Canva CEO Melanie Perkins – one of only two female founders of Australia’s top tech unicorns – says making space to pause has been transformative to her life. Here are the techniques she uses to achieve balance.
When Melanie Perkins was a secondary school student in Western Australia, her history teacher described her as a ball of energy, a truly lovely person, and ‘one in a million.’ Today, some twenty years after graduating from Perth’s Sacred Heart College, Perkins is at the helm of Canva – the company she co-founded with Cliff Obrecht and Cameron Adams in 2013, and leads as its CEO.
The $49 billion design platform is Australia’s second-largest tech ‘startup’ by valuation, and building it has been a gargantuan task.
“I used to work seven days a week, barely pausing to breathe, thinking it was the only way to succeed—but I’ve since realized how unsustainable that was,” Perkins said this week. “Now, I feel like I have the tools to help me recharge, reset, and plan effectively.”
Those tools involve taking real breaks, setting walking goals, meditating every day, experimenting with AI walks, and building intentional habits, according to Perkins.
“I certainly don’t have it all figured out—I’m still learning, and these habits are evolving. But I’ve noticed how much better I feel when I make time for myself,” says the 37-year-old.
Here is how Australia’s top female entrepreneur thinks about finding balance to sustain her energy and focus.
Taking Real Breaks
“For years, I didn’t take weekends off,” says Perkins. “Now, I intentionally carve out time to recharge. Giving myself space to pause has been transformative—it helps me reset and approach the week ahead with clarity and energy.”
Setting Walking Goals
“A few years ago, I challenged myself to walk 100 km every month. It was a game-changer. Those walks became my thinking time, a chance to brainstorm, reflect, get some exercise and time in nature.”
Experimenting with AI Walks
“This year, I’ve started combining my walks with AI tools. I use AirPods to record my thoughts and then let AI organize those ideas into actionable steps (yes, in Canva!). It’s been surprisingly effective at turning big-picture brainstorming into tangible progress. I’m excited to see where it goes this year and to continue to refine it.”
Meditating Every Day
“Meditation didn’t come easily to me. I’d sit there thinking about work instead of relaxing!,” says the tech executive. “But over time, I’ve found it incredibly helpful. I use the Calm app for 10 minutes before bed, which clears my mind and improves my sleep. It’s also helped transform my inner self-talk, making me kinder to myself.”
Building Simple, Intentional Habits
“Small ‘rituals’ like journaling for five minutes each morning, spending time in nature or keeping a consistent bedtime and wake time (one of my 2025 goals!) can make a huge difference,” says Perkins.
Now living in Sydney, Perth-born Perkins says she is continuing to refine the techniques she uses to stay productive and incorporate some downtime into her life.
“Social media is quick to glamorise working all hours and pushing through without taking breaks. In recent conversations with founders, I noticed a common theme: they’re so focused on achieving their big goals that they’re leaving nothing in the tank for themselves,” she says.
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