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.
Dhruv Agarwala could have easily been a PhD scholar in material sciences had he not dropped out of Stanford University in California after completing his master’s in the subject. An alumnus of Northwestern University in Chicago, Agarwala enrolled in Harvard instead. “I couldn’t picture myself spending my working years in labs and conferences,” says the Kolkata-born co-founder and Group CEO of REA India, which owns property tech brands such as Housing.com, Proptiger.com and Makaan.com. Agarwala started his career working in a relative’s steel fabrication business in Durgapur and then started an iron ore business before joining GE and then returning to entrepreneurship with iTrust, a fintech firm, which he sold to Karvy.
While his business achievements are noteworthy, Agarwala’s transformation post-pandemic is nothing short of remarkable. A obese middle-aged man who was shuttling between Delhi and Singapore, where he is based now, Agarwala has lost 71 kg in three years since he decided to take charge of his health. He had tried many diets but nothing worked and his weight continued to hover around the 150 kg mark. The pandemic did a proper number on him. He never left his home in Delhi from the beginning of the pandemic till almost the end of 2020. After that, when he returned to Singapore, he joined a fitness centre and trained with a coach. Since then he has taken a holistic approach to health and though he eats and drinks everything, he is careful about maintaining a calorie deficit as far as food is concerned and works out regularly. He has taken the hard route and it has shown results as the 6ft-plus entrepreneur’s weight is consistently in the high 70kg territory. “I began my fitness journey around three years ago, primarily to lose weight and fix my health. I wanted to get rid of all the medication I was on and improve my health markers, which I achieved by losing a significant amount of weight through my fitness routines,” said Agarwala.
Embarking on a fitness journey is an investment in oneself that pays dividends across all facets of life, he added. “It's about more than just physical health; it's about cultivating a mindset that prepares one for life's marathon and sprints alike,” he said.
Edited excerpts from an interview:
Your fitness routine…
I commit roughly two hours a day to my fitness. It includes weight training thrice a week, swimming, running, using the rowing machine, and hiking… a different form of exercise each day to keep my routine balanced and engaging.
Favourite fitness activity…
Weight training. It has not only been instrumental in my weight loss journey but also helped in building strength, stability and resilience. It symbolises the transformative power of compounding and has had the most significant impact on my overall health.
The toughest?
Swimming. I have found it difficult to master the right technique. Despite the difficulty, it teaches me about endurance and mental toughness, mirroring the persistence needed for both professional and personal growth.
The new normal for you…
My new normal is all about maintaining balance that supports my well-being and allows me to perform optimally in all spheres of life.
Has your fitness routine helped you navigate the uncertainties of recent times?
The discipline and resilience that I have developed through regular exercise have helped me to build mental fortitude, remain focused and be strong in the face of challenges.
Your leadership style…
My leadership style is empathetic, emphasising teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect. I believe in leading by example, both in professional situations and through personal habits like fitness.
Leadership lessons in your fitness journey…
The importance of setting clear goals, measuring progress towards those goals, being consistent, course correcting when needed and embracing challenges. These are applicable to any leader in any situation.
What impact does the image of a ‘fit leader’ have on a team?
My personal health transformation has positively impacted my team, instilling a “can-do” spirit in the organisation. It also demonstrates that we value and prioritise health alongside professional achievements.
The one change you would encourage your teammates to make to deal with the challenges of current times.
I would encourage my teammates to incorporate regular physical activity into their routine. A small, consistent commitment to exercise can lead to significant improvements in health, well-being, and productivity.
Has being fit helped you become a better leader and a better version of yourself?
It has made me more alert and increased my self confidence. My fitness has also enhanced clarity in decision-making, increased my energy levels and changed my overall approach to leadership, encouraging a more holistic and balanced view of success.
On work-life balance…
My fitness routine is pivotal in striking the right work-life balance. Exercise is a scheduled “non-negotiable” that ensures I invest time in my personal well-being, which in turn makes me more effective and present in my professional and family life.
Goals and challenges for the next year…
For the coming year, I aim to continue my health and fitness progression and further improve my health markers. Professionally, I aim to continue to lead my company to extend its market leadership.
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