Business people talking about sports: Gabriel Biris and Ileana Tomescu

While the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi take the world by snowstorm, we at Business Review thought this would be the perfect time to combine the worlds of sports and business practices.

We went to some of the most prominent figures in the Romanian business landscape and asked them about the sports they practice and how those activities help them be better leaders in their field.

Gabriel Biris, managing partner, Biris Goran

Sports practiced: I can’t really say that I was a professional, but I took part in several amateur races, which I’m proud to have won, during my childhood. Now I enjoy skiing with my family in winter and mountain biking when the weather is fine. I still participate in MTB races for the joy of pedaling and spending time in nature.

Correlation between business management and sport: Mens sana in corpore sano, I would say. We need to exercise regularly in order to maintain a healthy body and mind and give our best every day, at the office and at home. Going out in nature is a great way to disconnect from daily activities and issues and to return to the office with batteries charged and a good dose of positivity.

Ileana Tomescu, managing director, BPN

Sports practiced: I’ve skied since I was four years old and I enjoy this sport every winter. I believe skiing gives you the opportunity to empty your mind of everything but what you have to do at that moment.

Correlation between business management and sport: I believe sport helps the mind to release the “inner noise”, concentrating the effort on a single, unrepeatable moment. It’s great practice for any business, not only for management but also for our everyday life. Sport helps not only the body but also the mind; it balances the inner equilibrium and develops a healthy competitive spirit. All these factors help reduce stress and therefore assist in developing a balanced and fair management and business approach.