Three Big Takeaways:
Sabbatical is a gift, not a hack. It’s not time “off”—it’s a profound get-to that invites reflection, healing, and creativity.
Leaders must model delight. When leaders take space to reset, they come back more alive, and it trickles into organizational culture.
Delight requires trust. A culture of trust and abundance unlocks imagination, retention, and deep employee joy.
Meet the Mountain Guide for Leaders
Alan Briggs is like a wise mountain guide in the leadership journey.
I know this first hand. When I first met Alan a few years ago through a mutual friend (HOLLER OUT TO MANNY POLLARD), he encouraged me to stop thinking about writing a book — and DO IT. At multiple points along the way, he helped me to keep going — sometimes dragging me up the mountain when my legs gave out. The Superpower Quest would not exist with out him.
So it was an absolute honor to get to interview him about his role as a sabbatical coach and consultant.
Whether he's leading someone into the wilderness or helping a founder excavate their unique design, he shows up shoulder to shoulder. “I live and think like a designer. I live and think like an adventurer. And my canvas is people.”
Sabbatical: The Ultimate Gift of Delight
Sabbatical changed Alan’s life. After adopting two kids and juggling multiple roles, he was given 10 weeks to stop working—and start listening. “I realized how many have-tos had crowded out my get-tos,” he said. “That space helped me reset my health, my mindset, and even learn to weld.”
Now he’s coached many leaders and is helping organizations reimagine work. Sabbatical is a future-proof strategy for retaining high-capacity talent. “Without margin, there’s no imagination. Tired leaders produce tired ideas. Fresh leaders? They change the game.”
To go deeper, check out his new book:
👉 The Sabbatical Journey
For Employers Who Dare to Delight
Want your employees to thrive, not just survive? Start by asking: What do I have in place that is for the person—not just the producer?
Even if you can’t offer a sabbatical yet, Alan urges: “Give small gifts of delight. A handwritten note. A $100 gift card. A week off because someone left them a glowing review.”
If we want humans at work—not bots—we need to care for their identity, not just their output.
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