# ServiceNow CFO: Overwork Does Not Enhance Leadership Effectiveness Elite athletic principles like recovery are essential for sustained corporate executive performance. - **Source:** [Fortune](https://fortune.com) - **Published:** 2026-10-20 - **Topic:** [Leadership](https://brifing.si/c/leadership) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/fb6d6412-e767-4e10-8e15-d9d2de7be89a ## Redefining Executive Performance Standards ServiceNow CFO Gina Mastantuono challenges the corporate myth that fourteen-hour workdays signify dedication. She argues that equating sleep deprivation with commitment sets a damaging precedent for subordinates. Instead, she advocates for viewing recovery as a fundamental prerequisite for high-level performance, rather than a distraction from achieving critical business objectives. ## The Athlete Mindset in Leadership Leadership parallels elite athletics through the necessity of decision-making under intense pressure. Alicia Hatch notes that ninety-four percent of female C-suite executives participated in sports during their youth. This background fosters essential professional traits, including resilience, teamwork, and the ability to maintain composure when operating with incomplete information or high stakes. ## Strategic Pivoting Under Uncertainty Janet Evans illustrates the importance of adaptability through the LA28 Olympic bid process. When Paris became the likely winner for 2024, the Los Angeles team pivoted their strategy to secure the 2028 Games. This persistence demonstrates how leaders must maintain faith in long-term goals while remaining flexible enough to adjust tactics. ## Commercial Growth in Women's Sports The intersection of athletics and business is gaining momentum as women's sports reach new commercial heights. Deloitte projects global revenues will hit three billion dollars by 2026, representing a three hundred forty percent increase over four years. Soccer and basketball are expected to dominate this market, each accounting for thirty-five percent of total revenue. ## Recovery as a Leadership Tool Prioritizing physical and mental recovery directly enhances a leader's capacity for thoughtful listening and emotional regulation. Mastantuono emphasizes that when executives manage their own wellbeing, they become more effective bosses, colleagues, and parents. This intentional rest is not a sign of weakness but a strategic investment in long-term professional sustainability and clarity. ## Simulating Pressure in Corporate Roles Sports serve as a practical simulator for the continuous performance required in modern executive roles. Leaders frequently face changing circumstances that demand immediate, high-stakes decisions. By adopting an athlete's mindset, executives learn to navigate uncertainty without losing sight of their primary objectives, ensuring they remain effective even when external conditions shift rapidly. ## Cultural Shifts in Corporate Environments The prevailing culture in many Fortune 500 companies still rewards visible overwork over actual output. Leaders like Mastantuono are actively working to dismantle this narrative by modeling healthier behaviors. By demonstrating that rest is essential for success, they encourage a shift toward sustainable productivity that benefits both the individual leader and the organization. ## Integrating Athletics and Executive Strategy The convergence of athletic discipline and corporate strategy provides a framework for modern leadership. As the commercial value of women's sports grows, the lessons of resilience and recovery become increasingly relevant. Executives who successfully integrate these athletic principles are better equipped to handle the complexities of global business while maintaining their personal wellbeing. ## Sources covering this story - https://fortune.com/2026/10/20/servicenow-cfo-overwork-doesnt-make-you-a-better-leader/ — --- _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._