In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Bernie de Le Cuona: I simply keep the ringer off. When I am free, I check who has called and decide when to call them back. That way I don’t interrupt something important, but I do not ignore calls either. I have a watch that vibrates when there is a call.
What’s one thing you do after the workday to help you unwind?
I love going home and sharing the cooking with my husband Grant. Cooking is super relaxing and engages the senses. It’s a form of mindfulness. Then we ‘close up’ the sitting room, which is a ritual: candles on, soft lights, cosy throws and a good book or a tiny bit of evening news.
Read de Le Cuona's Walpole member profile.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
I live the business; I am so interested in every aspect of it that it’s hard to separate work from life. My great passion is the African bush and conservation.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to, or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
Trend forecaster Li Edelkoort did a very interesting talk recently on the future of home interiors and lifestyle industry. It was absolutely fascinating. Her new book Proud South has just come out, described as a mesmerising visual experience that celebrates creative forces from the southern half of the planet.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite third space?
I travel often and, in every city, I have a ‘space.’ Today, I am in the coffee shop in the Grand Hotel et de Milan. The ceiling is covered in old, flowering orchids. Extraordinary, and so peaceful. In New York it’s a special part of Central Park, and, in Windsor, a private garden overlooking the Thames.
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
Plan my run for Monday morning and check my diary! When at home it’s Windsor Great Park, but I run early in the mornings wherever I am in the world.
Best reason you've had to turn your Out of Office on recently?
No WiFi in my favourite lodge in Zambia. Heading off down the Zambezi in a canoe with a tent, cooler boxes, very few clothes and a hat for a few weeks…
Your go-to Out of Office outfit: Depends on what’s planned. Generally, a soft jumper, easy trousers, and Todd’s sneakers – the recycled ones. Comfort and natural fibres top of my list when it comes to my wardrobe, much like my fabrics!
Your happy place anywhere in the world: Always Zambia, out of the big cities
Your favourite bar or restaurant: Elystan Street restaurant in Chelsea, London. Incredibly imaginative and described as a mix of elegance and earthiness, which I like.
Something cultural/sporting you booked recently that you'd recommend: A few weeks ago, I went to Holmenkollen ski jump in Oslo. I wanted to see it as it is used in the Olympics. It’s almost 500m above sea level. It’s an extraordinary structure, and walking it you can’t believe anyone would have the courage to fly downhill on it.
I spent a fabulous few hours in Design Museum Danmark in Copenhagen. The current exhibition is The Future is Present with designers working on how to solve some of our global challenges. It also has an open museum garden, an oasis in the middle of the city.
Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend: I enjoy reading Monocle while travelling. As a CEO and creative director, its global briefing format covering international affairs, business, culture and design appeals.
A hobby you'd like to cultivate: Photography or learning a new language
A luxury that’s a necessity: Time. Also, The Cream by Augustinus Bader (their daily moisturiser).
Best luxury under £25: The best artisan, organic coffee.
