“The first wealth is health,” a famous quote by the American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson, sums up the wisdom of living a balanced life. But achieving this Zen-like state eludes many. Still, in this world where wealth often comes at the cost of personal well-being, few find equilibrium. One such gentleman is Prashant Desai, who has not only scaled the heights of business success but also embraced the importance of health in life.
We at HFM are always curious about individuals who have achieved something extraordinary, and Prashant Desai certainly fits in that category. He has had a remarkable journey so far, a blend of financial acumen and a deep-rooted focus on well-being.
From working with legendary industry figures like Kishore Biyani and Rakesh Jhunjhunwala to venturing into entrepreneurship, Prashant has seen both triumph and failure. What makes his story unique is how he turned personal setbacks into a mission to improve his health and spread the same message through social media. His life now serves as an inspiring blueprint for those who seek to strike a meaningful balance between financial success and personal health.
Learning from the best
Prashant Desai might not have had the best of privileges as a child. In his own words, he says, “My childhood was marred with poverty.” Still, he struggled and slogged through his younger days, which helped him land in Mumbai.
He had the privilege of learning from two of the most celebrated minds in the Indian financial world—Kishore Biyani and Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. His time with them provided invaluable lessons that have shaped his career and business philosophy.
Kishore Biyani was Prashant's first mentor. He worked for him at Pantaloons and absorbed the art of taking calculated risks during his stay. Biyani was fearless and taught him that “no risk means no reward.” It was here that Prashant realized that limitations are often self-imposed. Since his work was to market the brand to investors, it gave him a front-row seat to Biyani’s vision and strategies for raising capital.
One of the biggest things that Prashant realized was that adaptability is important in life. He states, “As you rise to greater heights, the world around you will change, and you will have to change and shape according to it.” During Prashant’s association with Biyani, the company’s market cap grew from 100 crores to 22,000 crores, and for him, “it was a remarkable journey to be a part of that rise.”
Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, on the other hand, introduced Prashant to the complexities of the stock market. As the head of research at RARE Enterprises, Prashant learned not only the technicalities of market dynamics but also the value of humility. Jhunjhunwala’s belief in the “Idea of India” and his consistent reminder never to take the market for granted resonated deeply with Prashant, instilling a lifelong lesson in resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing world of finance.
In his current role at Everstone Group, Prashant continues to be guided by another influential figure: Sameer Sain. Under Sain’s leadership, Prashant has gained a critical understanding—that while vision is often praised, it is execution that truly creates value. Sameer Sain taught him that “vision without execution is hallucination,” and Prashant has come to deeply appreciate how the rigorous act of execution pays off in the long run, bringing success from concept to reality. This key lesson further complements the wealth of knowledge Prashant had already gathered from his earlier mentors, strengthening his approach to business and leadership in a competitive world.
A Shift in Focus: From Corporate Leader to Longevity Coach
In the early 2010s, Prashant shifted his focus from a high-flying career to becoming a longevity coach. This change was not a professional decision; rather, it happened for a deeply personal significance. According to Prashant, the “why” behind this decision stems from a profound loss in the form of his best friend and elder brother, who held immense emotional significance in his life.
The demise of his brother at a relatively younger age mirrored the earlier loss of his father. These experiences ignited a realization in Prashant: he wanted to live longer, healthier, and with purpose, particularly for his daughters. “I decided not just to witness their lives unfold but “to be an active, vibrant part of them.”
Driven by this strong why, Prashant embarked on a journey to understand what it truly meant to live a long and fulfilling life. This quest of his took him to the United States, where he delved deeper into the science of aging and tried to understand why humans aged at a cellular level. Through this research, Prashant concluded that the “formula for longevity may seem simple, but its application was not easy.” It requires a complete realignment of habits, beliefs, and daily practices.
Unlike many health gurus, Prashant is not concerned with individuals’ physical health. He takes a rather holistic approach, which he divides into three pillars: physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Let’s understand this further and in detail.
Prashant Desai’s Three Pillars of Health
Physical Health: This involves maintaining a strong, functional body through regular exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient rest. For example, engaging in strength training not only builds muscle but also supports overall bodily functions.
Cognitive Health: Prashant emphasizes the importance of mental sharpness and clarity. Activities like reading, solving puzzles, or learning new skills can enhance cognitive abilities and help keep the mind agile.
Emotional Health focuses on managing stress and maintaining positive relationships. Practicing mindfulness, such as meditation, or fostering social connections can contribute to emotional resilience and well-being.
Spreading the Message: A Healthier India
Over the years, Prashant’s commitment to health hasn’t been just personal; he believes in sharing his learnings with the nation. Rooted in the Idea of India, he sees its people as the country’s greatest strength. For him, a healthy nation is thriving, and to promote the same message to the entire country, he leverages his social media to the fullest.
He promotes physical, cognitive, and emotional wellness via this digital medium. His goal is to empower individuals to prioritize their well-being by understanding the following things:
- Sleep: Prashant views sleep as more than rest; it’s crucial for building immunity, processing emotions, and enhancing immunity.
- Exercise: He emphasizes that exercise is not just about aesthetics but about longevity. According to him, both cardio and muscle training are vital, especially as one ages.
- Nutrition: He believes that the benefits of sleep and exercise are fully realized only when combined with proper nutrition.
Life has not been all sunshine and rainbows for Prashant. He has had his fair share of failures as well. One of them came in the form of D:fy, a sports gear brand. Yet, he remains undeterred. He considers this failure a valuable learning experience, one that has made him humble and more resilient. Furthermore, it has become his long-term goal to step into the world of entrepreneurship once again, this time armed with wisdom, passion, and a focus on health and longevity.
Prashant’s journey offers valuable lessons for all of us. His story reminds us that success isn’t just about wealth but also about health, purpose, and personal growth—a balance that is essential for a thriving society.
