# ServiceNow CFO Criticizes Toxic Overwork Culture Among Corporate Leaders Gina Mastantuono argues that prioritizing rest is essential for effective leadership and performance. - **Source:** [Fortune | FORTUNE](https://brifing.si/source/769282ef-327a-4454-909a-3c7936216004) - **Published:** 2026-10-16 - **Topic:** [Leadership](https://brifing.si/c/leadership) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/0eb8b710-fde5-4b55-8dfd-a945e7131aa2 ## The Myth of Overwork ServiceNow CFO Gina Mastantuono challenges the corporate narrative that equates fourteen-hour workdays and minimal sleep with high performance. Speaking at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, she argued that such habits set a detrimental example for employees. This toxic mindset persists despite growing evidence that constant overwork undermines long-term professional success. ## Recovery as Performance Mastantuono emphasizes that recovery is not a secondary activity but a fundamental component of high-level performance. Drawing a parallel to physical training, she notes that muscle growth occurs during rest, not during the workout itself. Business leaders must adopt this athletic mindset to sustain their effectiveness and decision-making capabilities over time. ## Scientific Basis for Rest Research supports the necessity of boundaries, with a University of Florida meta-analysis of nearly two hundred studies confirming the link between recovery and improved mental health. These findings demonstrate that adequate sleep and downtime are directly associated with better life satisfaction. Ignoring these biological requirements often leads to diminished returns in professional output. ## Leadership and Calm By prioritizing her own work-life balance, Mastantuono has improved her ability to listen rather than react impulsively. This disciplined approach allows her to maintain composure under pressure, which directly enables her teams to execute tasks more effectively. Leaders who care for themselves become better bosses, colleagues, and overall contributors to their organizations. ## Perspectives from Athletics Janet Evans, a four-time Olympic medalist and chief athlete officer for LA28, highlights that even elite athletes require reminders to take a breather. Despite her background in high-stakes competition, she acknowledges the difficulty of internalizing rest. The transition from intense athletic training to corporate leadership often requires a conscious shift in perspective. ## Military Context in Business LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover, a former three-star U.S. Army Lieutenant General, brings a unique perspective to workplace stress. He frequently reminds his team that corporate challenges are not life-threatening situations, using the phrase that no one is shooting at them. This perspective helps ground employees and prevents unnecessary panic during high-pressure projects. ## Cultural Shift Requirements While the importance of recovery has gained traction in general culture, it has not fully permeated the vocabulary or habits of business leaders. Many senior employees continue to embody outdated ideas about working the hardest. Changing this dynamic requires a fundamental shift in how organizations define and reward professional dedication and success. ## Sustainable Leadership Impact The integration of recovery into business strategy is essential for long-term organizational health. Leaders who model healthy boundaries create a more sustainable environment for their teams. By treating rest as a performance tool rather than a weakness, executives can foster a culture that values both high output and employee well-being. ## Sources covering this story - https://fortune.com/2026/10/16/servicenow-cfo-says-leaders-rest-work-life-balance-athletes/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._