HP Managing Director Michael Boyle Balances Work and Music Life

Michael Boyle, managing director of HP Greater Asia based in Singapore, leads a unique professional life. As he shares in an as-told-to essay, his passion for music predates his tenure at HP, which spans over a decade.

Boyle's musical endeavors have taken him to various countries and HP offices, where he has formed bands with colleagues. This experience not only allows him to express himself creatively but also provides a much-needed break from the demands of his role. With a background in rock music, Boyle has had the opportunity to play internationally, albeit not as an international rock star.

As managing director for Greater Asia, Boyle's responsibilities are considerable. However, he prioritizes self-care and maintains a balance between work and personal life. He begins each day with a consistent morning ritual, enjoying a flat white coffee, before engaging in physical activity.

Boyle's daily routine also includes careful management of his phone time. He limits himself to 10-minute bursts on his device, ensuring that he remains focused throughout the day. This discipline allows him to tackle the demands of his position effectively and maintain a sense of well-being.

When he wakes up in the morning, the first thing he avoids doing is checking his phone. He deliberately stays away from it for the initial 10 minutes of the day to allow himself to wake up naturally and cultivate a sense of gratitude.

Throughout the workday, he tries to use his phone in short intervals, typically lasting around 10 minutes at a time. This approach enables him to quickly scan through news updates and other important information without getting bogged down in non-essential activities.

He views his phone as an essential tool for productivity, using it to jot down notes and interact with AI interfaces. By keeping his interactions brief, he can stay focused on the tasks at hand and maintain a sense of control over his work schedule.

Before heading into the office, he takes some time to review his daily agenda and get a sense of what lies ahead. This helps him prioritize his tasks and make the most of his time when he's in the office, allowing him to be fully present and engaged with his team.

Working on complex initiatives requires careful planning and execution, which is why I often rehearse my pitches using AI tools to get feedback on key points and engagement strategies.

This process allows me to refine my ideas and make adjustments in real-time, ultimately saving time and effort that would be spent on revisions later on.

In the past, I might have spent hours fine-tuning a pitch without any outside input, but now I can rely on AI to provide valuable insights and suggestions.

By leveraging these tools, I'm able to streamline my workflow and make more effective use of my time.

Daily exercise is an essential part of maintaining productivity and overall well-being; I aim to take at least 10,000 steps each day by incorporating running into my daily routine.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for any executive, and it seems that HP's Asia leader has found effective ways to manage their personal and professional responsibilities. One of the key factors contributing to this balance is setting boundaries around phone use, which allows individuals like them to disconnect from work-related activities outside of designated hours.

The time difference between the US and other parts of the world can be a challenge for executives who need to conduct international meetings late at night. To stay alert during these sessions, they have developed a unique hack that involves playing their guitar - it serves as a natural energy booster without relying on caffeine. However, they acknowledge that this activity must be confined to breaks between meetings.

In the evenings and weekends, when work responsibilities are minimal, they engage in more leisurely activities such as playing guitar and drums for an hour or two, allowing them to unwind and recharge before the next day's challenges.