Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Franck Arnold: I have 'do not disturb' mode activated on my phone from 10pm to 5.30am. In case of an emergency, either at the hotel or with the family, some numbers will still go through. I do check and respond to messages during the weekend, but I avoid going through my email. And it’s a home rule that phones are off the table during family dinners.
What’s one thing you do after the workday to help you unwind?
I cycle home whenever possible. It’s a 30–minute commute by bike, which is the perfect length of time for me to transition from work mode to home, and to sweat out some toxins and burn some calories. I get home around 8pm and I normally enjoy dinner with my family (two of our three kids still live with us).
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
I play golf regularly, cycle and run, or jog with my miniature schnauzer, Jules. I also love to cook for friends. I’m was initially trained as a chef, so can turn my hand to virtually anything, but a particular favourite of mine is a Moroccan chicken tagine with olives, preserved lemons and couscous alongside a fresh carrot and orange salad.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma. It demonstrates how waking up early and applying practical mental and physical strategies in the early morning helps to improve your performance, confidence, health, productivity. My club is more the '5.30AM Club', though!
After home and the office, where’s your favourite ‘third space’?
The Hampstead Golf Club, where I am a member and I play almost every weekend.
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
We have an easy, relaxed family dinner with no fuss. I particularly enjoy Flammekuche (“Flamed Tart”) with Alsatian cream, onion, bacon and flat bread. Then I’ll often watch a TV series or film with a glass of Alsatian Riesling. I try not to head to bed too late – I usually go to sleep around 10.30pm.
Best reason you've had to turn your 'Out of Office' on recently?
I recently took a long weekend in Rome with my wife and daughter on my way back from a demanding sales roadshow in the Middle East. I hadn’t been there in 25 years. The Eternal City doesn’t disappoint – even in the rain. A week after returning and I am still under the spell of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.
