Living the role as a Brand Director for Reebok Central Europe means experiencing the brand’s ‘be more human’ approach every single day. It cemented my view that the 3 dimensions of fitness can make you better in your job.
I have grown up in various sports all my life, be it competitive or leisure, be it individual sports or team activities. Entering into an exciting career for my professional life, I was happy to find myself exposed to and confronted with very similar human traits and challenges.
The overarching objective that I work towards in my role must be meaningful and seen as an exciting ambition for me to work out a strategy for completion. This requires fitness in regard to all human aspects, be it physical, mental or social. This inevitably leads to exploring your own human traits.
Physical fitness makes me a better presenter
I have learned over the years (sometimes the hard way) what a difference it makes to be physically fit, or not fit, when going into peak phases at work. How easy it is to postpone a workout to the next day or even the next week, just because there is this ‘big deadline’ coming up. Have you ever noticed the difference in your body when you are presenting on stage or in a meeting, when you have done physical exercise before? I realize the difference across my entire body, starting with my facial expression, my body posture, my gestures, my connection with the audience and especially the tone of my voice.
“I believe that fitness helps me to be a better presenter!”
Katja Adrienne Erbe
I enjoy presenting to crowds. I realized very soon that the feeling in my stomach around these big audience presentations is fully identical to my feeling ramping up towards the start of my 800m races in the past: nervousness, discomfort, even fear kicking in of the pain I will inevitably feel after 600m, watching the competitors, wanting to be faster than the other girls, aiming to achieve a certain time at the finish line. It was certainly my perseverance, determination and grit much more than talent that made me a decent 800m runner.
Outside the box – my creative flow during outdoor workouts
Regular workouts and fitness do magic to my mental state. I am an outdoor workout person. Fresh air is a must for me, it clears my head. And once I get into ‘the flow’, be it hill running or swimming, ideas are popping up in my head.
“During my exercises the ideas flow into my mind so clearly; how to move things forward in projects or how to tie up the content for the next presentation or negotiation.”Katja Adrienne Erbe
That is also the time when I have the inner balance to reconsider topics of responsibility and morality of my daily work actions. I feel independent after these workouts – inspired, confident, determined and energized to take whatever next step. And I am convinced my colleagues can tell as well, from my sociability, if I have worked out recently, or not.
Social fitness for outstanding performance as a team
For me as a team leader it is highly important to understand and feel this fine line between individual performance and team performance and how they interdepend on each other. Smaller objectives can and must be achieved individually.
“However, whenever it comes to the overarching goals like a big season launch, a strategic account meeting or a brand campaign, it requires a much bigger team to support each other and to make big things happen.”Katja Adrienne Erbe
Combining different talents, strengths and also weaknesses of a group brings out a strong-performing team. And besides all the professions, it is about the spirit and passion for our brand. Our belief is that fitness makes people more human and that makes the difference between a strong and an outstanding team performance.
So what about you? Where does fitness impact your working life or career?
I’m curious about your stories. Leave me a comment. #BeMoreHuman
Exercise, even at a very low level is equal to a low dose of anti-depressants.
I always feel pride when I feed my body, soul & mind with the joys (must remind myself it's joyful when it hurts!!!) of exercise. I always have the best ideas when I'm physically active and I see my creativity,boost.
I am the best version of myself when I feed my body with exercise. I think that's the most succinct edit of the above.
I'm most energetic, creative, philanthropic and fun when I keep moving.
I always strive to be consistent, but it doesn't always happen. This is my task and I'll keep working at it.
Best, Paul.
love your thougts and attitude! Sports has been a crucial source of energy for me as well. Sports has helped me to overcome / prepare dfficult situations during my childhood or adult life. My coach in school sensed this fairly quickly and let me run / hijump during the whole classperiod - sometimes for 2 hours. He knew that I needed that... and I was proud to gain a top rank during the "Bundesjugendspiele"
Today I am 55 year old HR entrepreneur, run every morning at 5:30 and play fieldhockey twice / week as a goalie if possible. A day or 2 without a workout is almost impossible- gives me a headache.
Since times have changed and the world becomes more complex especially for our children. I coach young (Top) athletes volantarily on their future careers especially when they come from less commercialized sports such as hockey where they cant make a living. The parallels betweens sports and the business world has always been a fascinating subject for me so companies who seek talent with an "athletic" cultural attitude are difficult to find. adidas is one of the view worldwide to pick that up. If I d be some years younger I would drop you my CV ... Now I just send you some of those brilliant kids who have what it takes! Keep on going!! cheers, Claus
thanks so much for sharing your story with us.
Great to hear that sport has been and still is the deciding factor for your professional success and your well being. What would you so to people, who push hard to get into a sports routine, like running before important meetings, but can't manage to follow through?
Best,
Nina