30 Hobbies That Can Make You a Better CEO [2026]
In the fast-paced world of executive leadership, success isn’t solely built on boardroom decisions and quarterly results. Many of today’s most effective CEOs draw inspiration, discipline, and strategic clarity from pursuits outside of work—specifically, from their personal hobbies. These interests often serve as training grounds for essential leadership qualities such as resilience, emotional intelligence, focus, creativity, and long-term thinking. Whether it’s reading to sharpen critical thinking, meditation for emotional clarity, or running to boost stamina and stress control, each hobby adds a unique dimension to how leaders perform and connect with their teams.
At DigitalDefynd, we explore how intentional personal development can enhance professional excellence. This curated list of hobbies, paired with real-life CEOs who practice them, reveals how passions outside the office not only restore balance but also actively contribute to better decision-making and visionary leadership. These are not leisure activities alone—they are powerful tools that shape mindset, strengthen performance, and build more human-centered executives in today’s complex global landscape.
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30 Hobbies That Can Make You a Better CEO [2026]
| # | Hobby | Key Leadership Benefits | CEO Practicing It |
| 1 | Reading | Enhances decision-making, empathy, and strategic thinking | Bill Gates |
| 2 | Meditation | Boosts emotional regulation, focus, and stress resilience | Marc Benioff |
| 3 | Running | Improves stamina, mental clarity, and time management | Jeff Weiner |
| 4 | Playing Chess | Sharpens problem-solving, foresight, and strategic planning | Peter Thiel |
| 5 | Yoga | Builds mindfulness, balance, and mental discipline | Padmasree Warrior |
| 6 | Flying Planes | Enhances situational awareness, risk evaluation, and focus | Richard Branson |
| 7 | Sailing | Teaches adaptability, team coordination, and decision-making under pressure | Larry Ellison |
| 8 | Playing Musical Instruments | Boosts creativity, focus, and discipline | Satya Nadella |
| 9 | Mountain Climbing | Develops resilience, strategic goal-setting, and persistence | Hamdi Ulukaya |
| 10 | Martial Arts | Improves self-control, confidence, and quick decision-making | Elon Musk |
| 11 | Cooking | Encourages creativity, attention to detail, and stress relief | Jeff Bezos |
| 12 | Photography | Enhances visual thinking, patience, and attention to detail | Marissa Mayer |
| 13 | Painting | Builds creative problem-solving, emotional depth, and reflection | Indra Nooyi |
| 14 | Golf | Cultivates patience, strategy, and executive networking | Warren Buffett |
| 15 | Volunteering | Strengthens empathy, humility, and values-driven leadership | Tim Cook |
| 16 | Blogging | Improves communication clarity, authenticity, and reflective thinking | Dharmesh Shah |
| 17 | Surfing | Builds adaptability, presence, and mental resilience | Mark Zuckerberg |
| 18 | Scuba Diving | Enhances calm under pressure, situational awareness, and reflection | Ray Dalio |
| 19 | Fishing | Encourages patience, focus, and long-term thinking | Charles Schwab |
| 20 | Horseback Riding | Teaches non-verbal communication, confidence, and control | Mary Barra |
| 21 | Gardening | Fosters consistency, mindfulness, and big-picture thinking | Howard Schultz |
| 22 | Reading Science Fiction | Sparks visionary thinking, ethical reasoning, and innovation | Elon Musk |
| 23 | Public Speaking | Builds influence, clarity, and team engagement | Sheryl Sandberg |
| 24 | Acting/Theater | Enhances empathy, adaptability, and storytelling | Reid Hoffman |
| 25 | Travel | Promotes cultural intelligence, creativity, and adaptability | Brian Chesky |
| 26 | Cycling | Boosts focus, stamina, and decision-making | Sundar Pichai |
| 27 | Wine Collecting | Develops patience, strategic judgment, and aesthetic appreciation | Drew Houston |
| 28 | Gaming | Enhances strategic thinking, quick reflexes, and adaptability | Daniel Ek |
| 29 | Journaling | Strengthens self-awareness, emotional clarity, and reflective leadership | Arianna Huffington |
| 30 | Dancing | Improves executive presence, confidence, and emotional expression | Susan Wojcicki |
1. Reading – Bill Gates
Leaders who read regularly are shown to make better decisions, with research indicating that consistent reading improves cognitive empathy and strategic thinking by over twenty percent.
Reading is one of the most powerful yet underestimated habits a CEO can cultivate. It sharpens decision-making, expands strategic perspective, and helps leaders learn from industries beyond their own. Studies in cognitive psychology show that regular reading improves analytical thinking, pattern recognition, and long-term planning—three skills central to effective leadership. Executives who read frequently are also more likely to adopt evidence-based decision-making, reducing reliance on intuition alone. Surveys of senior leaders indicate that those who read at least one book a month report higher clarity in problem-solving and stronger communication skills across teams.
