Disney CEO Bob Iger On Why Fit Leaders Make Better CEOs

Being a CEO is anything but a casual stroll in the park. The role comes with immense responsibility, potential scrutiny, and pressures from every angle—all of which can lead to physical and mental deterioration if not actively managed. Many top executives prioritize their physical fitness as a cornerstone of success. Leaders such as Tim Cook, Richard Branson, Mark Zuckerberg, and Disney CEO Bob Iger have all emphasized exercise’s critical role in their lives.

Bob Iger, in particular, shared on In Good Company, a podcast by Norges Bank Investment Management with CEO Nicolai Tangen, how waking up at 4 a.m. for a 45-minute workout gives him the clarity to “attack the world and day a little more organized.” The benefits of exercise—better sleep, weight management, improved cognitive health, and more—are well documented. However, for CEOs, the advantages run much deeper. Here are two often-overlooked benefits of why fitness is paramount for CEOs.

Exercise Creates Control And Clarity

As a CEO, you’re constantly solving problems, managing teams, casting vision, and navigating complex negotiations. These demands require not only sharp cognitive abilities but also emotional intelligence. In his book The Ride of a Lifetime, Bob Iger highlighted how emotional intelligence and innovation were key to critical decisions, such as acquiring Pixar and launching Disney+.

Amid unexpected crises, mounting stress, and relentless pressure to perform, CEOs need an outlet for their frustrations—a release valve. Exercise provides this outlet while delivering a crucial sense of control and certainty in an unpredictable world. For example, a regular workout routine becomes a dependable win, no matter the day’s chaos. This clarity allows leaders to make sharper, more strategic decisions. Whether you’re scaling a company or managing a rough patch, fitness not only reduces stress and exfoliates various frustrations, but also forges a winning mindset—helping you tackle the next challenge with renewed focus.

Resilience And Endurance For The CEO Athlete

Leading a company is like being a professional athlete, except the season never ends. Business is a contact sport, where resilience, endurance, and the ability to recover quickly are essential. In The Ride of a Lifetime, Iger recounts facing political tensions in China and creative conflicts with George Lucas, requiring steadfast composure, patience, stamina, and strategic thinking.

While exercise is a way to train the body, it’s equally powerful for training the mind. Iger emphasizes, “Staying in shape, having stamina is critical for me, and that’s eating well, exercising, and just taking care of my body and my mind. I could not do this job if I were not in some form of physical and mental health.” By cultivating physical resilience, CEOs prepare themselves to handle the pressure and demands of leadership and business. A strong body fuels a strong mind, ensuring you stay sharp and focused no matter the circumstances.

A Fit CEO Is An Effective CEO

Energy is contagious. As a CEO, your vitality sets the tone for your employees, clients, board members, and even your family. When you’re at your best, everyone around you benefits. Fitness isn’t just a personal health initiative; it’s a productivity, creativity, and leadership amplifier. As President John F. Kennedy once said, “Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” In today’s high-stakes business environment, physical fitness has shifted from a luxury to a necessity. It’s not merely a status symbol—it’s the foundation for navigating the relentless demands of modern leadership.