Being in the C-suite is a high-pressure job with long hours, responsibilities to the board, and intense scrutiny. But what is it like to be a top executive when you’re off the clock?
Fortune’s series, The Good Life, shows how up-and-coming leaders spend their time and money outside of work.
Today we meet Cesar Carvalho, cofounder and CEO of corporate-wellness platform Wellhub.
Living longer and healthier lives has become a core mission for many workers and executives, and Carvalho’s career and downtime reflects just that. His $2.4 billion business Wellhub is serving the workers of 26,000 businesses including the likes of Unilever and Aflac. Its wellbeing network gives 20 million employees access to more than 50,000 in-person gyms and studios, 3,800 virtual personal trainers, and 93 wellness apps. Major gyms and services like SoulCycle, YMCA, LA Fitness, CorePower Yoga, and Solidcore are all part of its growing network.
The inspiration for his billion-dollar business came from his upbringing thousands of miles away from his NYC headquarters.
The 41-year-old entrepreneur grew up in Brazil, spending his time at lush parks, gyms, and relaxing spaces where he was able to check in with himself. He earned his business degree from the Universidade de São Paulo, soon launching his business management career with leadership roles at McKinsey & Company and AC Nielsen. He later enrolled at Harvard Business School, but dropped out to pursue his true passion: bringing that same calm and exercise he had in Brazil to big cities in the corporate world.
“It felt like staying ‘well’ was only possible for people with plenty of time or money. That idea of limited access really stuck with me and became the driving force behind what I’ve built with Wellhub,” Carvalho says. “I wanted to bring back the simplicity of what wellness looked like growing up: going to the park, spending time with friends, taking a moment for yourself.”
Wellhub has since expanded into 13 countries globally, boasting 2,000 workers. The company recently partnered with the Reebok Fitness app and Citibikes in New York City, and continues to release annual wellbeing reports on how employers should approach workforce wellness.
That true happiness never comes from more money. That relationships with family and friends are priceless.
But despite Wellhub’s continued success, Carvalho still finds time to achieve work-life harmony, flying mini planes and taking yearly trips to Brazil. Despite leading a wellness app, the CEO isn’t an Oura ring-lover or WHOOP fanatic—but he does live in his Nike and Lululemon workout clothes. Family and friends will always trump money, and the entrepreneur says he celebrates his big “wins” by bringing more kids into his educational charity, Instituto Acredite.
The finances
Fortune: What’s been the best investment you’ve ever bought?
Moving to America to drive Wellhub’s global expansion has been the most transformative decision of my entrepreneurial journey. I was not only investing in building a company, but I was investing in myself, what I valued most in life, and the wellness of others.
By establishing our presence in the U.S., we didn’t just unlock the world’s largest corporate wellness market, but we positioned Wellhub as a truly global platform capable of serving multinational enterprises across continents.
If you have children, what do your childcare arrangements look like?
I have an amazing wife who stays at home and three children. This is our approach on childcare:
Integration over compartmentalization. Rather than viewing childcare as separate from work, I’ve learned that flexible, intentional integration works better for both family and business success. I’ve scheduled internal meetings for when my kids have extra-curricular math—I take them from the car. This allows me to drive them there and back every week. Also, once a week I give them the download of my prior week, talking about things I did, people I met, so they are close to what I am doing everyday. It also helps explaining the “why” behind my schedule changes to maintain trust and transparency at home.
Consistent connection rituals—I prioritize 7:30 p.m. check-ins with my wife and kids, no matter where I am. They can expect a call from me. Also, whenever I’m home, I cook them breakfast and take them to school.
Learning from experience, my paternity leave taught me that rigid structures don’t support real-life balance; a flexible, part-time transition would have been more beneficial for both my family and the business. Modeling what we preach, as someone building a company focused on making wellbeing accessible, I have to demonstrate that successful leadership doesn’t require sacrificing family relationships.
What are your living arrangements like: swanky apartment in the city, or suburban sprawling?
I live in New Canaan, Connecticut. I appreciate the schools, activities for the kids and the space for my family, while still being close to our office in Union Square.
I don’t really subscribe to the idea of “work-life balance,” it suggests the two are in conflict. For me, it’s about work-life integration.
How do you commute to work?
At Wellhub, we’ve adopted a permanent flexible-work model, so there’s no mandate on how often employees need to be in the office. That applies to me too.
That being said, I commute to our office in Union Square two to three times per week. I also travel to our other offices in Brazil, Mexico, and Europe. The other days I work from home. I get a fair amount of work and strategic thinking time during the commute and once I’m in the office I get energy from meeting with our leadership team in person.
The necessities
Do you carry a wallet?
I do. But nothing insightful is in it: some change for candies/ice cream for the kids, and a few credit cards as a backup for my phone.
Do you invest in shares?
I use an advisor, mainly so I don’t have to worry about it at all and can focus on the other things that matter more to me.
What personal finance advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
That true happiness never comes from more money. That relationships with family and friends are priceless.
Where’s your go-to wristwatch from?
I don’t like watches or anything on my wrist.
How do you get your daily coffee fix?
Nespresso pods are my go-to. I have a machine close to my desk and usually have three to four espressos a day. Always before 3 p.m., though—otherwise I won’t sleep well.
What about eating on the go?
I almost always have lunch “al desko.” I’ve made dinner with my kids the priority so I try to be very efficient during the day.
Where do you buy groceries?
Wherever it is delivered fastest to our place. I must confess, I buy everything last minute so speed is important.
How often in a week do you dine out versus cook at home?
I dine out with just my wife every Friday. Other than that, I only go out if it’s a business dinner with clients, partners, or Wellhub team members.
I love Elm and Sole in New Canaan, Pound Ridge Inn, and Greybarn Tavern in Silvermine, Norwalk.
Where do you shop for your work wardrobe?
I mostly use workout clothes for work. Traditional suspects: Nike, Lululemon, Peter Millar, and more.
What would be a typical work outfit for you?
The treats
How do you unwind from the top job?
I don’t really subscribe to the idea of “work-life balance,” it suggests the two are in conflict. For me, it’s about work-life integration. We’re one person, not two versions of ourselves. Life and work aren’t opposing forces; they can, and should, reinforce each other. When you’re thriving in one, it often lifts the other.
That mindset has made a big difference for me, especially as a leader. Too many founders stay stuck in “founder mode,” making decisions in isolation, chasing productivity at all costs, and overlooking the power of trust and transparency.
I will say my favorite brand by far is my e-foil board, e-Flight. No better way to relax on a weekend than going to a lake/ocean for some flying. I also have a love relationship with my Babolat tennis racquet.
What’s the best bonus treat you’ve bought yourself?
Starting a charity: Instituto Acredite. Our mission is to provide access to a transformative educational experience to underprivileged and high-potential children in Brazil, preparing them to become the next generation of leaders who will make the difference in their communities.
How do you treat yourself when you get a promotion?
As CEO and founder, promotions don’t come by often. But if there’s a big win, I like to celebrate with my family or by adding more kids to our non-profit.
Take us on holiday with you, what’s next on your vacation list?
I try to take two real vacations each year: one is usually a trip back to Brazil to see family, and the other is somewhere new or relaxing. I try to use that time fully and intentionally.
How many days of annual leave do you take a year?
Fortune wants to hear from business leaders on what their “Good Life” looks like. Get in touch: emma.burleigh@fortune.com