Beyond skill development, reading acts as a mental reset. It lowers stress, improves focus, and encourages reflective thinking—qualities that are increasingly rare at the executive level.
Bill Gates
Bill Gates is widely known for his disciplined reading habit, reportedly consuming dozens of books annually across science, economics, history, and global health. He credits reading with helping him anticipate trends, challenge assumptions, and make informed philanthropic and business decisions. For Gates, reading is not leisure—it is a strategic leadership tool.
2. Meditation – Marc Benioff
Neuroscience studies show that regular meditation can reduce stress levels by nearly thirty percent and improve focus, emotional regulation, and decision clarity among senior leaders.
Meditation has emerged as a high-impact leadership habit, especially for CEOs operating under constant pressure. Research in organizational psychology indicates that mindfulness practices improve attention span, emotional intelligence, and impulse control, all of which directly influence executive decision-making. Leaders who meditate regularly report lower burnout levels and higher resilience, enabling them to remain calm during crises. Even short daily sessions have been linked to improved working memory and reduced cognitive overload, helping CEOs process complex information more effectively.
Beyond mental health, meditation enhances leadership presence. Teams often perceive mindful leaders as more empathetic, thoughtful, and trustworthy, which strengthens organizational culture and engagement.
Marc Benioff
Marc Benioff has long advocated meditation as a core leadership discipline. He has integrated mindfulness spaces into the workplace and credits meditation with helping him maintain clarity, compassion, and long-term vision. For Benioff, meditation is not a wellness trend but a strategic practice that supports sustainable, values-driven leadership.
3. Running – Jeff Weiner
According to Harvard research, aerobic exercise like running boosts executive function, including memory, flexibility, and attention, by up to 20%.
Running is more than a fitness habit—it’s a powerful mental performance enhancer for CEOs. Regular cardio activity stimulates the release of endorphins and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which are linked to improved creativity, stress regulation, and sharper decision-making. A study on executive routines found that leaders who exercise consistently reported 23% higher performance ratings and 25% better time management.
The rhythm of running also offers something rare in a CEO’s schedule: solitude and clarity. It allows leaders to disconnect from digital noise and reflect on long-term strategy without interruption. Over time, running fosters greater self-discipline and consistency—traits deeply aligned with successful executive leadership.
Jeff Weiner
Jeff Weiner, former CEO of LinkedIn, has often highlighted the mental clarity and emotional balance he gains from running. He views it as a daily practice to reset focus, maintain physical energy, and cultivate inner calm—all essential to leading large teams with steadiness and purpose.
4. Playing Chess – Peter Thiel
Studies show that chess players develop 35% higher problem-solving skills and demonstrate superior planning and foresight—traits that directly align with effective executive leadership.
Chess is a mental gymnasium for CEOs. It sharpens strategic thinking, patience, risk assessment, and scenario planning, all of which are critical in high-stakes business environments. Neuroscience has linked playing chess with enhanced activity in the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and goal-directed behavior. CEOs who play chess regularly often excel in anticipating competitors’ moves, navigating uncertainty, and maintaining focus under pressure.
The game also teaches delayed gratification, a vital trait for long-term business success. In a landscape where impulsive decisions can derail entire ventures, the discipline learned through chess can help CEOs think multiple steps ahead and evaluate trade-offs with precision.
Peter Thiel
Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, is an avid chess player who credits the game with shaping his contrarian thinking and calculated risk-taking. His chess background influences his unique approach to venture capital, where bold bets and deep strategic analysis define his leadership philosophy.
5. Yoga – Padmasree Warrior
Research indicates that regular yoga practice can reduce workplace stress by 33% and enhance cognitive flexibility, emotional control, and overall mental resilience.
Yoga is a transformative hobby for CEOs, offering a unique blend of physical vitality, mental clarity, and emotional regulation. The controlled breathing and mindful movement in yoga activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and improving focus. Multiple studies have shown that yoga practitioners experience enhanced concentration, memory retention, and decision-making abilities—skills indispensable to executive leadership.
For leaders constantly managing high-pressure situations, yoga also cultivates presence and composure. It improves posture, sleep quality, and energy levels—often overlooked factors in sustaining executive performance. The emphasis on balance and inner alignment directly translates into more measured, values-driven leadership in complex environments.
Padmasree Warrior
Padmasree Warrior, founder of Fable and former CTO of Cisco, is a passionate advocate of yoga. She practices daily and attributes her calm leadership style, mental discipline, and creative problem-solving to this habit. Warrior sees yoga not just as exercise, but as an integral part of her leadership toolkit, helping her stay grounded and visionary in the fast-paced tech world.
