In a surprising twist that left both colleagues and family members in disbelief, Dr. Steven Langford—a former top-tier urologist—made an unexpected leap from the world of medicine to the fast-paced arena of business consulting. Once known for his surgical precision and calm demeanor in operating rooms, Langford now walks corporate hallways and boardrooms, offering guidance not on prostate health, but on profitability, leadership strategy, and—perhaps most uniquely—healthy habits for business travelers.
“I was ready for a new challenge,” says Langford, who practiced urology for over two decades. “And oddly enough, I realized that many of the principles I preached to patients—hydration, stress management, lifestyle balance—were glaringly absent in the business travel community.”
It started innocently enough. A client at a consulting firm reached out to Langford, not for surgery, but for insight into stress management during extended business trips. Intrigued, Langford dug deeper into the needs of executives who spend a significant portion of their time on the road. What he found was an overlooked epidemic: countless professionals struggling with fatigue, poor diet, irregular sleep, and—yes—horrendous bathroom habits.
Langford’s background as a urologist gave him a unique edge. “Your bladder, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system don’t care that you’ve got a 6:00 AM flight and a merger meeting at noon,” he quips. “Your body still needs what it needs. Business travelers often ignore basic health practices in the name of productivity, and it costs them—in both performance and long-term well-being.”
Now a sought-after speaker and consultant with Brody & Co. Business Services, Langford delivers specialized training sessions to fellow consultants and executives on maintaining health while traveling. His workshops are a mix of practical health tips, scientific insight, and engaging personal stories from his days in medicine.
Here are just a few of the golden rules Langford shares:
1. Hydrate Intelligently
“Dehydration is one of the fastest ways to decrease your cognitive ability,” Langford warns. “But chugging water right before a flight isn’t the answer either.” He recommends a consistent intake of fluids starting 24 hours before travel, avoiding excess caffeine or alcohol, and drinking smaller amounts throughout the flight. “And yes, go to the bathroom before boarding. Don’t test your pelvic floor strength at 35,000 feet.”
2. Time Your Bathroom Breaks
Langford notes that frequent travel can train the bladder into bad habits—holding in urine too long or “just in case” trips when it’s not necessary. “Stick to your regular rhythm as much as possible. If you go every 3–4 hours at home, try to maintain that schedule while traveling.”
3. Stay Moving
“Sitting for hours in a plane or in meetings is terrible for your circulatory and urologic systems,” he says. “Take advantage of layovers to walk. Do ankle pumps or toe raises in your seat. Move your body like you actually care about it.”
4. Be Wary of Hotel Bathrooms
Langford jokes, “I’ve seen everything from showers with no hot water to toilets that flush with the force of a jet engine.” But the point is serious—always scout out your hotel bathroom upon check-in. Bring disinfectant wipes, avoid leaving damp towels on the floor, and—most of all—don’t be afraid to ask for a room change if something doesn’t feel sanitary or functional.
5. Eat Smart, Not Fast
While most consultants are familiar with the temptation of fast food between flights, Langford suggests planning meals like you would a client meeting. “You wouldn’t wing a presentation—so don’t wing your nutrition either.” Bring protein-rich snacks, avoid large meals right before sleep, and always be cautious with unfamiliar foods in foreign countries.
Langford’s impact on the consulting world has been, quite literally, refreshing. His fusion of medical expertise with business practicality offers a new lens on what it means to be effective on the road—not just in delivering results, but in preserving personal health.
Other consultants at Brody & Co. have enthusiastically welcomed his insights. “We knew Steven was sharp, but we had no idea how much his background would revolutionize our travel culture,” says Marissa Brody, CEO of Brody & Co. Business Services. “Our team now packs hydration kits and compression socks alongside laptops and chargers.”
In addition to in-person seminars, Langford has contributed to internal training materials and travel wellness guides distributed by Brody & Co. to clients worldwide. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.
When asked how his family reacted to his unusual career pivot, Langford laughs. “My son thought I was having a midlife crisis. My wife assumed I’d grow bored in six months. But once they saw me teaching executives about kidney health on red-eye flights, they knew I’d found my niche.”
For Langford, it’s not just about transitioning careers—it’s about transforming lives. “If I can help even one consultant land a deal while feeling better, sleeping deeper, and not suffering from kidney stones—that’s success in my book.”
Want more of Langford’s essential tips for healthy, productive business travel? Reach out to Brody & Co. Business Services today and get expert guidance for your on-the-go workforce: