Running a Business is Like Running a Marathon

Hong Kong Marathon finish line 2011 photo by Drew
Hong Kong Marathon finish line 2011 photo by Drew

Observers who are paying attention may have noticed that businessmen seem to be over-represented among long distance runners. Could it be that some of the qualities needed to be a successful businessman are also prevalent among dedicated runners? Let’s take a look at some highly motivated businessmen who take running seriously.

Seth Hillel Fischer is the Chief Investment Officer of the Hong Kong based private investment firm Oasis Management. In 2002 Fischer united Oasis with DKR Capital Partners, LP, forming DKR Oasis. From 2002 until 2011 assets under management climbed to $3.3 billion. Fischer is also an established road and trail runner all over Asia as well as a Big City Marathon runner. He has participated in some of the world’s most acclaimed races, including marathons in NYC, Boston, Tokyo, San Francisco, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Philippe Tschannen is a partner in Heidrick & Struggle’s’ Zurich office.  He has over 15 years of experience recruiting exceptionally talented executive for the financial sector. As a long distance runner, he trains along Lake Zurich in Switzerland. In 2010 he ran in the Cresta Run skeleton track in St. Moritz, and the New York City Marathon.

Perhaps the ultimate merging of business with running is the entrepreneur who has made his business from the enormous popularity of fitness, sports, and especially long-distance running. Vishal Gondal is the CEO and founder of GOQii, a company that is developing advanced wearable technology. According to their website GOQii wants to enable people throughout the world to “be the force” by helping them to ‘unleash their untapped potential. Gondal has participated in several half marathons between 2011 and 2013 in Amsterdam, Mumbai and Delhi.

About James Cannon

James Cannon is an experienced hedge fund analyst. He has served on the advisory boards for various different Fortune 500 companies as well as serving as an adjunct professor of finance. James Cannon has written for a variety of Financial Magazines both on and off line. Contact James at james[at]businessdistrict.com