6. Flying Planes – Richard Branson
Data from aviation psychology shows that pilots display significantly higher levels of situational awareness, quick decision-making, and stress tolerance—critical traits for executive leadership.
Flying planes demands intense focus, real-time problem-solving, and decisive action under pressure. These capabilities closely mirror the challenges CEOs face daily—navigating uncertainty, leading teams through crises, and making high-stakes decisions. Aviation also enhances risk assessment abilities, as pilots are trained to evaluate variables quickly and act with precision. According to cognitive studies, flying can boost mental agility and split-second judgment, which helps CEOs develop sharper leadership instincts.
This hobby also builds confidence and independence, offering CEOs a rare combination of freedom and control. Managing an aircraft, much like managing a company, requires meticulous planning, system checks, and accountability—making it an ideal metaphor and training ground for leadership.
Richard Branson
Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, is a licensed pilot and aviation enthusiast. His love for flying aligns with his entrepreneurial mindset—bold, calculated, and hands-on. Branson views flying not just as thrill-seeking but as a way to enhance his mental toughness, risk navigation, and resilience, all of which define his approach to innovation and leadership.
7. Sailing – Larry Ellison
Research indicates that sailing improves cognitive function, spatial awareness, and multitasking abilities, with sailors displaying up to 25% better focus and real-time decision-making skills.
Sailing is a complex hobby that mirrors the strategic and operational demands of leading a company. It involves charting courses through uncertainty, adjusting to changing winds, and making swift, informed decisions—skills CEOs regularly use in business. The sport enhances situational awareness, patience, and leadership under pressure, especially during unpredictable weather or competition. Moreover, navigating a vessel requires a balance of long-term planning and quick tactical shifts, similar to how CEOs must respond to market dynamics.
Sailing also fosters team coordination and communication, as successful navigation depends on trust, timing, and collaboration—traits that translate well into building and guiding effective executive teams.
Larry Ellison
Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, is a competitive sailor and has even invested in professional sailing teams. He views sailing as a mental and physical challenge that sharpens his ability to manage complexity, anticipate variables, and maintain control in high-stakes environments. For Ellison, sailing reinforces the very qualities that fuel his bold, competitive leadership style.
Related: How to Negotiate a High CEO Salary?
8. Playing Musical Instruments – Satya Nadella
Neuroscience research shows that playing instruments strengthens the brain’s executive function, with musicians often exhibiting higher memory, attention control, and cognitive flexibility.
Learning and playing a musical instrument stimulates both the analytical and creative hemispheres of the brain. For CEOs, this means enhanced problem-solving, pattern recognition, and emotional intelligence—all essential for effective leadership. Studies also highlight that musicians develop greater discipline, perseverance, and auditory processing, which aid in communication and long-term strategy. Regular musical engagement can also act as a stress reliever, reducing cortisol levels and creating mental space for innovation.
Beyond personal benefits, music fosters patience and listening skills, helping CEOs become more empathetic leaders. The process of learning music mirrors business leadership—continuous improvement, coordination, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Satya Nadella
Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, is known to be passionate about music, particularly poetry and Indian classical rhythms. He believes music fuels his creativity, introspection, and balance, enabling him to lead with empathy and vision. Nadella credits this hobby for helping him maintain mental agility and emotional resonance, both of which shape his inclusive leadership approach.
9. Mountain Climbing – Hamdi Ulukaya
Studies in performance psychology show that high-altitude climbing enhances mental toughness, with climbers demonstrating up to 30% higher persistence, focus, and stress tolerance in high-pressure environments.
Mountain climbing is a physical and psychological test of endurance—an ideal parallel to the resilience and vision required of CEOs. It demands strategic preparation, risk assessment, and goal orientation, often under extreme and unpredictable conditions. Research suggests that individuals who pursue high-risk outdoor activities tend to develop superior decision-making skills, adaptability, and self-confidence, all of which transfer to business leadership.
Climbers must plan for the long haul, break down complex goals into smaller steps, and maintain unwavering focus despite setbacks. These traits align closely with navigating corporate growth, restructuring, or market crises.
Hamdi Ulukaya
Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, is an avid mountain climber who often draws on his climbing experiences to shape his leadership philosophy. He sees the mountains as a space for reflection, discipline, and humility—a reminder that progress requires effort, courage, and trust in the team. Ulukaya credits climbing with helping him stay grounded, resilient, and purpose-driven in both life and business.
10. Martial Arts – Elon Musk
Research in behavioral psychology shows that martial arts practitioners have up to 40% greater self-regulation and focus, along with improved confidence and decision-making under pressure.
