From Frenzy to Focus: Dana-Sofie Šlancarová On How We Can Cancel Hustle Culture And Create A New Sustainable Work Paradigm

An Interview With Drew Gerber

Listen to your body and fulfill its needs. Start with the basics, such as taking breaks from your computer to stretch, hydrate, or have a nutritious meal, and ensuring you get enough sleep. Prioritizing self-care will lead to increased focus, creativity, and productivity in the long term.

“Hustle Culture” is an ethos often propounded by young self-proclaimed internet gurus that centers around the idea that working long hours and sacrificing self-care are required to succeed. This mentality may have gained popularity in the mid-2010s, but it has peaked, and now it has been sardonically renamed “Burnout Culture.” So why exactly is Hustle Culture the wrong path to take? What damage can it cause? What is a viable, sustainable alternative to hustle culture? How can we move from Frenzy To Focus? In this interview series, we are talking to business leaders, mental health leaders, marketing experts, business coaches, authors, and thought leaders who can share stories and insights about “How We Can Cancel Hustle Culture And Create A New Sustainable Work Paradigm.” As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Dana-Sofie Šlancarová.

Dana-Sofie is an entrepreneur, writer, publisher and Cycle Success Catalyst.

Her mission is to empower successful, driven female entrepreneurs who may feel hindered by PMS, mood swings, or painful periods in their businesses. Through the Cycle Success Method, she helps them unlock boundless creativity, productivity, and well-being throughout the entire month by harnessing the superpowers of their cycle.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to know how you got from “there to here.” Inspire us with your backstory!

I’ve been in business for more than 25 years, so I know very well how important it is to have clarity of mind, emotional balance, and the ability to take efficient and consistent action if we want to achieve our desired results and make an impact in the lives of our clients and in the world.

Yet, my journey wasn’t always defined by such clarity, efficiency, and productivity. Month by month, I struggled with painful periods, battling through cramps, debilitating lower abdominal pain, brain fog, and an inability to focus. About one fourth of my month was marked by the loss of productivity, motivation, and a sense of well-being, not to mention those wild emotional rollercoasters that so many women are victims of! There were moments when my energy and emotions fluctuated so much that I felt completely lost, both in my business and in my life.

I had no clue why this was happening. I couldn’t discern any patterns and had no idea how to consistently tap into my creativity and productivity. Like many women, I attempted to “work harder” and “push through”, only to realize this was driving me toward burnout.

Fortunately, giving up is never in my vocabulary when faced with challenges; instead, I am driven to seek solutions.

After much searching, I came to a revelation — my female cycle, my period, my premenstrual phase didn’t have to sabotage my dreams. On the contrary, in fact, it is our unique and very potent female wellspring of power, vitality, clarity, creativity, and yes, even financial success!

This realization then sparked the inception of my Cycle Success Method.

I firmly believe that women entrepreneurs can attain their goals in their own distinctively feminine manner, without resorting to overwork, self-neglect, or ignoring their monthly bodily needs.

Tell us about your typical day!

I’ve never quite fit into the 5 am club, despite several attempts. Being a night owl, I relish starting my day at a gentler pace. Usually, it’s our furry friend who eagerly nudges me into action for our morning walk.

From there, my days take on various rhythms. As I am very well aware of the distinct ‘vibes’ of each phase of my cycle, I know exactly how to align my activities.

During my dynamic phase (that follows menstrual bleeding), I dive into planning, starting new activities, team communication, and sometimes even early morning handstand training sessions with Michal Barbier, a three-time world fitness champion. This is a good phase for multitasking, but I make a point to wrap up most tasks by evening, mindful of preserving my ability to sleep soundly.

As ovulation approaches, I know it’s the worst time for intensive computer work, so I shift gears. Instead, I prioritize networking, one-on-one sessions, team communication, client interactions, podcast recordings, and live interviews. Engaging with others in person becomes a top priority during this phase. If I neglect these interactions, I sense that something vital is lacking. That’s why I prioritize people-oriented activities over other tasks during this phase and it really pays back.

