Speaking in the latest episode of Let’s Partner Up for Good, an SME-focused mini-series by NESCAFÉ by Nestlé Professional, Deborah highlighted how entrepreneurs face immense pressure yet rarely discuss their own wellbeing.

"As business owners, we feel like we should be working harder than everyone else. Instead, think of yourself as a business athlete. No athlete stays at peak condition 24/7 – if they try, they burn out before race day. Recognising when you need rest is crucial for peak performance," says Deborah.

Focusing on employee wellbeing, Deborah advised: “I think productivity genuinely does come from people who are feeling safe and well looked after in an organisation. I was involved in a study of 10,000 business leaders and the people that worked within their organisations and what came out of that study was that two thirds of people would accept lower pay if they felt that they were in a workplace they really valued them. I do not say that because we can then reduce the pay, but it just goes to show how important it is, and the most important thing was empathy.”

Supporting SMEs through expert guidance

The Let’s Partner Up for Good series sees Deborah and NESCAFÉ by Nestlé Professional mentor seven small businesses, tackling key challenges in growth, sustainability, and employee wellbeing.

The latest episode features insights from:

• Jamie Smith, InScout Network (football scouting): “The opportunity to work with professionals in such a setting was unforgettable. We’d love to do it again”
• Simon Poole, Splash Projects (team building & leadership): “Wellbeing initiatives must be embedded in workplace culture to truly drive performance and engagement”
• Jack Bussey, JJB Corporation (sheet metal manufacturing): “The advice on balancing wellbeing and productivity was incredibly insightful. It gave me a fresh perspective on fostering a healthier workplace” 

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