David Ko, the CEO who led Calm to over 180 million downloads across 190 countries, has stepped down to take on a senior adviser role. Ko reflects on his decision, driven by the interconnected challenges in mental health spanning employers, technology, and policy. Despite the pressures of leading a top mental wellness brand, Ko emphasizes the importance of quality sleep and vulnerability in leadership. Under his guidance, Calm grew significantly, partnering with health insurers and integrating celebrity voices to make mental health more approachable. Ko stresses the ongoing need for authentic leadership support in mental health, revealing that many executives face hidden stress but often lack safe spaces to share it. He aims to continue impacting Calm’s mission on a global scale beyond the CEO role.
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