Fit to Lead | Shruti Shibulal: Regular exercise helps me approach my day with energy and clarity

Shruti Shibulal says she works out five to six days a week, always in the morning, because it helps her to structure the rest of her day.

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.

Shruti Shibulal, Infosys cofounder S.D. Shibulal's daughter, is CEO and director of Tamara Leisure Experiences. The Columbia Business School graduate says there are at least three ways in which working out in the morning helps her to be a better leader at work: the consistency and structure spill over from her workout routine to her workday. Additionally, it helps her recover faster from the many short, sequential work trips she needs to go on. Excerpts from an interview:

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When do you workout - morning or evening?

I wake up early to do my regular workout routine. It helps to structure the rest of the day from a consistent starting point and also injects a good dose of energy (both physical and mental) to tackle my daily responsibilities.

Favourite fitness activity?

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

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

I aim to be able to do a few pull-ups by the end of the year. This has been a challenge and I’m working towards building the required upper-body strength to do this.

What is your new normal like?

Working out has been a consistent part of my life for many years now.  I typically do some type of strength training, cardio and stretches nearly every day. I did take a break from this routine after having each of my two children. I went back to it after three to five months, with the support of proper post-natal training and a nutritious diet. It was also especially beneficial to my mental health to return to a consistent workout schedule.

Has your fitness routine, in any way, helped you navigate life and work challenges?

It is more vital in helping structure my day and maintain consistency. My job does not require me to be exceptionally mobile, unless I am travelling. So, working out is an essential add-on to what my day requires. Making time to stay fit, balances my otherwise office- or desk-bound workday, and allows me to prioritise my health even at busy times when it is easy to neglect yourself and your body.

One change you would encourage your teammates to make for better health?

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

Any leadership lessons in your fitness journey?

Patience is the key to lasting fitness. There are no one-stop or overnight solutions. Several things - such as your sleep patterns, diet, stress levels - play an equal and important part in achieving overall wellness. I am now learning to be more intune with my body and to 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 of a “fit leader” have on your team?

It’s always a good thing to see leaders who are disciplined. Fitness is difficult to maintain, which is why it can be inspiring to see people who are focused on making time for mental and physical health. A leader who prioritises wellness is essentially providing an example of work-life balance, which can be a motivating outlook for everyone on the team.

Has being fit helped you become a better leader?

My role requires a good amount of active travel, which can take place 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's your leadership style?

I always strive to lead from the front. I emphasise and encourage collaboration as well as performance.

Does your fitness routine help you strike a work-life balance?

Consistency that flows from maintaining a steady fitness routine also benefits other aspects of my life. In addition to helping me regularly syphon one portion of my day - no matter how busy - just to stay fit, my morning workouts are something I look forward to each day. They provide both the structure and self-focus needed for work-life balance.

Lastly, what are your passions/hobbies and how do you make time for them?

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