CEOs and success: Where does physical fitness fit in?

Two years ago, the National Bureau of Economic Research looked at what makes for successful CEOs, specifically those at companies involved in buyout and venture capital deals. “Success and performance are more strongly correlated with execution-type skills than with interpersonal and team-related skills,” the report concluded in part. In other words, being able to get things done trumped being a good team player or a nice guy or gal.

OK, so does that translate to maintaining physical fitness? If you’ve been watching TV’s “Undercover Boss” (CBS, 9 p.m. Sunday), you’ll see some execs ill-equipped to perform even the most basic jobs of the companies they run. (“He’s out of touch and out of shape,” was the refrain for a recent episode featuring Steve Joyce, chief executive of Choice Hotels).

Michael Yorkman, president of pro hockey’s Florida Panthers, feels strongly about being in top shape. How does he do it? Read the South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Q&A called “Florida Panthers president takes fitness to another level.”

--Mary Forgione / Los Angeles Times