Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Amir Gehl: It’s a real challenge, especially as a business owner. In an ideal world, I'd start work at 10am and finish by 4pm, so I could sleep a bit longer and engage more in personal activities. But achieving that kind of work-life balance is hard. As an entrepreneur, it's nearly impossible to turn off. I would love to spend a little bit less time at work and a bit more on the tennis court – more sport would balance everything else out.
What’s one thing you do after the workday to help you unwind?
My main way of unwinding is family time. I love watching tennis and going out for dinner with my wife and our kids. It’s our special time to just be together. I also dive into podcasts – particularly the Huberman Lab Podcast by Andrew Huberman. It covers health, longevity, and personal growth, including factual, scientific content that really opens up new perspectives.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
Tennis is my go-to activity. It's my escape, my cardio that doesn't feel like a chore. There's competition in it. It's more than just hitting the ball; it’s the game, the strategy, the movement. When I'm stressed, I have JING's soothing Chamomile tea to unwind.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to, or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
I just listened to The Blueprint to Anti-Aging and Longevity with Bryan Johnson and I always return to The Curiosity Project podcast with Omar Mirza. These help me better understand what it's like to be a human being, how to become a better person, and how to better control my body and my mind. Recently, I learned that I need to eat lighter dinners earlier to improve my sleep. Its something you don't learn at school but I have found it essential to improving my routine.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite ‘third space’?
My favourite third space is any good restaurant. I love good food – whether it's a simple burger or a Michelin three-star meal, it's all about the quality and the experience. Food is my biggest hobby; I love to read about it and, when I get the chance, to cook myself. I absolutely love it.
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
I’m fairly organised, so I check my diary and calendar for what’s coming up. I don’t have a special routine, I just prepare for what’s ahead. Sometimes I work over the weekend because it’s quieter than the week – I don't have any meetings or people calling, which makes it a great time for creative, strategic thinking.
Best reason you’ve had to turn your out of office on recently?
I saw my son's school performance of Macbeth. He studies drama and he loves it. It was so rewarding to see him enjoying himself, and for me to be there for it. Participating in drama wasn’t something I did as a kid, and my late father never saw me in such things. So, for me, it's very rewarding to support my son in these activities, knowing how much he values my being there.
Your go-to out of office outfit: a Psycho Bunny t-shirt, and 7 For All Mankind jeans.
Your happy place anywhere in the world: I love Las Vegas. You don't have to plan anything there – you can have spontaneous meals without reservations, and it’s so nice not to make any reservations!
Your favourite bar or restaurant: Dukes Bar. Alessandro Palazzi's martinis are the best in the world.
Something you booked recently that you’d recommend and why: Queen's Tennis Championships. It's less prestigious than Wimbledon but more intimate. You get to see all the players much better, which makes it a great environment for tennis lovers.
Something you’ve listened to or read recently that you’d recommend and why: The Huberman Lab Podcast by Andrew Huberman is a standout. It's packed with useful insights into well-being.
A hobby you’d like to cultivate: Cooking more. It brings great joy to my family and me. I love it and I wish I had more time for it.
A luxury that’s actually a necessity: My AirPods. I use them constantly, even when I'm going to sleep.
Best luxury under £25: A cup of Difference Coffee’s Esmeralda Geisha – the best coffee in the world!
