Healthy investments – staying active is Kia India MD Tae-Jin Park’s secret productivity hack

Kia India MD Tae-Jin Park’s work week is usually packed with back-to-back meetings -- plant and dealer visits, daily review meetings with department heads and brainstorming sessions with his team. “I think the best part of the day is when I sit with my team for brainstorming sessions,” says the 62-year-old CEO. “We discuss creative and innovative ideas to bring about a positive change in our customers’ lives.”

In conversation with ET Panache, Park shares how he navigates back-to-back meetings and the daily practices that keep him centred on the job.

Mind

“I meditate for 10 mins every morning as it helps me to think clearer. This practice has become a lifestyle habit and it has a big impact on my ability to think clearly and make faster decisions. I am a firm believer in the power of taking breaks and usually recharge myself by either reading a good book or going for a short walk. I love to read books on wellness.”

Body

“I don’t do heavy exercise but I gym regularly which helps me stay active throughout the day. I also like to catch up with friends over a game of golf, but my schedule doesn’t allow me to play a lot.”

“I make it a point to always eat on time and to eat healthy foods. I enjoy seafood as it’s rich in proteins, but I also incorporate ample vegetables in my diet. I also ensure that my diet includes less carbs and more protein so that I can remain active throughout the day. Eating healthy and on time helps me to stay focused at work, while reducing carbohydrates helps me stay active.”

“I am not much of a foodie, but I like sushi and occasionally visit Adrift by Kaya which is my favourite restaurant in Delhi.”

Soul

“In Korean culture, humility and hard work are the two most important ingredients for success. This is something that is inculcated from a very young age. When faced with setbacks, I remind myself that there are no shortcuts to success and to succeed in life, whether it’s in your personal or professional life, you have to keep trying until you succeed.”