Five Key Insights Every Leader Can Draw From the Marathon Runner's Playbook
Henry Fan, CEO of the Largest Investment Migration Firm, Draws Parallels Between Marathon Running and Business Leadership
Henry Fan, the CEO of Globevisa Group, the largest investment migration firm by client volume, has found inspiration for his business strategy in the world of marathon running. Fan, who has completed the World Marathon Challenge, believes that the discipline, endurance, adaptability, and mindset required in marathon running are qualities essential for leading a complex global business like Globevisa Group.
During a challenging year for his company, Fan employed a recovery strategy that involved breaking goals into small, winnable objectives such as reengaging key clients, stabilizing supply chains, and retaining top talent. This approach, which he learned from his marathon training, helped him and his team navigate the complexities of the industry and preserve client relationships, despite not breaking records or making headlines.
One of the key lessons Fan has learned from marathon running is the importance of persistence and resilience. During the marathon, he began focusing on micro-goals to overcome the "marathon wall." Around the 18-mile mark, he experienced a severe cramp in his left leg, causing him to change his race strategy. However, Fan refused to give up and pushed through, demonstrating the mental toughness and determination required in both marathons and business.
In his business, Fan's company faced a critical time when immigration routes closed, leading to complaints and refund requests. Fan believes that marathoners and CEOs share a unique mental discipline, knowing that success is earned in moments of grit, not moments of glory. He emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation, as it matters more than external validation in both running and business.
Fan also encourages fellow marathoner CEOs to plan for obstacles mentally to push through. In both the marathon and his business, he chose to adjust and find a way to push forward, even if it meant changing the strategy midstream. He believes that every business will hit obstacles that feel insurmountable, but with the right mindset and a focus on continuous improvement, anything is possible.
As Fan continues to lead Globevisa Group and compete in marathons, he encourages fellow CEOs to keep running and leading, as the finish line is just another beginning. He emphasizes the importance of breaking monumental goals into digestible, actionable steps for progress in both running and business. For Fan, the parallels between the two are clear, and he continues to draw on his experiences as a marathon runner to inform his leadership style and approach to business.
[1] Globevisa Group website: https://www.globevisa.com/ [2] Henry Fan's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henryfan/ [3] World Marathon Challenge website: https://www.worldmarathonchallenge.com/
- Henry Fan, the CEO of Globevisa Group,, draws parallels between marathon running and leadership in the field of business and health-and-wellness, using his own experiences to inspire his strategies.
- Fan's approach to overcoming challenges in his business, such as reengaging key clients and retaining top talent, is reminiscent of the micro-goals strategy he learned from his marathon training in sports.
- Fan believes that the persistence, resilience, and mental toughness required in marathons are equally important in business leadership and finance.
- In addition to his role as CEO, Fan is also an avid participant in science and lifestyle activities such as marathon running, reflecting his holistic approach to wellness and fitness-and-exercise.
