Pam Kassner, Owner
Super Pear Strategies, LLC
Pewaukee, Wi
www.superpear.com
What does your daily or weekly fitness regime consist of?
"I am training for my fourth Ironman triathlon — 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and a marathon run. My fitness schedule ranges from 7 to 20 hours a week and includes all of the above sports, plus strength training and yoga. In the winter, I cross country ski. Rest is an important too!!! That is when the mind and body absorbs the benefits of exercise. You should know, I was not an athlete as a youngster. I was runtly, picked last for teams and was always last in from the track during phys ed. I’m the daughter of two smokers whose nasty habit killed them both. I don’t cross the finish line first. I’m an average person who used to think a long bike ride was riding to the Starbucks. Like most people, I struggle at times with motivation — do I really want to exercise — and temptation to eat less than healthy foods. But I know the mind is the most powerful muscle we have and fitness is part of who I am."
Other than the obvious health benefits, how has being fit improved your life?
"It was only when I crossed the finish line of my first Ironman that I had the confidence to start my own business. If I could do Ironman, I could do anything and that is a motto whenever, I’m challenged. I met my husband (also a business owner and competitive bicylcist) and most of my close friends through my fitness interests. And, fitness contribute to my mental well being. There is nothing like moving the body to give you energy both in body and spirit. The benfits of fitness touch every aspect of my life. I also get to eat a lot of chocolate."
How does personal fitness affect your work life?
"As noted above, I wouldn’t be running a successful business if it wasn’t for my fitness goals. Also, to achieve my goals I have to demonstrate passion, discipline, focus, commitment, problem solving, time management, multi-tasking, intensity, strategic thinking and humor. These are all attributes needed in business. When facing a business challenge, I ask myself, if this was an Ironman how would I handle this. Many times reminding myself of my triathlon strategies allows me to get past a business challenge. I have presented to fellow employees on how lessons learned during Ironman training can be applied to business, so can discuss this more in detail. I believe my fitness pursuits say a lot about me and instill confidence in my clients about the kind of work ethic and results they will get from me. Fitness is also the avenue for any competitiveness or agression I have. I’m not about getting to the corner office. I want to get to the finish line faster than I did last time. To me the office (and the race) is about doing my best possible."
Do you have a corporate health or wellness initiative?
"No."
How does fitness or wellness affect your overall organization?
"I am an entrepreneur and partner with other entrepreneurs so I don’t have a formal program. But fitness is a priority. My business would not be as successful as it is, nor would my clients get their best results possible if it was not for wellness. While others are walking a golf course making deals, I can be out on my bike bonding and entertaining, or I can be out for a run and brainstorming ideas. My best thinking is not always in front of the computer."
What advice do you have for other executives interested in starting either a personal fitness plan or corporate wellness initiative?
"If you want to increase productivity, employee engagement and collaboration, embrace fitness and allow your employees to move — even if it is a 20 minute walk. If you want to foster confidence, good morale and boost creative thinking — get moving and get your employees to do the same. It goes to the bigger idea of focusing on results and outcomes, not how the work gets done, where it gets done or what time it gets done."
