Burnout, anxiety, and stress are realities for so many professionals today. The pressure to perform, the endless distractions, and the belief that rest is a luxury often lead us to ignore our own well-being. But what if the answer isn’t in working harder but in slowing down? Mindfulness offers a path back to balance, clarity, and humanity. For Max Schneider, this realization came after years in consulting, where his passion and intensity eventually led him to a breaking point. Instead of ignoring the signs, he chose to transform his life and now helps others do the same through retreats and mindfulness practices.
Summary: In this episode of Leaders Living Their Values, host Mitchell Levy speaks with Max Schneider, founder of Sand and Salt Escapes, who shares his journey from corporate burnout to building a life centered on mindfulness, balance, and authentic success. Max discusses how hitting rock bottom forced him to question his definition of achievement, the power of presence in everyday life, and why rest is not weakness but strength. He also shares how he created mindfulness retreats in Costa Rica and corporate off-sites that bring humanity back into the workplace.
Quotes: • “The harder you work, the harder you need to rest.” – Max Schneider • “Mindfulness isn’t about escaping life—it’s about being present in it.” – Max Schneider • “Success isn’t what the world tells you it is; it’s what you define for yourself.” – Max Schneider • “Burnout isn’t a failure—it’s a sign your system needs a reboot.” – Max Schneider
Takeaways: • Rest Is Essential: True intensity requires equal recovery. • Presence Over Distraction: Growth happens in the stillness, not the noise. • Redefine Success: Let go of external measures and discover your own. • Balance Brings Impact: Leaders who slow down show up stronger for others.
Timeline: [00:00] Mitchell welcomes Max, who shares his passion and positive mindset. [04:00] An ankle injury becomes a real-life test of “Why is this happening for me?” [09:30] Presence vs. distraction—why boredom is where growth begins. [13:00] Daily practices: meditation, somatic work, phoneless walks, and breathwork. [17:00] Burnout in consulting: anxiety attacks, shingles, and the breaking point. [22:00] Redefining success and releasing societal expectations. [26:00] The emotional release of leaving corporate life behind. [30:00] Founding Sand and Salt Escapes: retreats in Costa Rica. [35:00] Corporate evolution: bringing mindfulness into executive off-sites. [41:00] Why balance matters for everyone—and how to start. [46:00] Final reflections: humanity, authenticity, and the power of slowing down.
Conclusion: Max Schneider’s story is a reminder that mindfulness is more than meditation—it’s a way of living that helps us reclaim balance, presence, and authenticity. By redefining success and prioritizing rest, he demonstrates that leadership isn’t about titles or overwork, but about showing up as a whole human being. His retreats and corporate programs prove that when we bring humanity back into the workplace and our daily lives, the impact is lasting.
Links/Resources: • Learn more about Sand and Salt Escapes: sandandsaltescapes.com • Contact Max directly: max@sandandsaltescapes.com • Learn more about Mitchell Levy: MitchellLevy.com • Book time with Mitchell: Contact Page
Credibility Nation: • Website: MitchellLevy.com • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mitchelllevy • YouTube: Credibility Nation • Facebook: Credibility Nation • Community: Superheroes
