Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Paul-André Vacheron: I always turn off work and email notifications on my phone during personal hours. It sounds like such a simple rule to follow, but one that can be difficult to keep to. For me, it's an essential way to avoid being drawn into the continuous flow of incoming work and to separate my time 'offline'. Doing this means I only play 'on demand'.
What’s one thing you do after the workday to help you unwind?
Once I'm home, I've found myself falling into a bit of an unintentional routine that helps me shake off the working day and cross into my personal life. I change out of my workwear, I like to take time to carefully select a nice piece of jazz music to play and I also like to sit and talk through the day with my two teenagers.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
I really like to start my weekends with a long run across London's open green spaces - Regents Park and Hyde Park are two current favourites of mine. I'll make sure to get out no matter the weather: wind, rain or hopefully sun! I really feel the benefits of running in boosting and recentring my energy. Then, my idea of full relaxation comes in the late afternoon when I start cooking and preparing to host friends for an evening dinner. I really love that moment of being around the table, everyone taking the time together to enjoy great conversation, fine wines and aged whiskies.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to, or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
A recent 'Editor's Pick' article published in The Economist explored ideas behind how to maximise productivity at work. It was a really interesting read that suggested behavioural changes to refocus attention exclusively on one topic for a set time of 60 minutes. This time has to be fully dedicated to the topic, requiring you to close your eyes and ears to anything else during that period, and again, breaking out of the continuous in-flow of other topics.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite ‘third space’?
I only moved to London at the tail-end of 2023, so I'm still in discovering my 'third space'. I am enjoying the process immensely: strolling across the city to discover the numerous bookstores and traditional pubs that are hidden behind the corners of London, to find 'my' space.
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
I will check my calendar for the coming week and remind myself of what’s on the agenda, but I'm very strict with myself not to actively act on any topics I might see or think about. I'm careful to keep my Sunday focus on winding down, absorbing positive energy through family time and playing games together. In the rare moments that I'm not immersed in family time, I'll enjoy some quiet time with a good book. By keeping Sundays sacred, it means that every Monday morning I show up for the working week full of energy and focus.
Best reason you've had to turn your out of office on recently?
I was fortunate to welcome the Spring season in Greece, taking an early escape to discover the charms of Peloponnese peninsula. It’s a place that has intrigued me for a long time. The stunning landscapes, charming local Greek food, and ancient stories behind the sites didn't disappoint. It was a beautifully balmy escape before the height of summer and the tourist crowds.
Your go-to out of office outfit: Comfortable jeans, hoodie and sneakers.
Your happy place anywhere in the world: A secret place in the French Alps, close to the Swiss border. It’s a quiet place, that has a kind, honest local community, and beautiful nature.
Your favourite bar or restaurant: I'm in the fortunate position to still be finding one! I recently enjoyed Side Hustle at The NoMad Hotel in Covent Garden. A great selection of original Agave inspired cocktails!
Something cultural/sporting you booked recently that you'd recommend and why: I've booked Ballet Black at the Barbican which I'm really looking forward to seeing as an inspiring and powerful piece of creative work, giving a platform to dancers of Black and Asian descent. The choreography and music scene in London is so dynamic.