CEOs reveal how they train their bodies and minds for the ‘marathon’ job, from playing chess to ‘energy management’
- In today’s CEO Daily: Diane Brady shares how today’s leaders stay mentally and physically fit.
- The big story: Iran shuts down its internet amid protests.
- The markets: Mostly up, with U.S. futures inching higher.
- Plus: All the news and watercooler chat from Fortune.
Good morning. How are those New Year’s resolutions coming? In talking to hundreds of leaders every year, one thing I’ve been struck by is how disciplined they are about making time to take care of themselves.
Recently I asked members of the Fortune CEO Initiative to share their approach to staying in fighting shape. Two common themes among these high performers? Almost all of them mentioned an athletic component to leadership that wasn’t discussed in earlier generations, and there’s clearly more awareness of the links between mental health and job performance, too. A small sample of responses:
Amy Howe, CEO, FanDuel
My job is to focus on the things only the CEO can do—setting direction, making the toughest decisions, and allocating time and attention deliberately. That means being disciplined with my schedule and carving out space to think.
Milan Shetti, CEO, Rocket Software
Chess helps me stay sharp and reminds me that sustained success comes from purpose-driven moves, not quick wins. For me, that translates to modernizing with intention and staying committed to a growth mindset by continuously learning, taking on new challenges, and surrounding myself with people who elevate my thinking. I treat leadership like a high-performance sport.
Tony Bates, chairman and CEO, Genesys
I prioritize recovery and clarity just as much as intensity; both are essential when the pace never slows down. The job moves fast, but being fully present—physically, mentally, and emotionally—is what allows you to sustain performance over the long term.
Leagh Turner, CEO, Coupa
When I’m at work, I’m all in. When I’m with my family, they get my full attention. I’ve learned that when I’m fully focused—whether at work, with family, or with friends—I’m more productive and more energized.
Tom McInerney, CEO, Genworth Financial
I golf and ski regularly, and I’ve done both since childhood. They continue to shape how I think about leadership. Golf teaches discipline, humility, and focus—you can’t rush it, and you have to adapt to the conditions in front of you. Skiing demands preparation and decisiveness, reinforcing the importance of trust, momentum, and resilience.
Himanshu Palsule, CEO, Cornerstone
The job as a CEO, especially in the midst of market transformations, is an endurance sport. It’s a marathon that often requires running fast sprints. I stay in top condition by prioritizing the balance; playing weekend sports, shutting out noise, and striving for seven hours of sleep.
Roy Jakobs, CEO, Philips
I’m always moving. I play soccer and run every week—and I prioritize spending time with family and friends. That time is locked in. The combination keeps me grounded, energized and able to show up at my best.
Nigel Vaz, CEO, Publicis Sapient
Continuous learning—I spend a significant amount of time with clients across industries, discussing their business transformation goals because that is where you see the future unfolding in real time. I focus on energy management in addition to time management. Leading through a once-in-a-generation technological shift requires stamina—intellectual, emotional and creative.
Nelson Chai, CEO, DailyPay
On the work front, I focus on the strength of the team and the power that comes from it. On the personal front, my priorities are family, health, and staying active. My kids are all in the working world and live in New York, so my wife and I really value the time we get to spend with them and with our close friends.
Contact CEO Daily via Diane Brady at diane.brady@fortune.com
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com