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MAKING TIME FOR DOWN TIME
On the go executives take time from
hectic schedules for recreation
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By Laurie Burstein
Here’s how five busy executives are making time to do the
things they enjoy outside of work and how it helps them on the
job.
 Rhonda
Hamm-Niebruegge, managing director for American Airlines
in St. Louis, believes in the importance of having a life outside
of work. With 24 years in the airline industry, Hamm-Niebruegge
is in charge of operations and oversees 200 flights per day
for American Airlines here. Yet, she still finds time to do
the things she enjoys.
“Careers can really consume you so you have to put confidence
in the people you hire to do the job while you are away,” she
says. “You have to find a balance. If you work all the time
in a stressful job it can lead to poor health including high
blood pressure. I’m happy to say my blood pressure is low!”
Hamm-Niebruegge and her husband have a lot of outside interests
and like to spend time on their farm in Hermann, Mo. “We like
to enjoy the wineries near our farm and we love to cook and
entertain,” she says. Hamm-Niebruegge is also a huge sports
fan and attends ice hockey and baseball games.
 St.
John’s Mercy Healthcare CEO and President Denny DeNarvaez
is another busy executive. DeNarvaez oversees a billion dollar
healthcare operation and often works from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.,
but she still makes time for down time she says.
“My husband and I like to golf and travel,” DeNarvaez says.
“We have a second home in Scottsdale and try to get there as
often as we can. I also like to visit family in Montana, Florida
and North Carolina.“
Having been here just two years, DeNarvaez says she likes visiting
all the great attractions in the region. “We love the Zoo and
Botanical Garden, as well as the wine country. There are so
many new things for us to see and do in the area.”
On the importance of carving out time for fun and recreation
she comments, “My renewal time is doing something outside whether
golfing or going for a walk. Being in the fresh air is important.”
 Patrick
McGinnis, president & CEO of Nestlé Purina PetCare—Americas,
also likes to spend time outdoors and says the benefits carry
over into the workplace. “I primarily enjoy outdoor activities
including boating, golf, fishing, hunting and attending sporting
events,” McGinnis says.
McGinnis agrees that his activities outside the office also
have benefits inside the office. He adds, “I find that the fresh
air and the physical activity are rejuvenating. If I concentrate
on the activity, then I am able to unwind about my professional
responsibilities. After being outdoors, I am able to re-engage
my work with refreshed enthusiasm and creativity.”
 George
Roman is another outdoor enthusiast. As vice president of
government relations and integrated defense systems for The
Boeing Company, Roman still finds time for two of his favorite
pastimes—horseback riding and scuba diving.
“I have always loved horses and the challenge of riding,” Roman
says. “It’s a great hobby that my wife and I like to do together.”
Roman currently owns two horses and he and his wife are in the
process of building a small horse ranch in West County.
Roman follows a very disciplined schedule and is in the gym
each morning by 5 a.m. He gets to work at 7 a.m. and is there
until about 5:30 or 6 p.m., then he usually heads off to the
ranch to ride.
“It’s very healthy to have outside interests,” Roman says. ”It
gives you something else to talk about in both a business and
social setting. The majority of executives I know have interests
outside of work. Too much of one thing, including work, can
make you dull to your environment. It really strengthens you
to have something you enjoy doing in addition to work.”
Scuba diving is another of Roman’s interests. He says the focus
he has to maintain while diving helps him in work. “Diving really
hones your skills of observation and mental toughness. These
are the same skills you need in the workplace.”
Roman also points to his volunteer work and is active on many
boards including St. John’s Mercy Hospital, Webster University
and Civic Progress. How does he manage to work at a very hectic
job and still find time for volunteering?
“Boeing really encourages us to volunteer in the community and
wants well-rounded people. We want our folks to be healthy.
It really makes us better executives to volunteer and have outside
interests,” Roman explains.
 Another
CEO who makes time for down time is Gary Olson, president
and CEO of St. Luke’s Hospital. Named this year as one of America’s
50 Best Hospitals by HealthGrades, Olson has been with St. Luke’s
for 29 years.
His hobbies include golf, boating at Lake of the Ozarks and
a variety of community and church activities that he and his
wife like to do together. He also counts spending time with
his children and grandchild among his favorite things to do.
“I love my job, but I also try to make time to balance my work
with my faith, family and personal time,” Olson says. “It’s
always a juggling act.”
Olson continues, “It’s important to have fun and find a balance.
If you can strike the right balance, you’ll do better at your
job and with your family.”
Olson sums up what all the busy executives agree on, “Spending
time outside work doing activities you enjoy is refreshing.
It gives you a clearer perspective and helps you to focus and
do a better job when you are at work.”
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