Transitioning from this genuinely feminine phase of my cycle, I already eagerly anticipate my premenstrual phase! While many women dread this time for its physical discomforts or mood swings — and I used to be one of them — I now embrace it as my most creative time of the month. During this phase, I prefer not to schedule client sessions, as I am deeply immersed in my creative flow. My focus is primarily on writing, creating content, and recording videos for my online programs. Additionally, this is the optimal time for me to complete administrative and technical tasks, so I allocate dedicated time for them.

Once menstruation arrives, I embrace a slower pace. More sleep, more rest, and substituting intense workouts with gentle yoga and stretching become my priorities. However, despite the slower pace, the menstrual phase provides a unique insight into what is truly important in our lives and businesses. Therefore, I often find myself more productive, accomplishing more in fewer hours while menstruating compared to when I’m ovulating and working longer hours.

These strategies, techniques and hacks are the cornerstone of my Cycle Success Method.

Evenings may find me working later, tapping into a naturally productive time for me. But regardless, I always ensure I’ve made time for ample exercise, outdoor adventures with our dog, expressions of love for my family, opportunities for learning and growth, and moments of peaceful meditation.

What lessons would you share with yourself if you had the opportunity to meet your younger self?

Oh, I really wish I had known everything I know now about my regular female hormonal changes much earlier. Back then, this information simply wasn’t available. I would have spared myself numerous burnouts and all the anger, frustration, and despair stemming from feeling lazy, undisciplined, and incompetent as both a woman and an entrepreneur.

You see, our cycle phases endow us with genuine superpowers that ebb and flow in roughly a 28-day period (depending on the individual woman’s cycle length). The challenge lies in the fact that our brains struggle to recognize these changes as regular occurrences within such a lengthy timeframe.

Through self-awareness and observation of my cycle, I’ve come to realize that there’s an abundance of time to accomplish everything necessary in my business. Moreover, I’ve discovered that these “superpowers” enable me to tackle tasks and activities with ease, grace, lightness, and incredible creativity, while also boosting my efficiency.

And that’s precisely why I am so committed to ensuring that future generations are equipped with this knowledge, empowering them to thrive!

Ok, thank you for sharing your inspired life. Let’s start with a basic definition to make sure that all of us are on the same page. How do you define Hustle Culture?

I was born in socialist Czechoslovakia, and witnessed the collapse of the communist regime when I was 14. Suddenly, limitless possibilities emerged, prompting people to strive hard to secure their new futures and fortunes, liberated from the constraints of communist laws and regulations.

For me, hustle culture was the prevailing norm until I encountered significant challenges, particularly grappling with painful periods and PMS symptoms, as mentioned earlier, which ultimately led to burnout.

Since then, I’ve been on a quest for a more sustainable and feminine approach!

Now let’s discuss an alternative to Hustle Culture. To begin, can you share with our readers a bit about why you are an authority on the problems that come with Hustle Culture?

During my university years, I initially envisioned myself staying to teach there, driven by my passion for inspiring others and sharing knowledge to enhance their lives. However, my career path took unexpected turns, leading me away from teaching translatology and into freelance lecturing on women’s cycles.

My perspective on hustle culture is therefore deeply intertwined with women and how it impacts them and their bodies. I’ve myself trodden that path, enduring my fair share of menstrual woes: pain, brain fog, cramps, headaches, mood swings, or loss of motivation. At that time, it felt as though my body had betrayed me, trapping me in a relentless cycle of agony with no escape.

Motivated to find a solution, I delved into extensive research, experimentation, and exploration, testing every remedy I could find, initially on myself and later with my clients. Eventually, I uncovered the ultimate secret, and my body became my ally for the first time, supporting me also in my business endeavors.

This transformation has been echoed in the experiences of countless clients and customers over the past 15 years. Through my project, Cyklická žena® (The Cyclic Woman), I’ve had the privilege of assisting hundreds of thousands of women across Europe, and especially in the Czech and Slovak Republics. I’ve authored over five books on this subject, written hundreds of articles, and shared insights through various platforms, from TV and radio interviews and business conferences to corporate settings.