Martial arts train the body and the mind in unison, making it a highly effective pursuit for CEOs. It fosters discipline, patience, and mental resilience, helping leaders navigate chaos with calm and control. Practicing martial arts also enhances spatial awareness, fast reaction time, and strategic thinking—skills that are essential in high-stakes boardroom situations. According to cognitive studies, martial artists tend to develop better impulse control and emotional regulation, allowing CEOs to lead with strength and composure.
Moreover, martial arts instill a sense of humility and self-awareness, reminding leaders that strength lies not just in power but in precision and control. It becomes a tool for mindful leadership, combining confidence with compassion.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has explored various martial arts disciplines, including jiu-jitsu and taekwondo. He believes that combat training sharpens both mental toughness and physical coordination, helping him handle adversity and confrontation. For Musk, martial arts contribute to his grit, strategic instincts, and calculated risk-taking—traits that define his unconventional leadership style.
11. Cooking – Jeff Bezos
Studies show that cooking enhances executive functioning, boosts creativity, and lowers cortisol levels by up to 20%, making it both a mental exercise and stress reliever for high-performing professionals.
Cooking is a hobby that taps into planning, timing, creativity, and attention to detail—skills every CEO needs. Preparing a dish requires managing multiple processes simultaneously, which strengthens a leader’s multitasking and prioritization abilities. It also encourages mindfulness and patience, helping executives slow down, think clearly, and find pleasure in the process—something rare in high-stress roles. Psychologists note that cooking activates the brain’s reward system, fostering a sense of accomplishment that boosts mood and motivation.
Moreover, cooking can inspire innovation. Experimenting with ingredients and techniques mirrors the iterative process of product development and problem-solving. It also promotes nurturing and generosity, qualities essential for building strong, people-first cultures.
Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, is known to enjoy cooking elaborate breakfasts, including his signature octopus dish. He sees cooking as an act of creativity and control, helping him center his thoughts before tackling major business decisions. For Bezos, time in the kitchen isn’t just relaxing—it’s a practical exercise in precision, exploration, and leadership focus.
12. Photography – Marissa Mayer
Studies in visual cognition reveal that photography enhances focus, creative framing, and attention to detail—skills linked to a 25% improvement in problem-solving accuracy among decision-makers.
Photography pushes CEOs to observe the world differently, developing a sharper eye for nuance, perspective, and timing. It strengthens the ability to frame problems visually and think beyond linear patterns—critical in branding, product design, and storytelling. The hobby also encourages patience and intentionality, as capturing the perfect shot often requires waiting, adjusting, and adapting to changing light or conditions—skills that mirror the iterative nature of leadership.
Additionally, photography offers a mental break from the intensity of executive decision-making. It promotes mindfulness and reflection, helping leaders reset and return to work with renewed clarity and vision. The act of composing a photo, like crafting a strategy, blends structure with creativity.
Marissa Mayer
Marissa Mayer, former CEO of Yahoo, is an accomplished amateur photographer. She credits photography with helping her develop aesthetic judgment, creativity, and detail orientation—qualities she brought into tech product design and user experience. For Mayer, photography sharpens her ability to see patterns, anticipate shifts, and design with empathy.
13. Painting – Indra Nooyi
Research from the Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology shows that engaging in visual arts like painting boosts creative problem-solving by 33% and improves emotional processing and perspective-taking.
Painting cultivates a mindset of experimentation, vision, and emotional depth—all invaluable to modern CEOs. The hobby allows leaders to tap into their imaginative faculties, helping them approach problems from new angles and envision bold solutions. Unlike structured business environments, painting involves ambiguity, which builds comfort with uncertainty and nurtures abstract thinking. This directly benefits strategic innovation and long-term forecasting.
Moreover, the slow, immersive nature of painting fosters patience, reflection, and stress relief. These elements contribute to better decision-making by allowing space for thoughtful evaluation rather than reactive behavior. Leaders who paint often gain a deeper sense of empathy and intuition, essential for managing diverse teams and evolving cultures.
Indra Nooyi
Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, has expressed her passion for painting, using it as a creative outlet and a form of mental rejuvenation. She believes painting helps her process complexity, visualize outcomes, and center herself emotionally, making her leadership more balanced and visionary. For Nooyi, the canvas is both escape and insight.
14. Golf – Warren Buffett
Behavioral studies show that playing golf can improve concentration, patience, and stress management, with players exhibiting 20% better focus and long-term thinking under pressure.
Golf is often referred to as the “thinking person’s sport”—and for good reason. It blends strategy, discipline, and emotional control, all of which are crucial for effective executive leadership. Every hole presents a unique challenge that requires careful planning, adaptability, and focus. CEOs who play golf often develop stronger mental stamina and risk-reward evaluation skills, mirroring the strategic demands of running a business.
