How 65 Year Old Britam Boss Keeps Fit

By Michele Wanjiku
“Those who think they have no time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” – Edward Stanley
Benson Wairegi, Britam Group Chief Executive begins every day at 5.30am with morning devotion and thrice every week he put in a 30 minute workout at a club gym. His exercise routine consists of running on the treadmill, light weightlifting and finally skipping rope.
“Being fit is good for an executive. The heavy schedule bogs you down and you risk over eating to regain the energy needed to see you through the day,’’ he says during an interview with Business Daily Africa at Parklands Sports Club.
He is also a very good swimmer and does 50 nonstop laps in the club pool. ‘‘This is good for blood circulation, swimming re-invigorates my mind and eases stress,” he says.
Exercising is not the only way in which Mr Wairegi takes care of himself; he knows the benefits of a good breakfast and ensures to eat a healthy breakfast. ‘‘I take a heavy breakfast since my work is demanding. I need the energy,’’ he says.
The Britam Executive was introduced to shares by his sister who at the time worked for a brokerage firm, he bought 1,500 East African Breweries Limited (EABL) shares and this was the beginning of his investment journey.
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How He spends his free time
To avoid burnout, Mr Wairegi takes every Wednesday off, which he says, also prepares Britam to carry on after he retires. “I spend time doing philanthropy, responding to e-mails and enjoying time with my family. That is crucial for my own success,” he says.
He decided to focus on mentoring young boys in the society who he feels have been overlooked.
“The dire impact of the forgotten boy child is evident in our offices, homes, schools and social gatherings. Absentee fathers torn away by the ever-demanding corporate world, alcohol exacerbate the situation and it is us to restore the boy-child support to make responsible citizens,” says Mr Wairegi.
He is also an avid book reader with some of his favorites being, Lido Anthony “Lee” Iacocca’s autobiography and Stephen Covey’s ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.’
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His Advice To Young Professionals
“Whether you are employed or self-employed, you must save and invest in your younger days since a time comes when you are unable to earn any money. Prepare for retirement now and you shall never be in need,” he says.