Note to readers: Fit to Lead is a series of interviews with business leaders on their approach to fitness, leadership and navigating the new normal.
Some prefer to walk into an established set-up and then drive it onwards while some like to start things from the scratch, set everything up and see it grow the way they imagined it. Pankaj Jathar, the 49-year-old Etsy vice-president and country head for India belongs to the latter group of adventure-seeking business leaders. That’s the only explanation he can muster for quitting his “well settled” job at Amazon India and moving to the up and coming exciting e-commerce platform Etsy to set up their India operations. It also helped that Jathar associated with the brand and was able to get involved with the creations on offer at Etsy. But starting from scratch comes with its cost — Jathar works 12-hour days at least thrice a week owing to the time difference with the offices in three geographies that he works with.
Jathar grew up in Mumbai and while studying in Pune he heard a lot of his classmates talking about an MBA. “Everyone was discussing how an MBA would be useful in one’s career… so I took the entrance exam and did my MBA from IIM Calcutta,” recalls Jathar, who calls Bengaluru home. He has had stints with Tata group and Birla Soft in London before returning to India in 2006 and working with Accenture and Amazon India.
Jathar, who has been involved in some sport or the other since childhood, loves riding motorbikes and owns three bikes, including a Triumph and a Harley. While working in London, he took to running and has run the London Marathon and continues to run to this day. “The ability to just lace up your shoes and go out and run wherever you are in the world, makes it the easiest exercise to keep at. I always carry my running shoes with me when I travel,” he says over our Zoom meeting from New York. “I love running probably because of the memories I have associated with it. I’ve run a few marathons in my life and found them to be invigorating. I ran the Mumbai Half Marathon between 2006 and 2019 and up until 2017, my dad ran with me as well so that holds a very special place in my heart.”
Edited excerpts from the interview:
Etsy VP Pankaj Jathar running at the Mumbai Half Marathon.
Your fitness routine…
I typically work out at least three days a week for about an hour each session. I enjoy running, a group session at Cult.Fit or swimming if the weather permits. If nothing else I go for a late night walk just to get some fresh air into my lungs and move my legs.
Favourite fitness activity…
Running allows me uninterrupted time with myself and internal dialogues. The thinking time allows me to solve work issues, think of some ideas or just relax by clearing my head.
The toughest?
I struggle with flexibility which makes yoga the toughest form of exercise for me. My lack of flexibility adversely impacts my running as well, leading to injuries.
The new normal for you…
Since joining Etsy I’ve been working from home. I’m based out of Bengaluru while our office is in New Delhi. Since I no longer have to commute to work, I’m able to wake up a little late around 7 am instead of the previous 5 am start and get in a good workout and breakfast before I start my day.
The ‘working from home’ has given me back a couple of hours everyday. My wife and I get to see each other during the day and often try to grab lunch together if we can. Being at home certainly helps to engage more with the family and reduces the entire travel-related stress.
Has your fitness routine helped you navigate the uncertainties of recent times?
I think being fit is the surest way to safeguard oneself from a number of avoidable ailments. Though it requires a certain level of effort and discipline, it’s the most beneficial habit to possess.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when social interactions were limited, I found being able to step out of my house and go for a run a huge blessing and one of the things that kept me motivated during that bleak period.
The one change you would encourage your teammates to make to deal with the challenges of current times.
Reducing the number of hours they sit continuously. We all have desk jobs and sometimes we don’t realise how long we end up sitting in one place without so much as walking 5 steps. I’d definitely encourage my team to take a short walk or do 5-10 squats every hour, just to get the muscles moving.
Leadership lessons in your fitness journey…
Leadership is about having the stamina to go the distance. Sometimes the going gets tough and at times like that you require mental strength and agility. My workout discipline has given me the stamina and strength to deal with all kinds of situations that come my way.
Another thing is that there are a number of external factors that one can draw inspiration from when things get difficult. For example, when I was running the London Marathon in 2005, at the 21st mile I hit the wall. I had almost given up when I saw a person on a wheelchair distributing chocolates to runners. His gesture inspired me to finish the last 5 miles. That taught me a big lesson that there’s inspiration all around us if only we keep an eye out for it.
What impact does your image of a “fit leader” have on your team?
I think I am able to motivate the team with my fitness stories.
Has being fit helped you become a better leader and a better version of yourself?
It has given me the stamina to go the distance. Which means that the stresses of the day don’t tire me out as much and I have the energy to keep going. I also find myself to be more balanced.
Your leadership style…
Lead by example… I’m a firm believer of this. I’ve imbibed a lot from the leaders I’ve had the opportunity of working with and I hope I’m able to do the same for my team. Trust and audit — I consider trust to be the key criterion in the efficient functioning of a team. However, it is also important for me as a leader to keep checking in on my team and auditing the progress being made.
Pankaj Jathar biking.
On work-life balance…
I don’t get easily phased by tough situations or under pressure which I think is a result of consistent exercise. I also think starting my day with a workout gives me a lot of clarity of thought which helps me while I’m at work. My work day is quite fast paced with occasional surprises on the way and that one hour in the morning gives me time to prioritise things wisely.
Goals and challenges for the next year…
We are focused on amplifying Etsy’s awareness in India and drawing attention to the unique range of items that are available on our marketplace.
Personally, I hope to climb a mountain this coming year.
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