Max Vallot

Co-Founder, District Vision | @vallot

Why Him

A Saint Laurent alum and meditation buff, he co-founded District Vision with friend Tom Daly. The technical eyewear and apparel brand celebrates the intersection of running and mindfulness—with a healthy dose of style.

Where does your drive come from?

I guess I’ve always been driven in some way. The problem was that I spent a long time driving in the wrong direction, causing unnecessary harm to myself and others. I would say that things started to change about six years ago.

What daily habits keep you going?

Meditation and mindful movement for about 90 minutes. Eight hours of sleep. Keeping my phone off from 9pm to 9am.

What would you say to your 20-year-old self?

Don’t take yourself so fucking seriously.

What simple change to your routine has had a profound effect on those around you?

Learning to observe the mind through Vipassana meditation is the single skill that has radically transformed every aspect of my life. This year, I’m challenging myself to spending 30 days on silent retreat. It’s always tough to take time off work, but I believe it makes me more bearable. Apparently, my team also enjoys these little breaks.