Fit to lead | Shruti Shibulal: Regular exercise helps me face my day with energy and clarity | Top Vip News

Note to readers: Fit to Lead is a series of interviews with business leaders about their approach to fitness, leadership, and navigating the new normal.

Shruti Shibulal, daughter of Infosys co-founder SD Shibulal, is CEO and Director of Tamara Leisure Experiences. The Columbia Business School graduate says there are at least three ways exercising in the morning helps her be a better leader at work: Consistency and structure extend from her workout routine to her workday. In addition, it helps her recover faster from the numerous short, sequential work trips she must undertake. Excerpts from an interview:

Read more Fit to Lead interviews here

When do you exercise, in the morning or at night?

I get up early to do my usual exercise routine. It helps structure the rest of the day from a coherent starting point and also injects me with a good dose of energy (both physical and mental) to face my daily responsibilities.

Favorite physical activity?

I enjoy doing yoga. I exercise five to six days a week and yoga, although not a frequent part of my fitness routine, is one of the ways I can diversify my mobility. Adding variety to my exercise regimen is also a great way to make discipline enjoyable and keep my body engaged in different ways.

Your toughest? Any fitness goals you’ve set for 2024?

My goal is to be able to do some pull-ups before the end of the year. This has been a challenge and I am working on developing the upper body strength necessary to achieve this.

What is your new normal like?

Working out has been a constant part of my life for many years. I usually do some type of strength training, cardio, and stretching almost every day. I took a break from this routine after having each of my two children. I returned to it after three to five months, supported by proper postnatal training and a nutritious diet. It was also especially beneficial for my mental health to get back into a consistent training program.

Has your exercise routine helped you in any way cope with the challenges of life and work?

It is most vital in helping me structure my day and maintain consistency. My job does not require me to be exceptionally mobile, unless I am traveling. So, working out is an essential addition to what my day requires. Taking time to stay fit balances my workday that would otherwise be centered around the office or desk and allows me to prioritize my health even during busy times, when it’s easy to neglect yourself and your body.

One change you would encourage your teammates to make to improve their health?

Physical fitness is one part of the puzzle. It’s very important but ultimately it’s also a combination of mental and emotional well-being. Anything that supports mental health, whether it’s journaling, yoga, meditation, music, or a hobby, is necessary for holistic well-being.

Any leadership lessons on your fitness journey?

Patience is the key to long-lasting fitness. There are no one-size-fits-all or overnight solutions. Several things, such as sleep patterns, diet, and stress levels, play an equally important role in achieving overall well-being. Now I’m learning to be more in tune with my body and trust my instincts. There is a natural intelligence in the body that can better inform how we treat ourselves and how we structure our days around these biological needs.

Shibulal likes to add variety to her workout routine.

What impact does your image as a “fit leader” have on your team?

It is always good to see disciplined leaders. Fitness is difficult to maintain, so it can be inspiring to see people focused on making time for physical and mental health. A leader who prioritizes well-being is essentially providing an example of work-life balance, which can be a motivating perspective for all team members.

Has staying fit helped you become a better leader?

My role requires a good amount of active travel, which can be done in short, sequential trips. My focus on fitness has helped me recover more quickly from the physical demands of travel.

On a daily basis, it also provides me with the consistency and structure I need to approach my day with energy and clarity.

What is your leadership style?

I always strive to lead from the front. I emphasize and encourage collaboration and performance.

Does your exercise routine help you achieve work-life balance?

The consistency that comes from maintaining a consistent exercise routine also benefits other aspects of my life. In addition to helping me regularly allocate a portion of my day, no matter how busy I am, just to stay in shape, my morning workouts are something I look forward to every day. They provide both the structure and self-focus needed to achieve work-life balance.

Lastly, what are your passions/hobbies and how do you spend time on them?

I have always loved traveling. Exploration is the root of what I love about these experiences, including trying native cuisines and discovering natural treasures. Trekking is one of my favorite activities to do while traveling, it helps me simultaneously immerse myself in a beautiful new landscape and stay fit while I’m away from home.