The power of disconnecting: interview with former olympic cyclist Jolien D’Hoore
In the world of elite sports, boundaries between professional and private life are pretty much non-existing. And yet, finding the right balance will make the difference between winning and burning out down the road. Former olympic cyclist Jolien D’Hoore shared with us how disconnecting became a mental edge during her golden years. And why, years later as a team coach, the ability to switch off from work is still a very much needed skill.
Some highlights of our conversation
#1 Disconnection works in different ways
Although splitting the home- and work-front is rarely 100% possible, it’s important to try and keep your mind in one place at a time so you can give it your all. For years, Jolien’s professional success depended not only on training but also on focus. And to focus, she needed silence. So during her cycling career, she regularly cut out the noise – literally.
“During the Olympics, I shut everything down – phone, laptop, internet – for three full weeks.”
While extreme, this total disconnection from the private sphere helped Jolien clear her head and zone in on her goal. It was a deliberate choice: to protect her energy and limit distractions in moments when precision mattered. After such periods, she would have time off where her entire mind could then be with friends and family.
Today, she still believes in stepping back, but acknowledges it looks different. As a Sports Team Director, she has to be reachable 24/7, sometimes handling calls from sick athletes in the middle of the night. Because going offline for weeks is not an option anymore, her definition of “switching off” had to evolve. Now, it means carving out every day small but intentional moments that she’s really able to enjoy. Disconnecting isn’t always defined by your physical location, it’s also a state of mind.
#2 Balance takes planning and a lot of trial and error
Jolien is candid: when she transitioned from cycling into a leadership role, she struggled. “I couldn’t say no,” she says. “I worked nights, weekends, everything.” Eventually, it took a toll. So Jolien had to come up with strategies. She began blocking time for different tasks and for recovery. It’s a strategy that sounds simple but took years to figure out.
“Now I work in blocks. Emails. Meetings. Race prep. If I don’t, it all blends into one long sprint.”
This evolution from spontaneous effort to structured energy is a reflection many professionals can relate to. Whether managing people or projects, time and attention are our most valuable resource. And safeguarding it is an act of leadership. Ultimately, balance isn’t something you stumble upon. It’s created over time, through trial, clarity, and honest reflection. Even four years into her new role, she admits it’s still a work in progress.
#3 Planning to do nothing is one of the most productive things you can do
Today, Jolien has a family and therefore tries to protect weekends when it’s possible, avoid back-to-back commitments, and consciously recalibrate after high-pressure periods like the spring cycling classics. Her calendar includes time for everything, from strategic preparation to joyful moments with her daughter.
“From the moment the race calendar is known, we plan our year with my partner. That also means planning moments when we do nothing at all.”
For HR leaders, this is more than a personal anecdote. It’s a reminder that high performers – whether athletes or employees – also need space, clarity, and the occasional “airplane mode” moment.
Curious for more?
Employees of organisations with access to our My Health Partner digital platform can watch or listen to the full interview with Jolien D’Hoore!
