Running toward success: How Zetwerk’s CFO Pulkit Bhandari uses fitness to solve complex problems

Work and play might seem juxtaposed against each other but for Pulkit Bhandari, each benefits from the other. The Chief Financial Officer, Zetwerk, is a strong believer in how resilience at work comes from other aspects of your personality. And he’s got the credentials to prove it.

Prior to joining Zetwerk, Bhandari — a chartered accountant by profession — served as the head of group corporate finance at RPG Enterprises, and has worked as an investment banker at Deutsche Bank and ICICI Securities, He’s also completed 10 full marathons, countless half marathons, open water swimming and the half Ironman.

Fast Pace

His interest in fitness started at a young age, when his parents would take him swimming during his exams. “They were very clear; I can miss tuitions but not coaching.”After a gap in his early 30s, it was a watch that inspired Bhandari to relook at his fitness game. “My sister gifted me a Garmin watch and the CA in me had to use the expensive watch, so running started again and then there was no looking back.”

Bhandari says that his workouts, which primarily includes running, swimming or cycling, helps him focus and effectively problem-solve. “I plan most of my work actions while running, swimming or cycling. I have solved some of the most complex problems successfully while running as I am away from the noise. This is a kind of meditation for me,” he shares.

He is most proud of participating in the Ironman challenge, running from Parel to Thane and back (64km) and swimming 27km in the sea from Gateway to Vashi. “Celebrations are always with family, my wife and close friends and a heavy-duty dinner,” he adds lightheartedly. But there’s still something on his wishlist: swimming the English Channel. “This is a dream that my daughter, son and I share. This is our common goal.”