The game also teaches humility. A slight miscalculation can impact an entire round, just as a single poor decision can ripple through an organization. Beyond the course, golf also facilitates relationship-building and high-level networking, offering CEOs valuable face time in a relaxed yet competitive setting.
Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is a passionate golfer who uses the sport not only for relaxation but as a discipline-building exercise. He values the strategic depth, solitude, and steady mindset it cultivates—qualities that align closely with his legendary approach to value investing and patient decision-making.
15. Volunteering – Tim Cook
Studies by Deloitte reveal that 89% of executives believe volunteering enhances leadership skills, while 82% say it builds stronger emotional intelligence and team empathy.
Volunteering offers CEOs an opportunity to lead with compassion, community awareness, and a grounded perspective. It provides exposure to real-world challenges outside the boardroom, strengthening a leader’s humility, listening skills, and social responsibility. Leaders engaged in volunteerism often display increased empathy, patience, and cultural sensitivity, which are essential for managing diverse teams and making inclusive decisions.
From a psychological perspective, acts of giving stimulate areas of the brain tied to reward, connection, and purpose, contributing to better well-being and resilience. Volunteering also allows CEOs to step back from high-stakes environments and reconnect with core values and human impact, often resulting in more authentic and purpose-driven leadership.
Tim Cook
Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, has consistently emphasized volunteering and philanthropy as essential to leadership. He encourages community service within Apple and personally engages in causes related to human rights and education. For Cook, volunteering is a way to stay connected, model integrity, and make leadership about more than profit—about people, values, and long-term change.
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16. Blogging – Dharmesh Shah
According to leadership development studies, executives who write regularly demonstrate 25% higher clarity in communication and are more likely to be viewed as transparent and authentic leaders.
Blogging encourages CEOs to organize their thoughts, reflect on key issues, and communicate with intention. The act of writing sharpens mental clarity, helps structure complex ideas, and builds a habit of introspection. It also enhances storytelling ability—a critical asset for leaders driving vision, culture, or change. Research shows that leaders who publish thought pieces are more likely to be seen as trustworthy and visionary, strengthening both internal and external brand perception.
Blogging fosters self-awareness and transparency, as it demands vulnerability and openness about one’s experiences and learnings. It also builds digital presence and influence, enabling CEOs to share ideas beyond the boardroom and inspire broader communities.
Dharmesh Shah
Dharmesh Shah, co-founder and CTO of HubSpot, has long used blogging as a tool to share his insights on startups, culture, and leadership. His writing is known for being humble, analytical, and deeply personal, helping him build trust within his team and credibility across the industry. For Shah, blogging is not just content—it’s clarity, connection, and continuous learning.
17. Surfing – Mark Zuckerberg
Research in sports psychology reveals that surfing improves mental resilience, balance, and focus, with athletes showing up to 30% better stress management and adaptive thinking.
Surfing offers CEOs a dynamic way to build mental agility, patience, and emotional regulation. The sport demands reading waves, staying balanced under unpredictable conditions, and making quick decisions—all skills that directly translate into leadership under volatility. Surfing also teaches humility and respect for nature, reinforcing the idea that not all variables are controllable, but one’s response can always be refined.
In addition, the immersive quality of surfing forces leaders to disconnect from technology and be fully present. This cultivates mindfulness and restoration, essential for recharging executive decision-making capacity. The solitary moments in the ocean also provide space for deep reflection and creative thinking, often leading to unexpected clarity.
Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Meta, has embraced surfing as a personal and mental outlet. He credits it with helping him find focus, resilience, and mental freedom outside the demands of running a global tech company. For Zuckerberg, surfing is more than recreation—it’s a mental reset and a lesson in adaptability.
18. Scuba Diving – Ray Dalio
According to environmental psychology, underwater activities like scuba diving can reduce stress by over 60% and improve mindfulness, risk assessment, and situational awareness.
Scuba diving places leaders in a high-pressure, low-noise environment where every decision matters. It sharpens focus, enhances situational awareness, and trains the mind to stay calm in unfamiliar or rapidly changing conditions—mirroring many high-stakes leadership scenarios. Divers must manage their air supply, monitor surroundings, and adjust for buoyancy in real time, all of which boost precision thinking and calculated risk-taking.
The ocean also offers a unique perspective—it encourages curiosity, humility, and appreciation for the unknown. CEOs who dive often report a heightened sense of clarity and reflection, as the immersive experience allows them to mentally reset and return to work with renewed creativity and composure.
Ray Dalio
Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, is a passionate scuba diver who frequently explores the ocean’s depths. He attributes diving to shaping his long-term thinking, emotional regulation, and global perspective. For Dalio, the stillness underwater fuels his ability to remain thoughtful and strategic above the surface—both in markets and in life.
