For many leaders, yoga and mindfulness are no longer just wellness trends—they’re essential pillars of their leadership philosophy.
In a high-stakes business environment marked by volatility and decision fatigue, these ancient practices are offering modern solutions: clarity, composure, and emotional strength.
Senior leaders across sectors—from insurance to investment banking—shared with ETMarkets how they integrate yoga, meditation, and mindful routines into their daily lives to stay focused and mentally agile.
The Calm Before the Day: Morning Rituals that Anchor Focus
Shiv K. Goel, Director at Bonanza Group, begins each day with a sunrise walk followed by yoga—a practice he says is as much about mental hygiene as physical fitness. “That combination helps create a space of inner stillness and presence,” he explains.For him, this early morning ritual is not just a lifestyle choice—it’s leadership preparation. “The walk offers mental clarity and solitude, while yoga brings physical balance and mindfulness. It allows me to approach decisions with a calm, focused, and composed mind.”Mental Health as a Priority, Not an Afterthought
For Shanai Ghosh, MD & CEO of Zuno General Insurance, the discipline goes even deeper. She believes mental fitness is as critical as any financial metric. “To me, health is most important,” she says.
“I prioritize both mental and physical well-being, intertwining yoga and meditation into my daily routine.” These practices, she adds, have been instrumental in helping her maintain focus amid professional responsibilities and personal commitments. “They help me keep a calm demeanor, which is vital in today’s always-on business environment.”
Stretching Beyond the Physical: The Mind-Body Connection
Ravi Kumar Jha, MD & CEO of LIC Mutual Fund AMC, echoes this balance between body and mind. For him, the key lies in gentle, consistent movement. “Light stretching and yoga are the cornerstones of my fitness routine,” he says.
Beyond keeping him physically agile, these routines “support mental clarity by promoting a strong mind-body connection, which grounds me for a productive day.”
Iyengar Yoga, Gratitude & Structure: A CEO’s Morning Playbook
These sentiments resonate with Sonia Dasgupta, MD & CEO – Investment Banking at JM Financial, who follows a detailed morning routine anchored in mindfulness.
A long-time practitioner of Iyengar Yoga, Sonia starts her day early with hydration, followed by 30 minutes of yoga or aerobic exercise. “Yoga calms and declutters my mind and keeps me physically agile,” she explains.
But her discipline doesn’t stop at physical wellness. “I also practise gratitude each morning—it gives me positivity and purpose. A calm mind always leads to better decision-making,” she adds.
Her ritual also includes reading and planning the day with a to-do list, helping her maintain direction and composure.
A Common Thread: Wellness as Leadership Capital
What connects these leaders is a shared belief: that well-being is not a luxury, but a necessity in sustaining performance and clarity in a fast-moving corporate world.
Whether it’s walking at sunrise, meditating before meetings, or structuring mornings with intention, each of them has found a unique way to stay centred.
The message this International Yoga Day is loud and clear—mindful leadership is not just about managing businesses; it’s about managing the self. And in that balance lies the key to long-term success.
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