04-07-2026RAPID RESPONSE

Why Calm CEO David Ko is stepping down after scaling the meditation app

After growing Calm to 180 million downloads, Ko explains why he’s leaving the CEO role, and how leaders can tell the difference between productive pressure and burnout.

[Photo: Edward Smith/Getty Images]

What does it take to lead a meditation company without finding a moment’s peace? David Ko spent years as CEO of Calm, one of the world’s most recognized mental health and wellness apps, helping millions manage stress. Now he’s stepping down. Ko unpacks why he made the call, what the relentless........

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