Morning habits of 7 top Indian entrepreneurs

Some of us are early birds, others night owls, and some neither. But it is believed that the way you start your day can very well impact how your day actually goes.

The likes of Jack Ma, Mark Zuckerberg, Richard Branson, and Ratan Tata are all morning birds, so are most new-age Indian entrepreneurs. Let’s find out what they do first thing in the morning.

Shashank ND – Co-founder and CEO Practo

Day begins at: Between 6 am and 7 am

Aspires to get up at: 4 am

First thing done: Check emails and plan the day

Morning fix: Gym, running, squash or swimming

Reaches office: between 9 am to 10 am

The Founder and CEO of Practo says:

For me hitting the gym is like medicine. I have to hit the gym for an hour in the morning. I try to do at least five to 10 km on the treadmill in the mornings. I also try getting a quick swim or a game of squash before hitting the gym, but both a gym and a swim or squash isn’t easy.

Radhika Agarwal – Co-founder and CEO Shopclues

Day begins at: 6:15 am

First thing done: Spends 20 minutes catching up on reading and work

Morning fix: Stretches and a long morning walk

Reaches office: 9:15 am

The co-founder and CEO of Shopclues says:

I have two boys, so I basically live dual worlds. From 6:40 am to 7:26 am is their time, and it is a dedicated morning time. It is after that I drink a cup of tea, catch up on work. It is those 40 minutes I get for myself, so I generally go for a long morning walk. It is my down time.

Naveen Tewari – Co-Founder and CEO, InMobi

A father of two, Naveen Tewari begins his day early seeing off his daughter Niyati to school by 6:50 am.

I usually run for five km or go to the gym. I then have chai, play cricket with my son Avin. I have the same breakfast I have been having for many years – oats with fruits and dry fruits.

Ritesh Agarwal – Founder and CEO, OYO Rooms

Day begins at: 7:00 am

First thing done: Checking emails and catching up on work

Morning fix: Long walks and runs

Reaches office: 10 am

The founder and CEO OYO Rooms says:

I try to begin my days as early as possible, as it helps me plan my day and get most things done on time. I have started finding a lot of ‘me-time’ and peace while running or taking a long walk in the mornings. It helps me rejuvenate and refresh myself.

Mukesh Bansal – Co-founder, CureFit

The Co-founder of CureFit and the Founder of Myntra, is known to be a fitness buff and enthusiast. It, therefore, is of no surprise that Mukesh Bansal begins his day early.

I work out five to six times a week. I don't enjoy a traditional gym since I feel old-fashioned body building is more for aesthetics and less about holistic fitness and good health. I combine a lot of functional training, MMA, running and yoga and keep varying the formats.

Anu Acharya – Founder and CEO, Mapmygenome

For the Founder and CEO of Mapmygenome, the day ends only at 2 am, so beginning early means 7 or eight am.

First thing done: Spends 20 minutes catching up on reading and work

Morning fix: Running, cycling or swimming

Reaches office: 10:30 am to 11 am

Beginning the day early is difficult as my day ends late. But I definitely try running, cycling or swimming in the mornings after catching up on work. I find either one of these activities very relaxing and peaceful.

Kavin Bharti Mittal – Founder and CEO, Hike Messenger

The Founder and CEO of Hike Messenger begins his day slightly differently. From a glass of water to meditation, Kavin Bharti Mittal begins his day realigning and rejuvenating his mind. He says:

A glass of water as soon as I wake up. Then I meditate between 15 min and 30 min. A quick shower. Breakfast is usually an apple, a banana, and some protein usually four-five eggs to get ready for the day.

(With inputs from Vishal Krishna and Dipti Nair)