In today’s segment of ETMarkets Mind Over Money, we delve into the life and mindset of Gaurav Hinduja, the Co-Founder of Axio, a fintech venture aimed at revolutionizing financial services in India.
Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Gaurav is known for his commitment to fitness, particularly endurance sports like triathlons, and his passion for music.
Gaurav’s journey embodies resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in both personal and professional arenas.
Edited excerpts:
Thanks for being part of the segment Gaurav. Tell us how you keep yourself mentally and physically fit.
Thank you for having me. A holistic approach is key to achieving health goals. I make physical fitness a priority by dedicating 10-12 hours per week to exercise.
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Proper nutrition also fuels my active lifestyle. I focus on eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet with plenty of vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates.
Nurturing one’s mental wellbeing is just as important as diet and exercise. Quality sleep, limiting stress and connecting with loved ones helps me maintain perspective.
Consistently taking small steps towards self-care compounds over time. The path to wellness looks different for everyone.
Discover what works best for you, then commit to those strategies with discipline. A multifaceted regimen for mind, body and spirit will help you thrive.
Tell us more about the weekly routine of 10-12 hours of endurance workouts. How did you get into it?
I began incorporating exercise into my routine as a means of alleviating stress. Engaging in physical activity not only provided a constructive outlet for my stress but also served as a coping mechanism during times of uncertainty.
Now, my weekly training routine revolves around a multifaceted approach to improve both physical and mental endurance.
Tuesdays are dedicated to building aerobic endurance through focused swimming sessions. In the evenings on this day, I engage in indoor cycling to strengthen my leg muscles.
Wednesdays are reserved for weight training to enhance overall strength. Thursdays mark a significant workout day, featuring a 3-hour outdoor bike ride and additional swimming to test and strengthen both endurance and mental grit.
Fridays are dedicated to 45 minutes of high-intensity interval running. Saturdays are focused on long, steady runs lasting 60-90 minutes, aimed at further boosting endurance.
On Sundays, I prioritize recovery and injury prevention by practicing yoga or Pilates. Mondays are for facilitating body recovery.
I ensure adequate sleep each night to support overall well-being. By consistently listening to my body, adopting a smart training approach, and incorporating a diverse range of activities, I strive for continuous improvement in my overall endurance week after week.
Tell us about your experience of the Iron Triathlon. What were your learnings?
Finishing an Ironman was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It required dedication, perseverance, and commitment over many months of training.
During tough times, training for the Ironman offered a valuable diversion from work. Training for Ironman required every ounce of mental toughness I could muster.
When I wanted to give up, I remembered my inner strength and kept going. I set smaller milestones along the way which made the Ironman feel achievable.
Breaking training down into manageable routines and holding myself accountable was crucial. Meticulous planning and preparation made the difference.
Crossing the finish line taught me I am capable of far more than I ever imagined. The Ironman pushed my limits, both physically and mentally.
Above all, I will cherish the personal growth and sense of empowerment I gained from achieving a goal I once thought was impossible. That is the greatest gift the Ironman gave me.
We have also heard that you like music as well?
As an Ironman triathlete, Music is my training partner. Cycling for hours would feel endless without energizing beats to push me up the hills. When running gets painful, fast tempo music distracts my mind from the discomfort.
Music helps me find my perfect cadence on the bike and lock into an efficient pace on my runs. When fatigue sets in, slower songs help me relax and stay present.
Calming music also aids my recovery after intense sessions by easing muscle soreness. I create diverse playlists so my workouts never get monotonous.
Do you also follow any special diet?
Fueling my body is essential to performing at my peak as an endurance athlete. I take a targeted approach to my nutrition based on my individual needs and training demands.
The foundation of my diet consists of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. I adjust the ratios of macronutrients depending on my training load and goals.
Staying on top of my calorie intake is key for maintaining optimal racing weight. I allow some flexibility in my diet, enjoying treats in moderation.
But with my gluten allergy, I meticulously avoid any products containing it. This requires vigilance in meal planning and preparation.
In the weeks leading up to a big race, I significantly increase my carbohydrate consumption. This provides ample energy to fuel high-intensity training sessions and prime my body for top performance.
While my diet is specialized for my lifestyle, each athlete’s nutritional needs are unique. Consulting sports dietitians to develop a customized plan based on your body, training, and goals is highly recommended.
What is the mantra you would like to share with budding entrepreneurs?
As an entrepreneur, I want to share the mantras that have guided me on my journey: Have faith in yourself and the process – success takes grit, vision, and patience through ups and downs.
Focus on progress rather than perfection – consistency propels you forward. Make learning and growth as your priorities – be adaptable and open to feedback for evolution.
Stay resilient, embrace uncertainty and keep learning. Let passion ignite you.
Tell us a little about yourself and what motivated you to set up axio?
I was brought up in a family environment that valued business and entrepreneurship. From a young age, I developed an interest in starting my venture.
Sashank and I were classmates at Stanford University where we met and shared dreams of building an impactful business in India.
After months of exploring ideas, we identified financial services as a promising sector to disrupt through technology and create positive change.
Inspired by successful US fintech models and seeing an immense opportunity to bridge India’s credit gap, we decided to take the entrepreneurial plunge and launched axio in 2013.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
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