Outside CEO Robin Thurston on building a life outside the office

Thurston’s routine is anchored in the belief that human biology is ill-suited for modern screen-bound life. To combat the sedentary nature of his role, he prioritizes morning workouts, often scheduling rides between 8 a.m. and noon. His travel habits reflect this commitment; he frequently brings his own bike on international flights, utilizing a specialized case and AirTags to ensure his equipment arrives intact. When he cannot cycle, he turns to skiing or hiking, maintaining a strict seasonal rotation to keep activity levels high.

His leadership style at Outside, which employs roughly 400 people, mirrors his personal philosophy. He actively discourages the exhaustion of back-to-back video calls, pushing staff to conduct meetings while walking instead. When he is not working from his home base in Boulder, he hosts 'food meetings' or takes partners out for active outings like golfing or skiing. By 8 p.m., he shifts focus to family life and board games, concluding his day with a regimen designed to maximize recovery, including an Eight Sleep mattress and Oura ring tracking to monitor his biological data.