Racing to the Top? Try the Triathlon
But some CEOs see the training as more than just another version of the corporate buddy flick. Maguire and Downs had each sacrificed physical fitness to their careers. Twenty years ago, Maguire tried to run a half-marathon with friends and was the only one who couldn't finish. It was a wake-up call that stuck. For his part, Downs has dropped 40 pounds since he began racing, and he says that despite training up to 22 hours a week, "I get more done in a day now than I ever did when all I did was work."Michael Johnson, 51, the CEO of Herbalife, observes that "everyone knows at least one of the skills in this. So it's more inclusive" than running or biking alone might be. Some companies sign up for short-distance races, fielding three-person relay teams, with each person doing one leg.
Proponents say the sport balances team spirit and individual ability. "Jamie did our last Ironman in nine hours; I did it in 14; someone else did it in 15. But throughout the day you pass each other and can encourage each other," says Deborah Sutton, 39, senior vice president of operations at Philadelphia Insurance. You can be part of something "while working at your own level," she says.
The CEOs are aware that there will always be people who join in the training runs and rides with an eye toward shaping up their career. "If you're out biking, it's time with the boss," says Downs. They say they do try to send the message that a person doesn't need to do triathlons to succeed at their company, but opting out of the triathlon culture completely might not be that easy.
"I wanted to create a company culture that's fun and inclusive and encourages camaraderie and fitness," says Maguire. "But if someone is bright and has the right personality and will add value, and isn't athletically inclined, we'll hire them." He pauses, then adds: "They can hold my bike while I transition."
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