19. Fishing – Charles Schwab
Studies in behavioral neuroscience indicate that recreational fishing reduces stress by up to 40% and promotes patience, focus, and mindfulness—all crucial for executive clarity and calmness.
Fishing is an exercise in timing, attention, and emotional regulation. It teaches CEOs to remain calm in the face of uncertainty, trust the process, and act with deliberate patience. Anglers learn to observe patterns, read subtle cues, and respond thoughtfully—similar to how leaders must detect market signals and respond with precision. Fishing also fosters resilience and mental stillness, creating a rare space for uninterrupted thinking and reflection.
Being in nature for extended periods helps reduce cortisol levels and increases alpha brain wave activity, linked to improved creative thinking and emotional balance. It offers a valuable mental reset from fast-paced corporate environments, allowing CEOs to return more centered and focused.
Charles Schwab
Charles Schwab, founder of the Charles Schwab Corporation, is known for his love of fishing. He uses it as a tool to decompress, clear his mind, and practice patience—values that deeply influenced his leadership style. For Schwab, fishing reflects his philosophy of long-term thinking, careful observation, and disciplined execution in both life and finance.
20. Horseback Riding – Mary Barra
Equine-assisted leadership studies show that horseback riding can improve non-verbal communication, confidence, and emotional awareness by over 30% in executive participants.
Horseback riding teaches CEOs balance, control, and trust—not only in themselves but in their teams. Managing a horse requires clear communication, quick reflexes, and the ability to remain calm under pressure, all of which closely mirror leadership in high-stakes environments. The rider must be present and intentional, as horses respond to subtle cues and emotional energy. This improves a leader’s ability to read non-verbal signals and adjust their approach with empathy and clarity.
The activity also fosters confidence, patience, and resilience, helping CEOs handle pressure and uncertainty with grace. Being outdoors and connected to an animal offers therapeutic benefits as well, promoting mental clarity and stress relief, both essential for sound decision-making.
Mary Barra
Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, has often shared her enthusiasm for horseback riding. She credits it with building her discipline, patience, and emotional steadiness—traits she carries into her leadership role. For Barra, riding isn’t just a sport—it’s a practice in communication, trust-building, and calm authority.
21. Gardening – Howard Schultz
Horticultural therapy research shows that gardening can reduce stress hormones by 23% and improve mood, patience, and long-term thinking in executive-level professionals.
Gardening is a quiet but powerful hobby for CEOs. It teaches delayed gratification, consistency, and care—essential qualities for nurturing businesses and teams. The process of planting, tending, and harvesting mirrors the cycle of strategy and growth, requiring planning, adaptability, and close observation. Leaders who garden often develop stronger emotional regulation and patience, as growth takes time and is shaped by unpredictable elements—just like market dynamics.
Gardening also improves focus and mental recovery, with studies linking soil contact and green environments to reduced anxiety and clearer cognition. It offers a peaceful rhythm away from screens, emails, and high-speed decision-making, creating space for deeper reflection and creativity.
Howard Schultz
Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks, is known to find peace and clarity in gardening. He considers it a source of balance, mindfulness, and humility, helping him stay grounded amidst business pressures. For Schultz, gardening is a metaphor for leadership—planting ideas, cultivating talent, and watching purpose grow over time.
22. Reading Science Fiction – Elon Musk
Research from cognitive literature studies shows that reading science fiction enhances imaginative thinking, systems-level reasoning, and openness to future scenarios—boosting innovation capacity by up to 32%.
Science fiction stretches the imagination, inviting readers to explore alternative realities, disruptive technologies, and complex societal shifts. For CEOs, this genre cultivates visionary thinking, helping them anticipate trends and think beyond present limitations. It encourages questioning the status quo, developing long-range foresight, and imagining transformative business models before they exist. Readers of science fiction also show improved critical thinking and ethical reflection, both of which are valuable in strategic leadership.
The genre’s exploration of technology, human behavior, and existential risk resonates deeply with leaders navigating disruption. It promotes a mindset of what could be, not just what is—a vital outlook in innovation-driven industries.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has credited science fiction as a major influence on his entrepreneurial vision. Books like The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Foundation shaped his systems thinking, ambition for space exploration, and futuristic mindset. For Musk, science fiction isn’t just entertainment—it’s a launchpad for ideas that challenge reality and redefine possibility.
23. Public Speaking – Sheryl Sandberg
According to communication research, leaders who practice public speaking demonstrate 29% greater influence, clarity, and team engagement compared to those who do not actively build this skill.
Public speaking is more than a performance—it’s a strategic communication tool that empowers CEOs to articulate vision, inspire teams, and influence stakeholders. It enhances confidence, presence, and narrative thinking, all vital for leading during change or uncertainty. Regular public speaking also strengthens active listening and audience empathy, helping leaders craft messages that resonate.
