Like many of us, Gary Gahm's mental health struggles came to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It wasn’t until then that I felt ‘seen’ by a health professional and was given the attention I had been denying myself," says Gahm, property sales manager for Caesars Entertainment Meetings & Events. "I think that’s truly something that has changed my life for the better and I know for sure I wouldn’t be where I am today without that."

The well-being of staff and guests is important at Caesars Entertainment (see sidebar), and several of the company’s key staff members have inspiring personal wellness stories.

PUTTING YOUR VULNERABLE SELF FORWARD

Gahm says struggles with his weight have also negatively impacted his mental health.

"Thankfully, I have a very supportive group of people around me to help encourage me and who like to do physical activities together," he says. "I just started kickboxing, which has been a great thing for me mentally and physically!"

Understanding that wellness isn’t just about one’s physical health is important to Gahm.

"It truly encompasses your whole-body well-being," he says. "I choose to speak openly and often about my wellness journey, both physical and mental, to help break stigmas and to encourage more positive conversation around the topics. Speaking about your health and wellness shouldn’t ever be seen as a ‘pity me’ moment; instead, it should be seen as an act of bravery—you’re choosing to put your most vulnerable self into the world."

Making time for yourself is critical for busy meeting professionals and those who travel for work frequently, Gahm says.

"If working out is what helps keep you motivated and on the right track, plan to do something—it doesn’t have to be your normal workout routine," he says. "There’s always time, even if it’s five minutes, for us to take the time to center ourselves, breathe, get some water and prepare for the day."

Staying grounded enables Gahm to do his best work.

"I can’t do my best for my team or my customers if I am not at my best," he says. "If I don’t have a good relationship with my customers, internally and externally, my job would be next to impossible. I am a firm believer in letting people know if you’re having a rough day. It helps people meet you where you are."

TAKING CONTROL

On an airplane, you’re instructed to, in case of emergency, put your oxygen mask on before you help others. Leo Narens, regional sales manager for Caesars Entertainment Meetings & Events, says wellness works the same way.

"With wellness you need to take care of yourself first before you can help others, which in turn helps you," he says. "I’m a son, brother, husband, dad, friend and colleague. I want to be the best version of myself, as you only get one chance at life."

Narens’ passion for personal wellness came about because he reached a point in his life where he wanted to be in control.

"To know that whatever I do in life is because I chose to do it," he says. "Choosing not to do something is also very refreshing and powerful."

Speaking of control, Narens believes that busy meeting pros who truly focus on controlling what they can control will have no wellness regrets later. 

THE IMPACT OF ENERGY

Destinee Walker’s passion for wellness started with her time as a dancer.

"I grew up dancing competitively and was lucky enough to dance professionally for a few years," says Walker, associate director of sales, in-market Mountain Central for Caesars Entertainment Meetings & Events. "To keep up with the physical and mental demands of training, auditioning and performing, I learned how to care for my body and mind at a different level. Now as a hospitality professional, I incorporate these same wellness practices in my daily routine and believe, without a doubt, they have helped me achieve much success along the way. I’ve experienced firsthand how practicing wellness can benefit all aspects of life and want to share that with others."

Incorporating your hobbies and your clients’ hobbies into meetings and events is a great way to engage in wellness practices, Walker says. She recently met with a client via a hiking excursion instead of meeting at a restaurant.

"It was refreshing to catch up and talk business while enjoying something we both loved," she says. "Similarly, I always love to find a workout buddy/accountability partner when attending events. On my own, I may hit the snooze button. But if I know someone else is counting on me, I’ll be there!"

Walker also advises taking advantage of wellness elements that are becoming more common at events: fun runs, meditation rooms or healthy snacks. 

How she manages her energy is a big part of the wellness equation for Walker.

"How is my energy impacting others?" she says. "I have systems in place like exercise routines, scheduled breaks and breathing techniques that help me achieve the ideal energy. As a result, I am more pleasant, present and productive at work."

Wellness in action at Caesars Entertainment

Walker loves the fact that Caesars Entertainment, and the industry at large, is putting wellness at the forefront of hospitality.

"The recent Global Wellness Forum hosted by Caesars Entertainment is a true testament to our commitment to wellness," she says. "We understand that wellness is at the forefront of the meeting arena, and we’re eager to support our clients’ meeting needs. We want to set our customers up for success so that they can easily share the gift of wellness with their attendees."

Working for a company that supports and encourages time off to fully disconnect and focus on friends and family is also important to Walker.

"Caesars Entertainment encourages me to fulfill not just my professional goals, but my personal goals as well—AND supports me in doing so," she says. "Wellness is engrained in our company culture and it makes all the difference!"

Gahm agrees that Caesars Entertainment "truly walks the walk and talks the talk" when it comes to wellness.

"I have never felt more confident in the state of mind, so to speak, of the company, its focus and commitment to our whole-body well-being—from giving us multiple health insurance options to the focus on our mental health and taking the time we need to be at our best," he says.

Narens says seeing all of the communication about wellness from the company helps him stay on track with his personal wellness journey.

"I love how Caesars Entertainment places such a big emphasis on wellness for the team as well as for planners to incorporate wellness into their programs," he says. "Staying at the forefront and providing wellness tools and resources is key. Having wellness food and beverage options on our catering menus makes it easier for planners to incorporate this into their programming. Offering wellness speakers and practitioners is invaluable."

"Enjoy yourself and enjoy life," he says. "Stay true to wellness for yourself while traveling and attending work events. As time goes on it will become a habit and just who you are."