Why Well-Being Is the Real Strategy in a Two-Person Team

Two Years of Challenge, Reflection, and Renewal:

The past two years unfolded in waves — one intense chapter after another. We went from navigating a major, high-stakes project 2023-24, the kind few teams or organisations ever reach the finish line with, straight into managing an important Jubilee event at school, carrying the emotional weight and responsibility that came with it. Before we even had time to catch our breath, serious health matters arrived and of course the necessary recovery, followed by more unexpected health challenges — both our own and within the people close to us. We were definitely surfing; life felt relentless, yet we both kept up. For now.

Somewhere in the middle of all that, work began to shift. This wasn’t just a case of us “keeping going” or being ‘martyrs’ — that isn't who we are. We’re deeply passionate about our company and have seen it grow quickly in recent years. We believe in our business and in each other. But these experiences showed us that working all hours, even when driven by purpose, just wasn't sustainable. The metaphorical hamster wheel of constantly pushing doesn’t make you stronger or achieve more; it drains the energy, focus, and clarity that make the work meaningful.

We weren’t smiling as much anymore and we needed to pause and rethink.

The moment that crystallised this lesson was losing a big contract we had invested so much time, energy, and ourselves into. It was a sink-or-swim moment — a point where everything could have unravelled. However instead of letting it, we leaned into our connection, and that gave us the clarity we needed.

In a two-person team, everything is amplified. Your energy becomes the company’s energy, your focus and clarity shape every decision, and your stress can ripple instantly to your business partner. Our partnership and close friendship intensified these effects even more, but our awareness, reflection, and intentional care for ourselves, and each other, have helped us to navigate the pressures, rather than be consumed by them.

We have chosen to prioritise ourselves as the core of our business — our energy, focus, and well-being. This means increasing walks, taking part in activities that create space to rest and smile, and carving out moments to recharge and love ourselves more. To acknowledge and care more about our synchronicity and friendship.

“With nowhere to run or hide, we embraced the unknown. Although it’s good to have an end to journey toward, it is always the journey that matters in the end.” Natalia Cohen, end2end TV CIC Patron, World Record Holder, Adventure Expert, Inspirational Speaker

The result is not less work — it’s smarter work. Clearer thinking, better collaboration, and a much better capacity to be truly present.

To renew and rebuild, we focused on three core areas:

• Health as non-negotiable — Physical and mental well-being come first. Rest, support, and space to recharge are essential to working effectively and creatively.

• Boundaries and intentional check-ins — We created structures to communicate openly about energy, capacity, and emotional load, preventing pressure from silently accumulating.

• Redefining success — We shifted focus from short-term wins to long-term sustainability, alignment, and resilience. Success became about building a business and a life that can be sustained without sacrificing well-being or connection.

Pause and reflection have been transformative. We are rebuilding with a stronger core and a refreshed outlook. We’re more aligned, more resilient, more caring, and far more aware of the balance between ambition and well-being — a balance that helps you see the wood for the trees.

“The challenge is to maintain your vision while being flexible enough to let the work evolve.” Christopher Nolan, Film Director

We still love the work we do; we’re still passionate and energetic, generously sprinkled with neurodiversity and the uniqueness that makes our friendship what it is - we know this shift has helped us find our inner smiles again, and that is simply inspiring and well received. We know who we are and why we are here.

Fun now means prioritising pause moments long enough to go, “oh, there you are…” — noticing, resting, laughing, and truly connecting. Clearer thinking, better collaboration, and being present come naturally when you honour those little moments.

The lessons are clear: in a small, two-person team, well-being isn’t optional — it’s a business strategy. With it, you can take on high-stakes projects, recover from setbacks, and approach each new challenge with clarity, creativity, and energy.

The past two years have been challenging — but they have also gifted us an opportunity. Today, we are stronger, wiser, and more intentional about how we work, how we show up and support each other, and how we define success.

Nod of Banksy appreciation

Our business isn’t just surviving; it’s being nurtured and is designed to last. Because we made the one decision that changes everything: we choose us first. We took care of ourselves, our partnership and friendship. As a result we feel more authentic and alive. More self aware. Not perfect. That’s ok! We are learning, but feel more aligned and trust we are on the right path.

People matter first. No question.

Friendship and connection is what drives everything forward.

"Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives." Brené Brown, Researcher, Author, Speaker

Our friendship is closer, which is incredibly meaningful ... and when it comes to driving, we’re somewhere between a beautiful classic Triumph Stag and an exciting Aston Martin, which is very cool!

Our greatest achievement isn’t just the stories we tell, but the lives we live while telling them.

Self love and connection became the headline act.

With BAFTA’s awarded to close friends and family for supporting the evolving journey.

✨☀️✨