THIS CFO RUNS AND PLANTS TREEES TO DE-STRESS

We spend most of our week in our workplace so it does spell a difference when our chief executives are also the best examples and advocates of healthy living.

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Such is the case of Franc Ramon, who is a group financial comptroller on weekdays and a trailblazer on weekends.

THE PHILIPPINE STAR: You're a group financial controller and a speaker at the CFO Finance Leaders Summit, roles that are highly analytical and strategic. How does this data-driven side of you coexist with the adventurous, rugged spirit of an avid trekker? FRANC RAMON: As a controller, you always have a vision and expected outcomes based on existing structures and available data.

Whether I join or organize a race or an event, I always have a vision. In a way, I organize events to create meaningful experiences for people to enjoy the outdoors and I always visualize that experience for our participants.

What inspired you to organize Pinoy Trails? How do you balance the immense responsibilities of being a controller with organizing large-scale events like the Stryde Run?

Running has been good to me and it came at a time I was at my lowest. Running was how I built myself up again. When I finished my second marathon, I wanted something different and then I found the trails and started Pinoy Trails in 2016. The goal was to promote fitness and nature to newbies. So it became an advocacy and also a way to de-stress from my regular corporate job.

Many executives play golf. You climb mountains and run on trails. What does the trail give you that the boardroom can't?

The trail is my recharge zone. I function better at work because I'm able to recharge on weekends. Nature has the innate ability to de-stress and even on busy days, I still find time to go for a run or hit the trails.

You organized The Stryde Run on Nov. 9, described as a "scenic challenge" with rolling, up-and-down terrain. What was the vision behind creating an event that is both scenic and challenging?