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.
Sindhu Gangadharan gets on the call at 8.30pm after having gone through the entire day at work, exercise, a walk with her dog and some family time. Despite the long day, she is full of infectious energy, beaming a big smile and looks fresh. The 47-year-old grew up in Bengaluru in the 1990s and joined SAP Labs India in 1999 after graduation. A couple of years later, she moved to the company’s headquarters in Germany and worked there till 2019, when she returned to Bengaluru as senior vice-president and managing director at SAP Labs India.
After having worked in Europe for so long, there were a few surprises when she moved back. “If we had a meeting at 10 am, I’d be at the meeting room on time but most people would come in a few minutes later. That took getting used to but the strength of our teams in India is the phenomenal energy they put in to take an idea forward and implement it…they bring a startup-like energy and enthusiasm to any task at hand. Building global teams requires diversity because each person and culture brings unique solutions for our clients,” says Gangadharan, who is also the vice-chairperson of Nasscom.
The other surprise she got was when she tried running upon her return to Bengaluru. “I started running in Germany and used to enjoy it. So, I went out for a run after returning and I had stray dogs chasing me,” she recalls laughing. Her solution to this was to get a treadmill and use it whenever she feels like running. A mother of two teenaged daughters and a dog, she often has her dog around her while working out.
Balance in life is important to her and she is vocal about ensuring her co-workers also find a good work-life balance. “I'm a firm believer in maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle,” she says.
Edited excerpts from the interview:
Your fitness routine…
I start my day with yoga. This is non-negotiable. I learnt yoga from my mother-in-law, and it's a practice that's deeply rooted in my family. I also enjoy daily walks with my dog, Dexter. Running is also a great stressbuster for me. Whenever I want to clear my head, I go for a run outdoors, or run for 30 minutes on the treadmill, if my schedule permits.
Favourite fitness activity…
Yoga. Fitness is about consistency to me, so no matter where I am in the world, I start my day with yoga.
The toughest?
Kickboxing. It requires a lot of stamina, agility and precision.
The new normal for you…
Both at work and in my personal life, adaptability and resilience have become the new normal. The pandemic showed us the importance of flexibility and innovation.
Has your fitness routine helped you navigate the uncertainties of recent times?
My fitness routine has been a source of strength and stability. While juggling work and personal chores from home during the pandemic wasn’t ideal, I made sure I reserved an hour for myself when I could de-stress and also do my yoga. Yoga, in particular, has helped me manage stress, stay focused, and maintain a positive mindset. It’s a practice that can be done anywhere, which has been especially valuable during travel or lockdowns.
The one change you would encourage your teammates to make to deal with the challenges of current times.
I always encourage my team to prioritise their well-being, over anything else. It is a regular topic of discussion during our team meetings. In fact, we start our team meetings with a quick check on everyone’s fitness routines on some days. Taking time for daily physical activity can significantly impact one's resilience and ability to handle challenges. I always like to take the initiative to encourage my team to embrace fitness as part of their routines, just as I do. It's not only about individual well-being but also about creating a healthier and more productive work environment. If we want our organisations to run successfully, we need to ensure that our people are in their best form.
Your leadership style…
I believe leadership should be bold but not loud, empowering not overpowering. I believe in setting clear expectations and goals while providing support and guidance to my team. I encourage open communication, collaboration and innovation. I place a strong emphasis on empathy and understanding, recognising the individual needs and strengths of each team member.
Leadership lessons in your fitness journey…
Discipline, consistency, and perseverance are qualities equally valuable in leadership. Setting goals in fitness and working consistently towards them has taught me the power of determination and focus, which I apply to my leadership.
What impact does the image of a “fit leader” have on a team?
Leading by example in maintaining a healthy lifestyle sets a positive precedent for my team. It shows them that I value not only their professional growth but also their well-being. It encourages a culture of health and fitness within the organisation, leading to a happier and more productive team. Moreover, it demonstrates that balance is achievable in a demanding professional environment, setting a positive example for work-life integration.
Fitness isn't just about physical strength; it's about mental resilience, balance, and overall vitality. I’m always open to trying new things and taking the initiative to lead a healthier lifestyle, be it any breathing exercise, or even plain old dancing.
Has being fit helped you become a better leader and a better version of yourself?
Being fit has not only enhanced my physical health but also my mental and emotional well-being. As a leader, this translates into improved decision-making, resilience, and the ability to handle stress. It has also helped me maintain a positive attitude and energy, which is essential for leading and motivating a team effectively.
On work-life balance
My fitness routine gives me dedicated time to disconnect from work, recharge, and focus on my well-being. This balance allows me to bring my best self to both my professional and personal life, ensuring that I can excel in my roles as a leader and as an individual.
Goals and challenges for the year…
I’d like to make some progress in kickboxing. Professionally, the main goal at SAP Labs India is to deliver business AI-adoption while at Nasscom, where I work with the industry as well as start-ups, the focus again is on AI. I also aim to foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity at SAP Labs India.
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