From boardrooms to base camp: 6 life lessons from Ganesh Mohan’s Everest trek

Ganesh Mohan, MD of Bajaj Finserv AMC, believes that clarity of thought and inner discipline are as important in leadership as they are on treacherous mountain trails.
In this special edition of Mind Over Money, Mohan shares his deeply personal and powerful journey to the Everest Base Camp—a trek that tested his endurance, shaped his outlook, and reaffirmed his faith in simple joys like a humble bowl of dal-chawal.

Mohan emphasizes that in a high-stakes industry like asset management, balance is the key to mental well-being. It’s about managing daily firefights while also carving time for strategic vision.
He practices “compartmentalisation”—creating focused time blocks for different activities and fully immersing himself in each. This structured approach, coupled with a simple question—“Will this matter in five years?”—helps him stay composed in the face of stress.

A lifelong passion for Indian classical music keeps Mohan grounded. He shares how the discipline, patience, and structure required to appreciate classical music mirror the very principles of mental resilience.
Music, for him, isn't just a hobby; it's a form of quiet meditation that tunes his mind and emotions, helping him remain centered and calm even amidst chaos.

The Everest Base Camp trek, Mohan says, was a humbling experience that taught him grit and gratitude. Training for months, waking up at 5 AM, and trekking uphill for over 15 kilometers daily built not just physical stamina but immense mental toughness.
Yet, it was the simplicity of life at 4,000 metres—where a warm tin shed or a bowl of dal-chawal felt luxurious—that brought about a profound sense of appreciation and humility.

Mohan outlines a powerful framework: we all live four lives—physical, mental, financial, and spiritual. He believes that true well-being comes from nurturing each of these dimensions.
Leaders, he says, should regularly pause and reflect: “What am I doing to grow in each of these areas?” This balanced approach, according to Mohan, lays the foundation for a fulfilled and resilient life.

For Mohan, mindfulness isn't just about meditation—it's about being fully present in every task. Whether it’s tackling a spreadsheet or running through the hills, he immerses himself completely, minimizing distractions.
His routine includes mental workouts like Sudoku and crosswords, regular running, and occasional meditation—all contributing to a sharp, focused, and refreshed mind.

Leadership, Mohan says, is more about action than advice. In a post-COVID world where mental health has become increasingly important, he believes it’s vital for leaders to model healthy behaviours.
From creating a positive work culture to injecting humor and fostering camaraderie, Mohan encourages leaders to build mentally strong teams that can thrive even under pressure.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)