What makes the most successful business people take risks outside their office as ways of relaxing? From business technology that surrounds them, these ultimate forms of relaxation not only allow them to focus on personal development but also makes them better business persons.
An adventure-seeker, K. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju, CMD, Ind-Barath Power Infra Ltd. (IBPIL), says that he has been to places around the world, except South America. He adds, “Bungee jumping is the scariest in Queenstown, New Zealand and that’s the most adventurous I felt. We also went hiking on snow-capped mountains. As a group, we used to travel every May for over 12-13 years, till recently.” Krishna Raju’s first encounter with wildlife was at the age 16, when he visited the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. “During the elephant ride, the rider lost control and we went deep into the forest. I prayed to all the Gods to rescue me!” he laughs.
G.V. Prasad, CEO, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories
“There was a time when I always focussed on my work but now I make sure to go on at least one long-ish trip every year,” says G.V. Prasad, CEO, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, and adds, “More than relaxation it is our passion for wildlife, nature and photography that drives us.” He believes passion outside of work is more important as they teach the importance of leading a complete life. “We, as a group, have visited Alaska, Africa, the Arctic and several places in India,” he adds. He has also travelled to Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago, close to the North Pole.
Most successful business people are prone to taking risks and the same translates to their hobbies as well. “I think the work environment is very controlled and they need to have a ‘work face’ in order to be taken seriously. Adventure or taking risks for recreation is a form of expressing themselves and the adrenaline rush that comes with it does it for them,” says Seema Boppana, Director of Academics, Sri Chaitanya Schools.
Talking about her most recent adventure trip to Botswana, she says, “People go on safaris all the time, but this was different, because we went canoeing and camping in the wild for four days. The difference between a regular safari and canoeing is that in a regular safari you watch the animals from the safety of your vehicle while on the canoe trip we had close calls with hippos, elephants, and there was also a lioness prowling outside our tent. We also went walking on jungle tours, and during one such tour, a huge herd of elephants snuck upon us and it was the most nerve-racking thing to face.”
“We also had to canoe with hippos with unpredictable temperaments sharing the same water space. We were supposed to continue canoeing around them without making any noise. I could hear my heart thudding,” she adds.
Ritesh Mastipuram
Ritesh Mastipuram, founder and managing director, O2 Spa, feels, “These sorts of trips help you reconnect and get your 360 degree focus on what you are doing. It connects mind, body and spirit together all in one. It makes you feel whole again and truly rejuvenates you. Regular gym routines are monotonous and boring. The whole aspect of going away from the hustle and bustle of city life is to learn the basics. The more we target on cleanliness, the more we are getting prone to allergies. Getting dirty helps you increase your immune system. Outdoor adventures do help to be healthier than even the doctor’s prescription. Even while travelling to remote locations, there will be less of mobile connectivity. So, you have the opportunity to connect more with yourself.”
Swapna
Swapna Gaddipati, Director, Lahari Group
I wanted to break out of my comfort zone and face my fears; this led to me taking up adventure holidays once a year. These trips change the complete perspective to life itself and how I look at things. These in turn help me to look at business problems differently. Also, they give me a sense of accomplishment and the energy they leave me with is tremendous.
The Everest Base Camp trip is most fresh in my mind because I was there when the earthquake took place. I love trekking and hiking the most because it gives me time to be with myself and use my mental and physical resources to overcome the challenges of negotiating terrain, altitude and push my boundaries.
