Shivam believes that a 5 km run is more than just a workout—it’s a mental exercise that sharpens focus and enhances clarity, crucial traits in the high-stakes world of investment banking.

Balancing endurance from running, agility from squash, and strength from weight training, Shivam has crafted a holistic fitness regimen that fuels his leadership and entrepreneurial spirit.

In this candid conversation, he shares how his disciplined approach to fitness translates into strategic foresight, perseverance, and effective time management in his professional journey.

Whether it’s about pushing boundaries in the gym or navigating complex business challenges, Shivam’s philosophy of resilience and growth offers valuable insights for every leader looking to achieve peak performance.

Edited Excerpts –

Q) Thanks for taking the time out. You’ve mentioned that the 5 km run is more about training the mind than the body. Can you elaborate on how this practice has influenced your mental health and focus in your professional life?

A) Running is a discipline that sharpens the mind as much as it does the body. For me, the 5 km run is more of a mental exercise than a physical one.It clears my mind, helps me process thoughts, and prioritizes tasks for the day. In an environment like Investment banking, where focus and clarity are crucial, this practice has been indispensable in maintaining a sharp mental edge and staying composed under pressure.

Q) Running requires consistency, while squash pushes for maximum intensity. How do you balance these contrasting approaches, and how do they complement each other in your fitness routine?

A) Both activities are used for different purposes in my fitness journey. Running is endurance and consistency, teaching patience and resilience over time. Squash is agility, quick decision-making, and explosive energy.

Balancing these two helps me build a versatile fitness routine. While running strengthens my focus and stamina, squash sharpens my reflexes —skills that directly align with managing dynamic situations.

Q) Squash is a physically demanding sport. What specific benefits do you feel this high-intensity workout brings to your overall fitness and performance?

A) Squash is a great body and mind exercise. It is excellent for developing cardiovascular endurance, enhancing hand-eye coordination, and agility.

The pace of the game is fast enough to keep your mind on high alert as you learn to think several steps ahead.

Mental acuity I build on the squash court is what will help me directly in other situations that call for strategic foresight and fast decision-making.

Q) Weight training teaches you to push boundaries. How has this philosophy of surpassing limits translated into your approach to challenges in your professional life?

A) Weight training in essence is putting yourself out there to push growth. This philosophical approach reflects my experience with business when dealing with anything from complicated deals that require more detailed work to get into new markets-that I have faced and learned to approach discomfort as its precursor to potential growth.

The discipline coupled with resilience taught in the gym stays with me forever as I enter into challenges about my professional progress.

Q) With a demanding professional schedule, how do you ensure you dedicate time to your multifold workout routine?

A) Time management and prioritization are the two key elements. I treat my fitness as a non-negotiable part of my day, similar to any of my important meetings.

My early morning slot works the best for me because it ensures that I can focus on my workouts without being interrupted.

Having plans and incorporating my fitness into daily life ensures consistency, even when things get busiest. It’s about realizing that a healthy body and mind help you perform better.

Q) Do you think your fitness practices have had a direct impact on your role as a leader and entrepreneur? If so, how?

A) Absolutely. Fitness has taught me discipline, perseverance and the importance of setting goals—all very vital qualities in a leader. Workouts have kept me stress-free and energetic at all times.

Leadership or the running of an organization requires one to be thought-through, strong and inspiring. I believe these qualities in me have been enhanced by much because of my outlook towards keeping a fitness regime.

Q) For professionals with limited time, what advice would you give to incorporate a well-rounded fitness regime like yours into their routine?

A) One should start small and focus on consistency. Even 30 minutes a day can make a big difference if done regularly.

Identify activities you enjoy as this will make it easier to stick to your routine. This will involve any mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Most importantly, one should consider fitness as an investment in themselves. It is not a matter of finding time but making time for your own well-being.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)