The CEO of Affinity started doing Ironmans in his 40s. Here are 3 ways fitness ties into his career success.

Ken Fine, the CEO of Affinity, an AI-first private capital CRM, attributes his career success to his fitness routine, which he began in his 40s. Growing up, Fine was an avid runner but only learned to swim in his 40s, leading him to start participating in triathlons. He has now completed approximately 40 triathlons, including several Ironman races.

Fine believes that his training has helped him in several ways. Regular exercise, such as cardiovascular workouts, has been linked to increased focus, improved mood, better sleep, reduced stress, and lower chances of cognitive decline, all of which can boost work performance. Moreover, his rigorous training schedule has forced him to make healthier choices, such as establishing a steady sleep routine and setting boundaries around his time.

Triathlons, in particular, have taught Fine how to strategize and deal with setbacks. Every Sunday, he plans his weekly workouts around his work, family, and other obligations. This ability to develop a plan is a crucial skill for business leaders. Additionally, triathlons have helped him manage unpredictability better, whether in his work or personal life.

For instance, when he was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2022, he still managed to compete in the World Triathlon Championships Grand Final in Abu Dhabi by creating a plan to gradually ease back into regular walking and short biking intervals. Despite injuring his Achilles tendon, he still had one of his strongest race times ever.

Fine also emphasizes the importance of learning from failure and focusing on what can be controlled, such as handling stress and maintaining a positive attitude.