The “most stressed” wellness CEO, with Calm’s David Ko

In this episode of Masters of Scale, host Bob Safian sits down with David Ko, the outgoing CEO of Calm, to discuss his decision to step down from the role and transition into a senior advisor position. Ko candidly reveals that despite leading a mental wellness company, he considers himself 'the most stressed out CEO you will ever meet'—a paradox rooted in the constant global demand for help from Calm’s 180 million users. He reflects on the growing mental health crisis in the workplace, emphasizing that stress isn't inherently bad; in small doses, it can build resilience and drive purpose. However, chronic stress—what he calls 'burnout'—is a systemic issue fueled by AI disruption, political instability, and the blurring of work-life boundaries. Ko advocates for a shift from reactive 'wellness washing' to proactive, preventative mental health strategies, urging leaders to model vulnerability and prioritize micro-breaks. He also addresses the tension between technology as both a source of stress and a potential solution, cautioning against unregulated AI chatbots while supporting human-centered design. Ultimately, Ko’s departure isn’t about seeking calm but about scaling impact on a global level, where mental health conversations are still taboo in many cultures. The episode offers practical wisdom for leaders and individuals alike: start with small, intentional pauses—like looking out a window or taking a glass of water—to reset during the day. Ko stresses that mental health isn’t a luxury but a necessity for sustainable performance. His message is clear: true leadership begins at the top with transparency, and progress comes not from eliminating stress, but from managing it wisely. By reframing stress as a tool rather than a threat, and by building systems that support well-being, organizations can thrive in an increasingly demanding world.