Hesham Abdelsalam: Balancing Bodybuilding and Business—A CEO’s Journey of Resilience and Success

Q: In your journey as both a bodybuilder and a CEO, what were some of the biggest struggles you’ve had to face, and how did you overcome them?

A: Every journey has its share of struggles. As a bodybuilder, I’ve faced physical and mental limits, but it’s the mental toughness that gets you through. Whether it’s pushing through a difficult workout or managing the growth of a company, both require immense resilience. One of the toughest periods was early on when I had to balance my passion for bodybuilding with the responsibilities of leading a tech company. Time management and prioritization became crucial. I’ve learned to approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset—breaking them down into manageable steps and not being afraid to ask for help or lean on my team.

2. The Impact of Sports on Mental Health and Leadership

Q: How has your experience in bodybuilding influenced your leadership style as the CEO of Actify Technology?

A: Bodybuilding has taught me the importance of discipline, consistency, and setting clear goals. These values translate directly into my leadership style. As a bodybuilder, you constantly push your limits, and I apply that same mentality to my leadership. It’s about knowing when to push forward and when to step back and reassess. I believe in leading by example—whether it’s setting the tone with work ethic or maintaining a positive attitude. Just like in bodybuilding, when the going gets tough, it’s about staying focused, resilient, and inspiring your team to do the same.

Q: How does bodybuilding help in shaping one’s character outside of the gym, especially in the context of business?

A: Bodybuilding is more than just physical—it’s a mental game. It teaches patience, perseverance, and the ability to handle adversity. In business, you face setbacks, market fluctuations, and competition. The mindset I’ve built through bodybuilding allows me to approach these situations with a sense of calm and clarity. Every rep, every set, is a small victory and a chance to improve, and that mentality carries over to my professional life. In both bodybuilding and business, you need to be persistent, and you need to believe in your progress, even when it’s incremental.

Q*: As the CEO of Actify Technology, how do you manage to maintain your passion for bodybuilding alongside the demands of running a successful company?

A: It’s all about discipline and time management. When you’re passionate about something, whether it’s bodybuilding or your business, you find ways to make time for both. I schedule my workouts just as I schedule meetings and client calls—it’s non-negotiable. And while it may seem difficult to balance the two, both complement each other. My physical health boosts my mental clarity and energy levels, which, in turn, helps me make better decisions for the company. The discipline I practice in the gym flows into my business decisions,

Q: Many people view bodybuilding as purely a physical pursuit, but it seems there’s a heavy mental aspect involved. Could you talk about the role of mindset in achieving success*?

A: Absolutely. Bodybuilding is 90% mental and 10% physical. It’s about mental fortitude—believing in yourself when the weights get heavy, pushing through when your body tells you to stop. In business, that same mindset is crucial. There are moments when things don’t go as planned, and it can be easy to get discouraged. But building mental resilience is key. I’ve learned to embrace discomfort, whether it’s lifting a heavy weight or dealing with a difficult business challenge. Growth only happens when you push beyond your comfort zone.

Q: As a successful bodybuilder and CEO, do you feel a sense of responsibility to inspire others, especially the younger generation?

A: Absolutely. I feel a responsibility to lead by example and show others that success is achievable with hard work, discipline, and resilience. Through bodybuilding, I’ve learned that with dedication and consistency, you can transform your body and mind. In business, the same principles apply—if you focus on growth, both personally and professionally, success follows. I try to mentor others who are eager to learn, whether in fitness or business, and encourage them to believe in themselves and take action.

Q: As the CEO of Actify Technology, what role do you see for technology in the future of bodybuilding or fitness in general?

A: Technology is revolutionizing the fitness industry. From fitness tracking apps to advanced equipment and even virtual training platforms, technology is helping people take their performance to new levels. At Actify, we focus on using tech to enhance productivity and optimize performance, not just in the corporate world but also in physical pursuits. I see a future where AI and data analytics are used to personalize training regimens, optimize nutrition, and monitor recovery. In bodybuilding, we’ve already started seeing technology like smart wearables that track muscle activation and performance, and this will only improve with time.

Q: How has the world of bodybuilding evolved since you started, and what changes do you see on the horizon?

A: Bodybuilding has evolved in so many ways, from the approach to training to how athletes interact with their fans and build their personal brands. The rise of social media has transformed the sport, allowing bodybuilders to connect with a global audience. From a training perspective, there’s a growing focus on injury prevention and longevity, with more athletes prioritizing recovery and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Going forward, I see bodybuilding becoming even more integrated with technology, with smart tools and recovery systems playing an even larger role in enhancing performance and overall health.

Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to build a career in both fitness and business?

A: The first piece of advice is to be relentless in your pursuit of excellence. In both fitness and business, there will be ups and downs, but consistency is what separates those who succeed from those who don’t. Find a balance—don’t neglect your health, but also take your business seriously. Surround yourself with like-minded, motivated individuals who will challenge you to grow. Lastly, stay humble. Both bodybuilding and entrepreneurship require a constant willingness to learn and adapt. Never stop improving.

Q: What are your future goals, both in bodybuilding and in your business?

A: In bodybuilding, I’m always looking to push my limits and continue competing at a high level. Physically, I want to maintain my strength and health while refining my technique. In business, my goal is to continue growing Actify Technology and expand our impact. I’m focused on innovation and finding new ways to improve both our technology and services. I also hope to use my platform to inspire others, whether it’s through fitness or entrepreneurship, and to create opportunities for those who aspire to reach new heights.