From Suits and Cigars to Running Shoes and Whoop Bands

The old stereotype of the entrepreneur was all grind, no balance. Today’s founders are different. They track their sleep, hit the gym, focus on nutrition, and pursue athletic goals alongside business growth.

Think CEOs running marathons, launching running clubs, or training for hybrid competitions like Hyrox. It’s a cultural shift where ambition is no longer measured only in revenue but also in physical endurance and mental resilience.

The Dark Side of Hustle Culture

While this modern approach is healthier, it’s not without pitfalls. Social media still glorifies “hustle 24/7,” and many founders push themselves to burnout juggling extreme training, growing businesses, and personal lives.

Stress, lack of rest, and glorified overwork take a toll. As we discussed on the podcast, real balance comes from knowing when to push and when to step back.

What We Can Learn From Athlete-Founders

Some standout examples of founders blending sport and business include:

• Nick Bare (BPN Performance): Entrepreneur + hybrid athlete pushing fitness and business growth.

• George Heaton (Represent): Merging fashion, culture, and performance.

• Marcus (Minted NYC): Building brand while running events and competitions.

The lesson? Building a business doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health. In fact, taking care of your body and mind can fuel your performance as a founder.

The Missing Link: Mindfulness & Recovery

Entrepreneurs are quick to optimize training, nutrition, and productivity. But mindfulness often lags behind. The truth: rest, recovery, and mental balance are as important as strategy sessions and workouts.

• Sleep is non-negotiable. Protect it like your biggest investment.

• Stress is the silent killer. Learn tools like breathwork, journaling, or meditation.

• Recovery fuels growth. Just like muscles grow in recovery, entrepreneurs thrive when they rest.

Key Takeaways

• The modern entrepreneur is both founder and athlete.

• Hustle culture is still glorified, but true success requires balance.

• Mindfulness and rest are just as important as nutrition and training.

• Building a business and training for endurance events share the same principles: consistency, resilience, and sustainability.

Final Thoughts

At Mauja, we believe the best brands (and entrepreneurs) are built on balance. The future belongs to those who integrate health, endurance, and purpose into their businesses.

If you want to hear the full conversation, check out Episode 5 of Run the Brand on YouTube or Spotify and follow us on Instagram for weekly updates.