Mikolaj Rakowski, Warsaw
Cyclist

It pushes me to improve.

With training, you must choose the goal you want to achieve, set up the plan, and execute the plan. After a while, it becomes a habit. Sometimes it can be frustrating when you can’t stick to your plans, so change it slightly to get back on the right path. When you are goal-oriented, you are more motivated to train. After training, I am a better version of myself. I have a fresher outlook, and the extra dopamine boost increases my motivation.

It gets the brain moving.

Balancing work and life can be incredibly challenging. As M&A advisors, our days are unpredictable, so dedicating an hour before work ensures priorities don’t interfere and helps the brain get moving. Running doesn’t require youth or speed to excel. I aim to run ultras as long as possible and keep providing clients with good advice as long as my mind has something to offer. There are many parallels between running and leading M&A transactions. Not all races or deals are successful, but learning from failures improves future performance.

Mark Steinhardt, Brisbane
Ultramarathon runner

Helen Challis, Birmingham
Zumba instructor

It forces diligent time management.

I teach five Zumba classes a week, both in the local community and in a local council-run gym facility.  I have set times that I run these classes so that I can fit these around my full time job. I have to be organised well in advance to keep everything running smoothly, in the same way that I do in my day-to-day job.  There are many organisational similarities.

Find something you love, something you can’t imagine not doing, and just go for it. Your body and mind will thank you for it!

It reminds me of the power of goalsetting and consistent effort.

Completing my first half marathon taught me the power of goal-setting and consistent effort, mirroring the persistence needed for long-term financial projects and achieving client goals.

Participating in half marathons is not only about health & fitness, but also about proving what you are capable of. Professionally, I also aim to leverage my experience to mentor younger colleagues and contribute to their trying harder and putting all their effort at full capacity into whatever they are doing; be it being more innovative with financial strategies or being determined to achieve better outcomes personally and socially as a citizen and as an employee.

Muge Tuna, Istanbul
Half-marathon runner

Abhijeet Biswas, Mumbai
Cricket team captain

I enhance my focus and productivity.

Cricket is the most followed sport in India, and our league includes teams from investment banking, private equity, and financial services. It’s a great way to meet and nurture new professional relationships. The M&A business demands we stay at the top of our game, constantly striving to upskill and add value for stakeholders. Playing a team sport like cricket helps one excel personally and be a meaningful team player or leader, mirroring the teamwork and leadership needed in M&A.

It’s a great vent for pressure.

Running gives me time to unwind, think about work, or completely forget about it as I enjoy the beautiful Herefordshire countryside. It’s also a great way to make friends and see new towns. I always look forward to my morning runs with Albert Schander during Clairfield Partners conferences. Here we are on our morning run in Gdansk earlier this month.

Tom McCarthy,left, Birmingham
Albert Schander, right, Frankfurt
Marathon runners

Stefano Ermacora, Paris
High-level multi-sports practitioner

I learn from triumphs and failures.

To achieve a healthy work-life balance, you must make exercising and sports part of your daily routine, like eating. Many skills acquired through sports, such as teamwork, resilience, discipline, and strategic thinking, are valuable in the financial business. Errors have an immediate effect and need to be rectified. It’s important to look after others and not leave anyone behind.

A team that runs together succeeds together.

Every year our team in Germany joins over 60,000 runners in the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge. By completing the 5.6 km run, the teams supported laureus Sport for Good Germany and Deutsche Behindertensportjugend (DBSJ). Participating in regular social activities, being part of our community, and giving back are beneficial in many ways.