Nilofer Merchant: Got a meeting? Take a walk

Summary

The speaker warns about the health risks of excessive sitting, likening it to the smoking of our generation. With prolonged sitting linked to various cancers, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, the speaker shares a personal anecdote of how 'walking meetings' transformed their life, promoting physical activity and creative thinking. They advocate for reframing problems to see health and obligations as compatible, not opposing, and encourage adopting 'walk and talk' as a means to fresh thinking and sustainable living.

Takeaways

• 💺 Prolonged sitting is a modern health hazard, with people spending more time sitting than sleeping each day.
• 🚬 Sitting is likened to the 'smoking of our generation', highlighting its potential health risks.
• 🏃‍♂️ The speaker was motivated to change their lifestyle by a social interaction that involved walking.
• 📈 Sedentary behavior is linked to increased risks of various health issues, including cancers and type 2 diabetes.
• 🤝 The concept of 'walking meetings' was introduced as an alternative to traditional, sedentary meetings.
• 🚶‍♀️ The speaker adopted the idea of walking meetings and now walks 20 to 30 miles a week.
• 💡 Walking meetings can lead to 'out-of-the-box thinking', possibly due to the change of environment and physical activity.
• 🤔 The speaker reflects on the common belief that health and obligations are at odds, but finds a way to combine them.
• 🔄 The idea of reframing problems to see them as opportunities for both health and obligation fulfillment is presented.
• 🌿 Fresh air and physical activity can drive fresh thinking and lead to innovative ideas.
• 👣 The speaker encourages the audience to 'walk and talk', suggesting it as a sustainable and viable approach to problem-solving and life.

Q & A

What is the average daily sitting time mentioned in the script?

The script states that people nowadays sit for an average of 9.3 hours a day.

How does the sitting time compare to the average sleeping time?

The average sitting time of 9.3 hours a day is more than the average sleeping time, which is 7.7 hours.

Why is sitting referred to as 'the smoking of our generation' in the script?

Sitting is called 'the smoking of our generation' because it is incredibly prevalent and has significant health consequences, similar to how smoking was a widespread habit with severe health risks.

What are some health consequences mentioned in the script that are tied to a lack of physical activity?

Health consequences mentioned include a 10% increase in the risk of breast and colon cancer, a 6% increase in heart disease, and a 7% increase in type 2 diabetes.

What personal event in the speaker's life led to a change in their behavior regarding physical activity?

The speaker was invited to a meeting while the host was walking their dogs, which seemed odd at first but eventually led the speaker to adopt the idea of walking meetings.

How many miles does the speaker walk per week as part of their 'walking meetings'?

The speaker walks approximately 20 to 30 miles a week during their walking meetings.

What is the first benefit of walking meetings mentioned by the speaker?

The first benefit mentioned is that getting out of the traditional meeting environment leads to out-of-the-box thinking, possibly due to the influence of nature or the exercise itself.

What reflective insight does the speaker gain from their experience with walking meetings?

The speaker reflects on how problems are often held in opposition when they don't have to be, and suggests reframing problems to see both sides as true, which can lead to more effective solutions.

How does the speaker suggest we approach problem-solving in various fields such as governance, business, or environmental issues?

The speaker suggests reframing problems to consider both aspects as true, allowing for fresh thinking and sustainable solutions in areas like governance, business, environmental issues, and job creation.

What is the speaker's final recommendation based on their experience with walking meetings?

The speaker recommends walking and talking as a way to drive fresh thinking, suggesting that this approach can bring an entirely new set of ideas into one's life.

What does the phrase 'walk the talk' imply in the context of the speaker's message?

The phrase 'walk the talk' implies that taking action in line with one's beliefs or ideas, such as incorporating physical activity into daily life and meetings, can lead to positive changes and innovative thinking.