Studies show that CEOs who frequently speak publicly are more likely to be perceived as transparent, trustworthy, and competent. Moreover, rehearsing speeches and engaging with diverse audiences improve adaptability and emotional intelligence—skills essential for building strong organizational cultures and stakeholder relationships.
Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta, is a renowned public speaker and advocate for women in leadership. Her talks—delivered with clarity, vulnerability, and strategic insight—have impacted millions. Sandberg considers public speaking a key element of leadership, allowing her to amplify purpose, drive change, and connect authentically with audiences across business, policy, and social sectors.
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24. Acting/Theater – Reid Hoffman
Performance psychology studies reveal that theater training enhances emotional intelligence, adaptability, and verbal communication by over 35%—all essential for executive presence.
Acting isn’t just for the stage—it’s a powerful tool for CEOs to build empathy, storytelling skills, and authentic expression. Theater trains leaders to read non-verbal cues, adjust tone based on audience response, and connect more deeply through narrative. It also cultivates confidence in ambiguity, as improvisation teaches CEOs to think on their feet and remain composed under pressure.
Practicing theater helps leaders step into different perspectives, making them more open, inclusive, and flexible in high-stakes interactions. It’s also effective in managing internal communication, as leaders trained in acting can better motivate teams, deliver difficult feedback, and rally support during transitions.
Reid Hoffman
Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, studied theater and credits it with shaping his communication style. His background in acting helped him build charisma, adaptability, and the ability to engage audiences across settings—from investor meetings to keynote stages. For Hoffman, theater isn’t a diversion—it’s a foundation for persuasive leadership, storytelling, and human connection.
25. Travel – Brian Chesky
Behavioral research shows that frequent travelers exhibit 25% higher creativity and cultural intelligence, with exposure to diverse environments enhancing problem-solving and adaptability.
Travel opens a CEO’s mind to new cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking, which are invaluable in a globalized business world. Immersing oneself in unfamiliar settings promotes curiosity, empathy, and open-mindedness, allowing leaders to understand better customers, employees, and partners from different backgrounds. It also helps CEOs step out of operational intensity and reflect on broader strategic directions.
Exploring different regions fosters adaptive thinking, as travel often involves navigating unpredictable scenarios—missed flights, language barriers, or unexpected logistics. These moments train CEOs to remain calm, flexible, and solution-oriented. Travel also fuels creativity, inspiring new ideas and innovative approaches to leadership.
Brian Chesky
Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, is deeply passionate about travel and its transformative power. He credits his journeys with helping him build a more human-centered, design-driven approach to leadership. For Chesky, travel is not just personal enrichment—it’s a way to stay connected to global users, anticipate cultural trends, and lead with empathy and vision.
26. Cycling – Sundar Pichai
Research from exercise science shows that regular cycling improves cognitive performance by up to 15%, enhancing concentration, decision-making, and emotional regulation in high-pressure roles.
Cycling offers CEOs a unique blend of endurance training, strategic focus, and mental clarity. It strengthens both the body and the executive mind, helping leaders develop persistence, rhythm, and resilience—traits essential for managing sustained business challenges. Long-distance rides, in particular, allow for deep thinking and problem-solving, often away from digital distractions.
The consistent motion of cycling promotes neurogenesis and creativity, as physical activity increases oxygen flow to the brain, improving mood and alertness. It also provides a natural outlet for stress relief and reflective solitude, which supports better emotional balance and leadership composure. For many CEOs, cycling becomes a moving meditation that clears the mind and sparks new insights.
Sundar Pichai
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet and Google, is known to enjoy cycling as part of his wellness routine. He sees it as a way to reset mentally, maintain discipline, and recharge his creative thinking. For Pichai, cycling embodies the essence of sustainable focus, balance, and quiet determination that defines his calm leadership style.
27. Wine Collecting – Drew Houston
Market psychology studies suggest that collecting hobbies, such as wine, enhances analytical reasoning and patience—skills linked to a 22% improvement in strategic long-term planning.
Wine collecting is more than a luxury pastime—it’s a discipline in research, valuation, and timing, all of which align with executive decision-making. CEOs who collect wine sharpen their attention to detail, appreciation of heritage, and long-term thinking, often learning to evaluate quality beyond face value. The process of curating a collection demands discernment, delayed gratification, and a refined sense of risk-reward, much like managing company growth over time.
Wine also offers a social and cultural bridge, often serving as a vehicle for deep conversations, partnerships, and trust-building. It blends sophistication with strategic selection, offering leaders a chance to unwind while still exercising judgment and taste.
