Strauss Zelnick is the Chairman & CEO at Take-Two Interactive (TTWO), the Founder and Managing Partner at Zelnick Media Corporation (ZMC), a Board Member at Starwood Property Trust, and the author of Becoming Ageless: The Four Secrets to Looking and Feeling Younger Than Ever. He is married to his wife, Wendy, and they have 3 great kids. His priorities include: family and friends, work, fitness, mentoring and charitable work.
1. Walk us through your morning routine.
- I get up between 5:30 and 6:30 am, typically. I pray upon awakening every morning and set an intention for the day. I don’t eat breakfast. I work out pretty much every morning.
2. Do you have an exercise routine?
- I tend to train 5 to 12 times weekly (so sometimes twice a day). I lift weights, do various HIIT workouts, cycle and ski. I train with a group (The Program) in New York several times a week. I also lead workouts on Zoom for my company twice a week.
*If you want the detailed version, read this article in Men’s Health
3. Do you follow a specific diet? Share a little about how you approach nutrition and any supplements you take
- I don’t take supplements. I skip breakfast most days (but not always). I avoid fruit juice and soda, fried and ultra-processed foods. I eat plenty of salad and vegetables, protein and whole carbs. I do eat bread, pasta and sweets— my excuse is that I don’t have other vices and that I train a lot.
4. How many hours do you sleep each night?
- I try to sleep 8 hours, I usually get 7 and if I sleep less than 6 the next day is challenging.
5. Do you have any life mottos or principles you follow?
- The factor most highly correlated with success is knowing what you want.
- Arrogance is the enemy of continued success.
6. How do you approach setting goals?
- I write down my annual goals and review and update my long terms goals at least once a year. I do a self-assessment of my annual goals once a year and reset them for the next year.
7. What is the greatest highlight in your career, thus far?
- The teams I’ve led and built, and the success they’ve enjoyed.
8. If you could leave one piece of advice for someone younger, what would you share?
- Be kind.
9. What is one thing you are looking forward to in 2023?
- Making a new friend.