And no, I'm not leaving the company, and I'm not running off to a spiritual retreat in Tibet. But I am closing a chapter that's been with me for years. A chapter I lived intensely, even with a certain joy, but one that no longer represents who I am.
After a stretch of being XXL, by conviction, by pleasure, and as a stress-killer, I've decided I'm never going back to it. That's the end of the chapter. No more, no less. :)
Today I weigh 111 kilos. I hit 120 a month ago (an all-time record, like the good stats junkie I am). I've always carried it with humor and zero hang-ups, but I don't think it's something to be proud of, especially when you're gambling with your health. (And yes, I'll say it again: I've always felt good.) But feeling good isn't always the same as being well.
(KPIs don't run the show, but they do help you get better. Nothing beats the transparency they give you.)
I'm losing weight in a controlled, serious, professional way. No crazy stuff. With a clear head, with science, and with purpose.
I've got a wonderful nutritionist and psychologist by my side ( Susana Cantón ), whom I met at the CEO Summit of theClub CEO España -thanks, Mariano Llorente Suárez ;)). A doctor is on the team too. I exercise, I'm sorting out my habits and, above all, I'm starting to walk the talk.
Because leading means putting yourself out there. And if I have a purpose in life -to own my destiny and enjoy the journey-, I can't keep ignoring something as basic as my health.
I'm not going to bore you with every kilo I lose. This is the only newsletter you'll read about it. The day I hit my goal, I'll tell you. Until then, this is just a heads-up: I've made the click.
And more than talking about me -even if I use it as a starting point- what I really want is to invite you to think about something deeper:
(Where the inspiration for this final push comes from, because this time it really is for good)
Real personal fulfillment doesn't start with the body, or with success. It starts on the inside.
It's not about external goals or visible transformations. It's about building a solid, conscious, peaceful relationship with yourself. About remembering who you are. About being at peace with yourself… and living from there.
Purpose is born in the silence within
Purpose isn't imposed. It's discovered. And it only shows up when there's a pause, honesty and a connection to what really matters.
A person can want to transform their body, change their habits, start something new… But if that drive doesn't come from a deep desire to live with more love for yourself, the change won't take root. Not even doing it "for the family" is enough. 👉 You can't outsource your purpose to another human being. Only you can be its keeper.
🌑 Solitude as the test of truth
A brutal but revealing exercise: Imagine what your life would be like if you had to walk it alone. Could you be at peace? Do you like yourself when no one's watching?
If you don't belong to yourself, you'll end up asking others to fill your emptiness. And that's not love, it's dependence. The first act of freedom is being able to walk alone… and then choosing to share the road. (Mónica López de Lemos Guitart with you for life)
Purpose as a compass
Purpose isn't a destination. It's a direction. 👉 It's the lighthouse that keeps shining even when there's fog.
In my case, I live it like this:
"Enjoy the journey while owning my destiny and staying true to my values."
I can walk that road alone or with company. But its meaning no longer depends on others. First I am. Then I share. Then I build.
And of course, one of the great engines of this road is Mónica and my kids. Without their support, their patience and their love, this transformation would simply be impossible. It's a beautiful paradox: I need to start with myself not to pull away from them, but to be stronger with them. Because the more at peace I am with myself, the better I can care for, support and enjoy the people I love most.
(At ZEM, getting some awareness, see further down the newsletter….)
At W we say it a lot: it's not just about attracting talent. It's about creating an environment where it's worth staying and growing. But for that, you first have to be consistent with yourself.
The W Culture was born with a very clear intention: to travel together, enjoy the journey and surround ourselves with good people who want to grow. And how are you going to invite others on that journey if you're leaving yourself behind?
It's not about chasing perfection. But it is about remembering that if you want to move people, projects and purposes, you need to be at least somewhat at peace with yourself.
And if we're talking long-term vision, I can't help thinking about The Infinite Game, the book by Simon Sinek I've quoted -and lived- so much lately (here's the full chapter).
Leading a company, building a team, leaving a mark… isn't a game you win, it's a game you play infinitely, with purpose, with consistency… and with health. 👉 Because there's no possible Infinite Game if you neglect the player. And I was a player who, physically, was benching himself.
I don't believe in coincidences. But right as I was kicking off this process, I had the luck to be invited to ZEM Clinic in Altea. And the experience drove the point home even harder: you don't just need a long-term plan for your company, you need one for yourself too.
When you lead, all in, solving things, setting the example… you often forget about yourself. And that comes at a price.
*ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea -which deserves its own post ;)- was a treat: for how they take care of you, for how they get you focused on your wellbeing, and for the clear message they send: your body isn't an appendage of the business… it's an essential part of the game.*
And you know what? Yes, this newsletter is a selfish act too: it's public accountability. Now you know. Now there's no turning back. And if you see me on the beach this summer with a beer in hand, remind me: "Manu, you've still got a project to finish."
Thanks for reading me. Thanks for walking with me. Thanks for holding me to consistency. Because this time, I'm going to deliver.
- Manu
@Federico say goodbye... and Hello renew Manu ;))
PS: This is just my personal story. I'm not trying to generalize or trivialize something as serious as being overweight or physical and mental health. I just wanted to share my reality because I feel it's 100% aligned with what I've stood for all along: 👉 leading with consistency also means taking care of yourself.
And if, on top of sorting out my own life, I can add a small grain of sand to inspire someone in a similar spot, even better. Putting myself out there like this isn't easy, but it's part of the process too.
It's not about looks. It's about health. About energy. About presence. About being sustainable for others, starting with yourself.
And yes… in case I needed one more excuse to follow through: It's already been said out loud. :)
