The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation is to host a seminar this month that will teach business owners and entrepreneurs about the importance of work/life balance.

“Balancing Act” will be held at The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club on September 25 from 8.30am until 11am.

Hungry for success, entrepreneurs can often develop tunnel vision, causing them to lose sight of other aspects of life that don’t directly align with their goals, the BEDC said. When this happens, family, relationships, health, and even personal wellbeing can suffer.

“We want to help entrepreneurs refocus and give them the tools they need to change this narrative,” said Dennis Carter, junior micro, small and medium enterprise officer at BEDC. “We want them to be successful and stay driven, but in all aspects of their lives, not just in business.”

Maxim Alkon, a licensed professional counsellor who will be a panellist at the event, said: “Work/life balance is a dazzling and complicated juggling act, of knowing how many items you can juggle at one time and understanding the timing required to adjust to the items that are heavier or lighter in weight in order to maintain the balance. It’s about understanding how much attention you must give each dream so that you do not lose it and how much time you must give to what’s necessary so you can maintain your life.”

The BEDC said that attendees will learn practical techniques that can be adopted into their everyday life and hear from fellow entrepreneurs that have managed to find the happy medium between running a successful business and maintaining a happy, healthy home life.

A small panel comprised of entrepreneurs, and health and wellness industry professionals will share their stories and experience. Attendees will be encouraged and given practical ways to change habits, implement new practices and move towards living a more balanced life, the BEDC said.

Discussion topics will include “creating balance — tips and tricks you can start doing now”, and “setting boundaries — where does work end, and life begin”?

The seminar will also cover “balance and entrepreneurship — can you have both and be successful”? Panellists will dive into the common misconception that balance and the successful entrepreneur cannot coexist.

Attendees are encouraged to have their own questions or discussion points, as there will be a question and answer period after the seminar.

The BEDC said the seminar is for anyone seeking to learn how to implement a more balanced lifestyle. A spokesman said: “We encourage as many entrepreneurs, future entrepreneurs, current business owners, and others to attend as possible. While the stories shared by the entrepreneurs on our panel will be framed by their journey as business owners, we feel that anyone can benefit from the techniques that will be outlined by our industry experts.”

Registration is $25 for BEDC registered members, and $30 for non-members. The fee includes a light breakfast. To register, call 292-5570, e-mail info@bedc.bm or log on to www.bedc.bm