This CEO balances life & business with biking and yoga

In the fast-paced realm of professional endeavours, finding equilibrium between career aspirations and personal well-being remains a perennial challenge.

Balaji Viswanathan, Managing Director and CEO of Expleo Solutions, offers profound insights into navigating this delicate balance with finesse.

Renowned for his multifaceted approach to holistic wellness, Balaji shares invaluable perspectives on integrating activities like trekking, motorbike rides, and yoga into his bustling schedule to foster physical and mental resilience. Edited Excerpts:

Q) Could you elaborate on how engaging in activities like trekking and motorbike rides contributes to your physical and mental well-being?

Engaging in activities like trekking enhances concentration and resourcefulness while optimising the use of aids.

Motorbike rides, taken bi-monthly with friends covering 200-300 km, serve as stress busters. The fresh air and alertness during rides invigorate mental well-being.

Moreover, the added perk of discovering charming breakfast joints adds to the overall experience, promoting both physical and mental wellness.


Q) How has practising yoga helped you achieve inner balance amidst your professional responsibilities? Is there any specific modality that you follow? How much time do you give to Yoga on a daily/weekly basis?

Practising yoga has been instrumental in attaining inner balance. Notably, it enhances focus, flexibility, stamina, and endurance, while effectively mitigating stress and fostering mind-body control.

I dedicate approximately three hours per week, practising four times weekly. This consistent routine has proven invaluable in maintaining stability amid the demands of my work life.

Q) Can you share some insights into your balanced diet and how it supports your overall health and fitness goals?

As a food enthusiast who delights in exploring vegetarian cuisines, following a diet is challenging. I prioritise regulating meal timing and portion sizes to support my well-being and fitness objectives.

While it's a struggle, managing my intake contributes to feeling energised and promotes gut health, which in turn enhances rest.

By controlling what and how much I eat, I strive to strike a balance between indulgence and health-conscious choices, fostering overall vitality and wellness.

Q) How do you find a balance between your professional commitments and personal wellness activities?

Balancing professional commitments with personal wellness involves prioritisation, delegation, and proactive planning. By clearly outlining my personal wellness activities, such as exercise, meditation, and prayer, I ensure they are not compromised.

Utilising tools like wearables and tracking apps helps me stay accountable and maintain consistency. I prioritise tasks, delegate where possible, and avoid last-minute decision-making to manage my time effectively.

This approach allows me to fulfil my professional responsibilities while safeguarding my personal well-being.


Q) Can you share any specific experiences or moments from your trekking or motorbike rides that have had a significant impact on you?

Several experiences stand out from my trekking and motorbike rides. One particularly impactful moment was trekking in Ladakh's mountains at 1 am, surrounded by snow, yet witnessing the stunning serenity as the sun pierced through the negative temperatures.

It highlighted our tendency to take nature for granted and emphasised the significance of decision-making in the face of the unknown.

Similarly, enduring bone-chilling weather and heavy rains in Uttarakhand taught me the value of teamwork and support to prevent mishaps.

Motorbike rides, on the other hand, emphasise the importance of living in the moment and enjoying the journey. These experiences have left lasting impressions, underscoring the lessons learned in adversity and the beauty of embracing the present.

Q) What advice would you give to professionals who struggle to find time for personal wellness amidst their demanding careers?

A) In the relentless whirlwind of professional demands, prioritising personal wellness is paramount for sustained success.

Commence with small, manageable steps to integrate self-care into daily routines, guarding against the allure of excuses. Embrace accountability by seeking support from peers or mentors to stay committed. Neglecting well-being risks exhaustion, frustration, and ultimately, burnout.

Therefore, carving out time for self-nurturance is not a luxury but a necessity, safeguarding both mental and physical vitality amid the relentless pace of career demands.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)