Steven Sulley: The Cold Is My Teacher

“The best investment you can make is investing in yourself”

Steven Sulley deals in elite urban art. His Mayfair gallery buys and sells modern masterpieces, but the real artform in life is his wellbeing. 

Steven was just a regular salesman making his way in the world. One day, he was approached by a high-profile art dealer who saw something special in Steven. Fast-forward to 2014, as a sales expert in urban contemporary art, he founded Woodbury House, an influential art gallery on Sackville Street, London. Today, his success speaks for itself. He even finds time to run a podcast, The Steven Sulley Study, where he shares the stories and experiences of pro athletes and business moguls designed to inspire and motivate his listeners.

The ‘Power List’

Steven is a competitive person. A must-have trait in the sales world. To stay ahead of the competition, he rises early to train his mind and body. Each morning he works though a ‘power list’ that includes a getting up early, working out, listening to a podcast that puts him in a positive mindset, and using contrast therapy with his Brass Monkey Ice Bath and Sunlighten Sauna.

How did Steven get into cold water therapy?

When he was younger, cold showers were recommended to him. He never understood the logic or the science but always remained curious and decided to test it out. He bought a Brass Monkey when he could and now it’s become a key weapon in his wellbeing arsenal.

Is cold water therapy good for you?

Steven doesn’t pretend to understand every element of the biology and psychology. He knows it’s good for him because he can feel it. He’s a huge fan of the biohacking giants Dave Asprey and Gary Brecka, both huge cold water therapy advocates who talk about the mental and physical benefits of cold water immersion. Steven is on board.

Is cold water therapy good for everyone?

“Whether you train, compete in sports, you’re an elite athlete or a regular person, getting into cold water therapy is really good for you.” Steven is also a fan of the cold for the mental benefits and loves its power to alter his mindset. It says it allows him to put things into perspective. “Is it harder that the ice bath? No.” His advice to anyone thinking about getting into cold water immersion? “The more you fear something the more it will conquer you, just get into it. The benefits and the empowerment you will get are incredible. It’s like a drug but it’s good for you.” 

Short bursts in the cold are the best way to start. Our collaboration series ‘Master the cold’ with Daniel Kluken, a high performance, leadership and mindset mentor walks you through everything you need to know when starting cold water immersion.