Focus on fitness and strength to achieve balance

I HAVE loved the outdoors for as long as I can remember. Growing up in New Zealand meant I was exposed to all sorts of activities - camping, fishing, badminton, rugby, rowing, to name just a few. Sports, and outdoor activities in general, have shaped my outlook towards life and also influenced who I am as a leader.

When I first took on my present role as head of Asia-Pacific for Roche Diagnostics close to a decade ago, I was keen to bring a sense of unity and team spirit in a region that is unique, diverse and culturally rich. How could I rally teams from the massively varying cultures across Asia-Pacific in an honest and authentic way to advance in a common direction?

So I turned to what I knew best - sports.