Is Lifting Heavy Weights the Secret to Company Success?

A recent social media post sparked debate about the connection between CEOs who lift weights and their company’s performance.

• Pieter Levels, an entrepreneur, shared data on his “Deadlift ETF” fund, which tracks companies with CEOs who participate in weightlifting or combat sports.
• His research found that this fund significantly outperformed the S&P 500, leading him to suggest that weightlifting could be a factor in company growth.

The “Deadlift ETF”: Correlation or Causation?

Levels’ study included companies like Meta, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Uber, and Microsoft, all with CEOs he confirmed as weightlifters. However, the study has its limitations:

• The sample size is small, and the data is based on Google Image searches and social media posts, potentially introducing bias.
• Some argue that the correlation between CEO fitness and company performance might be due to other factors, such as the prevalence of younger CEOs in the tech industry, who are more likely to engage in fitness.

Building Mental Resilience: The CEO's Secret Weapon

While the exact relationship between CEO weightlifting and company performance remains unclear, the connection between fitness and mental resilience is well-established.

• Entrepreneurs and experts point to the potential benefits of weightlifting, such as increased mental strength and discipline, which are valuable for navigating the challenges of running a company.
• Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, emphasizes the role of physical fitness in providing energy and focus.

Weightlifting and Company Culture

Beyond the individual CEO, a company-wide shift towards fitness can have positive impacts on company culture.

• A CEO's visible commitment to fitness can inspire employees to prioritize their own well-being.
• Research shows that physically active employees exhibit higher levels of empathy, focus, and vigor at work.

The "Barbell Strategy": A New Approach to Business?

While the link between weightlifting CEOs and company growth may not be definitively proven, the underlying principles of mental resilience and discipline offer valuable takeaways.

• The benefits of physical activity for CEOs and employees are undeniable, contributing to mental strength, energy, and overall well-being.
• As the debate continues, companies may consider incorporating a "barbell strategy," emphasizing the importance of physical fitness and mental resilience within their culture.

Company Culture & Fitness: A Growing Trend

Companies are starting to recognize the importance of employee wellness and the positive impact of physical activity.

• Many offer fitness programs, wellness initiatives, and flexible schedules to encourage employee health and well-being.
• This focus on fitness is creating a culture where health is valued and integrated into the workplace.

The Importance of Discipline & Mental Strength

Regardless of the debate over causation, the connection between CEO fitness and company performance highlights the crucial role of discipline and mental resilience in business success.

• Weightlifting and other forms of exercise can provide a framework for developing these essential qualities.
• CEOs who prioritize their physical and mental well-being can lead by example, inspiring a culture of dedication and perseverance within their companies.