I no longer believe in women trying to conform to the hustle culture, attempting to run their businesses the way the majority of men do. The essence of the female approach defies the need for hustle culture, embracing a natural flow instead. This flow varies in speed; sometimes it’s faster (such as in the dynamic phase) and sometimes slower (during menstruation), but it’s a pace that leaves us women feeling happy, healthy, and thriving in all aspects of our lives.

The specific term “Hustle Culture” may have been popularized in the 2010s, but the concept behind it and the behaviors that come with it can be traced back hundreds or perhaps even thousands of years. From your vantage point, experience, or research, what were the main drivers of Hustle Culture?

I’d like to shed light on the historical context of East European women over the past century. The aftermath of the two World Wars left many women without male partners, thrusting them into the dual responsibilities of providing for their families while also managing household duties. With the arrival of the socialist regime, the emphasis on women as workers intensified, often at the expense of recognizing their roles as caregivers, despite the continued expectation for them to fulfill both responsibilities.

This placed women in a challenging position, where they strove for perfection both in their professional lives and in managing their households and families. The introduction of technology, such as computers, mobile phones, the Internet, and social media, exponentially increased the number of tasks women have been expected to handle.

Reflecting on my grandmother’s experiences, who managed a household with three children, a husband, her mother, various animals, a garden, vineyard, and orchard, it’s evident that modern women face a symbolic equivalent of managing countless households and gardens, as dictated by societal expectations.

Doing the math, even without complex calculus, it’s clear that this level of hustle is far from sustainable.

I work in the marketing industry, and so I’m very cognizant of this question. What role do you see that marketing and advertising has played in creating the frenzy caused by Hustle Culture that many of us feel?

If we take the most positive perspective, marketing, advertising, and social media show us what is achievable, sparking a desire within us to strive for the ideal state portrayed. However, amidst this aspiration, we often overlook the fact that not everything portrayed is necessary or beneficial for our lives.

In our current culture, the mantra of “more is better” prevails, leading us to forget the value of simplicity and moderation. Moreover, women frequently overlook the fact that their bodies operate differently from male bodies and therefore require a distinct approach and care.

Women aren’t linear beings: They change, they flow, they pulse in cycles. Recognizing and embracing this fundamental truth is crucial. In my work, I assist women in understanding and integrating this cyclical nature into their businesses, fostering sustainability and harmony between their personal lives and professional endeavors. While it’s uncertain whether the prevailing marketing ethos will shift soon, I believe women can learn to better understand themselves and their needs, enabling them to make more heart-and-body-aligned choices.

Can you help articulate the downsides of Hustle Culture? Why is this an unsustainable work paradigm?

Hustle culture often diverts our focus from what truly matters in life: spending quality time with loved ones, pursuing our passions in our work or business at a comfortable pace that allows us to savor the experience, and maintaining our mental and physical well-being.

Let’s now discuss Focus, the opposite of Frenzy. Can you please share one area of your personal or business life where you simplified things and then felt less frenzied and more fulfilled? Can you please explain?

Discovering the superpowers associated with the phases of my cycle has made a significant difference in my life. I’d like to share two examples:

Firstly, during my premenstrual phase, I prioritize creative work by setting aside time for focused writing and creating. This means excluding client consultations, team meetings, and other distractions. For instance, I wrote my last book, Malá velká cyklická dívka Sára (“Teenage Sarah: Becoming a Cyclic Woman”), within just 10 days of my premenstrual phase. The creative flow during this time is so strong that I rarely need to revise my writing, unlike during other phases when I often second-guess myself. This approach saves me a lot of time and ensures efficient use of my creative energy.

Secondly, I’ve learned to leverage my menstrual phase, which used to be a source of dread due to decreased productivity. I’ve discovered that during menstruation, my superpower is the ability to discern what tasks are essential, and I avoid wallowing in unimportant details. This clarity allows me to be more decisive and focused. I get so much done during my bleeding phase, even though I usually have “bed office,” ie. I work from my sofa with a warm fluffy blanket, cup of hot herbal tea and I take frequent power naps.

What life experiences have you adopted in your business or personal life that have left you more satisfied? Can you please explain?