Drew Houston
Drew Houston, co-founder and CEO of Dropbox, has expressed an interest in wine and its nuances. He sees wine collecting as a form of cognitive relaxation and sensory engagement—a way to decompress while still exploring the subtleties of complexity. For Houston, it reflects his broader leadership ethos: measured, thoughtful, and intentionally crafted over time.
28. Gaming – Daniel Ek
Studies in cognitive science reveal that strategic video gaming can improve problem-solving ability by 34% and enhance reaction time, adaptability, and decision-making under pressure.
Gaming isn’t just recreation—it’s interactive strategy training for the executive mind. Many modern games involve real-time tactics, resource management, team coordination, and adapting to unexpected scenarios, all of which mirror high-level business leadership. CEOs who game regularly sharpen their pattern recognition, multitasking, and stress tolerance, gaining a mental edge in fast-paced environments.
Beyond cognitive benefits, gaming fosters creativity and resilience, as players often encounter failure and must quickly adjust strategies. Multiplayer games also improve communication skills and collaborative dynamics, preparing leaders for real-world stakeholder engagement and cross-functional teamwork.
Daniel Ek
Daniel Ek, co-founder and CEO of Spotify, is an avid gamer who credits gaming with shaping his systems thinking and product intuition. His early fascination with technology and gaming laid the groundwork for Spotify’s user-first experience. For Ek, gaming fuels strategic imagination, rapid learning, and the ability to build immersive digital ecosystems—core elements of his leadership in the tech and music industries.
29. Journaling – Arianna Huffington
Psychological studies show that journaling can reduce stress levels by 27% and improve self-awareness, clarity of thought, and emotional regulation in leaders.
Journaling is a quiet yet impactful habit that helps CEOs enhance mental clarity, strategic reflection, and emotional intelligence. Writing thoughts regularly encourages leaders to process experiences, identify patterns, and refine their decision-making frameworks. It serves as a private space for honest self-assessment, enabling leaders to align actions with values and stay grounded during periods of uncertainty.
This habit also supports creative thinking. By recording ideas, challenges, and insights, CEOs can uncover innovative solutions and long-term trends. Over time, journaling fosters resilience and perspective, helping executives lead with intention rather than reaction.
Arianna Huffington
Arianna Huffington, founder of Thrive Global and co-founder of The Huffington Post, is a strong advocate for journaling. She uses it as a tool for daily reflection, gratitude, and focus, especially amid demanding leadership roles. Huffington believes journaling strengthens her emotional clarity, mindfulness, and ability to lead with empathy, making it a cornerstone of her well-being-driven leadership philosophy.
30. Dancing – Susan Wojcicki
Neuroscientific studies indicate that dancing enhances cognitive flexibility, memory, and coordination—boosting executive function by up to 20% while lowering stress and anxiety levels.
Dancing is both an expressive and physical discipline that fosters confidence, rhythm, and emotional connection—traits that empower CEOs to lead with energy and presence. The act of learning and performing choreography sharpens focus, timing, and adaptability, mirroring the dynamic and fast-paced nature of executive decision-making. Regular dancing also improves posture, body language, and non-verbal communication, which are essential for impactful leadership.
In addition, dance offers a creative release and mental reset, helping CEOs manage stress, enhance mood, and increase stamina. Whether structured or improvisational, dancing cultivates self-expression and resilience, reinforcing a leader’s ability to move fluidly through challenges.
Susan Wojcicki
Susan Wojcicki, former CEO of YouTube, has expressed her love for dancing and movement as part of her wellness routine. She values it for its ability to reenergize her mindset, promote clarity, and spark creativity. For Wojcicki, dance represents joyful discipline and flow, helping her maintain a balanced, human-centered leadership style in the ever-evolving tech industry.
Related: Entrepreneur vs CEO: Key Differences
Conclusion
Engaged hobbies build smarter leaders: Studies show that 88% of high-performing executives have regular hobbies that improve cognitive, emotional, and strategic abilities.
Behind every exceptional CEO is not just a sharp business mind—but a well-rounded individual who commits to learning, growing, and recharging in meaningful ways. As we’ve seen through hobbies like chess, yoga, flying, photography, or journaling, these activities aren’t distractions—they’re extensions of executive development. Each hobby builds a different set of capabilities—from mental agility and emotional composure to strategic foresight and team empathy.
More importantly, these pursuits often create the space for deep thinking, creativity, and resilience, which can’t always be cultivated in the structured routines of corporate life. Leaders like Bill Gates, Marc Benioff, Indra Nooyi, and Tim Cook demonstrate how such hobbies feed into the way they lead—thoughtfully, purposefully, and humanely.
At DigitalDefynd, we believe that powerful leadership is not built in isolation. It is shaped through experiences, both personal and professional. Embracing hobbies not only enhances well-being but builds the foundation for more innovative, empathetic, and sustainable leadership in the modern world.
