LHi Gift of Time Spotlight: Julia Pylypenko’s Adventure

At LHi, we believe in celebrating loyalty and recognising the incredible contributions of our people. After ten years of service, every LHi’er receives a Gift of Time; the choice between a Rolex or a one-month sabbatical. It’s our way of saying thank you and giving back something truly meaningful.

Having been with LHi for over ten years, Julia Pylypenko, Group Finance Manager, recently decided to use her Gift of Time. We caught up with her to hear all about her experience, from how she made the most of her time to the reflections and insights she gained along the way:

Did you choose the Rolex or the one-month sabbatical, and what made that the right choice for you?

I chose the sabbatical. Time felt like the more meaningful gift - a chance to step away and invest in myself in a way no material thing could match.

Where did you spend your Gift of Time, and what drew you to that destination?

I went to Bali, where I completed two trainings: (1) Yoga and (2) Breathwork & Somatics (practices around breathing and body awareness). I wanted to do something just for myself - learn, challenge both body and mind, and immerse myself in a new culture. Bali stood out because it’s known for offering some of the best programs in these areas.

What did you get up to during your trip?

A little bit of everything 😊. I studied hard, delved deep into the nervous system and somatics, spent time with elephants, and even squeezed in a mini beach holiday. The perfect mix of learning, adventure, and play.

How did it feel to step away from work completely for a whole month?

I love learning and throwing myself into new experiences, and having the chance to do that for a whole month was incredible. They say it takes 28 days to build a new habit - so imagine how many I picked up in 30!

Looking back, how would you sum up what the 'Gift of Time' means to you now?

It’s still sinking in since I’ve just returned, but for me, the Gift of Time meant stepping into a different way of living. Not better or worse, just different. And that shift in perspective is something I’ll carry back with me. (And honestly… can I have another sabbatical next year? 😂)

If you could relive one day of your Bali sabbatical, which would it be and why?

Not one I’d “relive,” but one I’ll never forget: our graduation ceremony. At the start, we were each given a flower, and at the end, we had to destroy it. Brutal, right? But the message was clear - even the most beautiful things must eventually be released to make space for what’s next (basically, letting go so you can move forward). Of course, they timed it perfectly… we were already crying from how close we’d become 😂. Then they hit us with this philosophy, and it landed twice as hard...painful, beautiful, and oddly uplifting. A real reminder that perspective changes everything.

Did the break give you any new perspectives or lessons that you’ve carried into your everyday life or work?

One that stuck with me: fear stops us more than anything else - and most of the time, it’s not even real, just a story in our heads. In Bali, I realised it often shows up right before growth. Even at work, that nervous moment before you try something new isn’t danger, it’s a sign you’re moving forward. Befriend the fear 😎.

What advice would you give to others who are deciding how to spend their own Gift of Time in the future?

Be intentional. For me, that meant choosing something that stretched me and gave me new perspectives. But it doesn’t have to look the same for everyone - whether it’s a month of rest, adventure, or something completely new, it’s just as valuable.