Mark MacLeodFounder, Limitless.ceo · The Startup CEO Coach | Helping ambitious CEOs & founders scale world-changing companies without sacrificing their health, happiness, purpose, or humanity

You are not your role. Human first, then role

9 Feb 2026 · 1 min

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Mark MacLeod realized that identifying solely as a CFO created chronic guilt around exercise and rest. When he reframed to "human first, role second," the guilt vanished and he performed better at work. He argues that prioritizing your health and humanity makes you more effective in your job, not less.

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I had an insight at the gym today. When I used to identify only as a CFO, I felt guilty making time for things other than working as a CFO. I felt guilty if I went to the gym during the day, felt guilty if I relaxed in the evening. But when I switched my identity to be human first, I realized actually it freed me. It made me more open to spending the time. Like, it's noon now. I just got back from the gym. I broke up my day. And I know it makes me a better version of myself. It makes me a better professional and a better human. So that's my suggestion for you this week. If you find you're identifying just as like whatever your title is, switch that. You're a human first. You're a human being, not a human doing. And take the time, invest in yourself, put health first, and you'll be better at your role.