Before understanding my regular hormonal monthly changes, I used to be quite hard on myself, often thinking I lacked discipline or competence. Now, knowing that certain abilities may temporarily “disappear” but will return again, I can much better organize my personal and business activities.

Working on tasks during the “right” time, when I have the specific superpower for the job, brings immense satisfaction. I achieve more in less time, with greater flow and ease, feeling great in my female body. And my clients have noticed the difference too.

In your opinion, how can we break the addiction to being busy or trying to find the next big thing? How can people truly focus on tasks that make THE difference to their business and lives giving them satisfaction or life purpose alignment? Based on your experience and your area of expertise, can you please share “Five Ways To Move From Frenzy to Focused”?

My tips are applicable to women or individuals who menstruate. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as those in or after menopause, or after a surgery, can still experience their cycle, without the physical bleeding.

1. Listen to your body and fulfill its needs. Start with the basics, such as taking breaks from your computer to stretch, hydrate, or have a nutritious meal, and ensuring you get enough sleep. Prioritizing self-care will lead to increased focus, creativity, and productivity in the long term.

2. Observe your hormonal monthly changes and make note of your superpowers as well as any challenges you face in each phase. Remember to implement point 1: Address the varied needs of your body during each phase to support both your physical and mental well-being. If your superpowers have seemingly “disappeared”, remind yourself they will return shortly.

3. Stop being critical of yourself for not being the same every day as a woman. Embrace your ever-changing cyclical nature and leverage your feminine superpowers in your business. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can tap into new sources of creativity, inner strength, and energy if you follow your cyclic flow.

4. Have open conversations about your cyclical nature with your partner, children, colleagues, or employees. They are already affected by your hormonal changes, and understanding what’s happening can benefit everyone involved. Additionally, some of them may be women who will appreciate knowing that their changes are normal and natural — a gift rather than a curse.

5. Allow yourself more rest during your period. This phase is essential for recharging your energy reserves, and prioritizing sleep and relaxation will provide you with the stamina you need for the entire month. Failing to rest during menstruation often leads to burnout within a year or two.

How would you describe a work paradigm that is a viable alternative to Hustle Culture? What would it look like, and what would you call it?

I would describe a viable alternative to hustle culture as “aligned” business. By “aligned,” I mean that we prioritize listening to our bodies, intuition, and hearts, and then integrate this wisdom with our reasoning and analytical minds.

Additionally, we should have a clear understanding of what is truly important in our lives and willingly let go of anything that doesn’t align with it. Instead of feeling deprived, this approach leads to a greater sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Less is the new more.

Do you have any favorite books, podcasts, or resources that have inspired you about working differently?

Miranda Gray’s The Optimized Woman.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can inspire.

Perhaps it would something like The Cycle Awareness Movement. I’ve already initiated it in my home countries, the Czech and Slovak Republics, and now I believe it’s time to expand it internationally. The Cyklická žena® project focuses, among other things, on educating cyclic lecturers who teach not only women, women in business, men as partners and collaborators, mothers and teenage daughters, but also children of all ages about the ever-changing cyclic hormonal essence of women. The goal is to raise awareness among future generations of women about their bodies and empower them to harness their unique feminine powers. This, in turn, will help them become exceptional partners, mothers, entrepreneurs, and individuals.

What is the best way for our readers to continue to follow your work online?

I currently manage a Facebook group where I share my latest articles, videos, and other resources related to leveraging the menstrual cycle in business. Members also have access to a freebie. Join us here on this link.

Readers can also follow me on my social media under my name: dana.sofie.slancarova

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.

About The Interviewer: For 30 years, Drew Gerber has been inspiring those who want to change the world. Drew is the CEO of Wasabi Publicity, Inc., a full-service PR agency lauded by PR Week and Good Morning America. Wasabi Publicity, Inc. is a global marketing company that supports industry leaders, change agents, unconventional thinkers, companies and organizations that strive to make a difference. Whether it’s branding, traditional PR or social media marketing, every campaign is instilled with passion, creativity and brilliance to powerfully tell their clients’ story and amplify their intentions in the world. Schedule a free consultation at WasabiPublicity.com/Choosing-Publicity