creativity, productivity, and wellbeing. Reclaiming and expressing our language for the natural world will help us reconnect to it, and improve our work outputs too.

• Read more: Inc article / Guardian article​

Other Stuff

The last quarter of 2025 is jam packed with fun stuff! Take your pick. :)

Podcast: Rewriting the Rules of Work

Season 14 of the Creating Cadence podcast is now live! Episode 84 of explores what I learned from my 4-day week experiment AND introduces our season theme: why the future of work demands new paradigms. Check it out: Listen here​

Substack: Diving Deeper on Creating Cadence

For long-form reflections on building a more conscious business, explore my Substack. Read & Subscribe: creatingcadence.substack.com​ (Free to subscribe)

Masterclasses: Book on for October '25

Cadence Masterclass Series Three powerful, practical webinars for ambitious professionals who want to scale sustainably without burning out. 6th, 13th + 20th October 2025 6-7.30pm Info & Booking: Eventbrite​ (Pick 1, or book all 3 for 25% off)

Mastermind Programme: Coming in November '25

The Cadence Catalyst A small group online mastermind over 8 weeks for entrepreneurs, consultants, fractional execs and creative founders who are successful, but stretched, and ready to build a more intentional, sustainably productive work life. Join the Priority List: ​Register Your Interest​

Talks & Workshops

This past July I spoke on “AI, Tech & Tomorrow’s Talent” at the Lancashire Careers Conference, exploring how we equip young people with the skills they’ll need in a digital world, without sacrificing their wellbeing.

If your audience needs a fresh perspective on the future of work, I'd love to collaborate. Just hit reply.

Hope September is sustainably sumptuous and strengthening for you.

With courage, curiosity and cadence,

Mich x