A gentle breeze caressed the visitors who filled the lounge at Hutan Kota by Plataran Senayan, Jakarta, that evening. Illuminated by the dim garden lights in the open-air restaurant's courtyard, the SUAR team met with one of the Co-Founders and Commissioners of Triputra Agro Persada Group, Toddy Mizaabianto Sugoto. 

To his colleagues, Toddy is known as a true sports enthusiast who balances his busy life as a top company executive. 

In the midst of SUAR's conversation with several CEOs who attended the SUAR media launch event on August 21, 2025, one of them quipped, "That's Mr. Toddy. He has all sorts of hobbies, and he's really diligent in trying new things," said Anne Patricia Sutanto, Vice President Director of PT Pan Brothers Tbk. 

The name Toddy M. Sugoto is known not only for frequently appearing among business players leading corporations, but also as an executive who maintains a disciplined work-life balance through sports.  

Not only does Benny Subianto's son-in-law jog on weekends, he is also known as a marathon runner, a reliable golf player, and currently enjoys the rising sport of Padel. The SUAR team immediately approached him, asking for a moment of his time and stepping aside for an interview. 

With a calmer atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of music, Toddy opened the conversation. 

“What do you want to ask about?” Toddy greeted with a light laugh. 

Then he said, “When it comes to sports, I'm not really a fanatic about one type. But since I was little, I've been used to running. For me, running is like a part of life.”

Sports, in Toddy's view, are a way to maintain sustainability; not only business, but also his own life.

Referring to his fitter and healthier body after exercise, Toddy mentions exercise as a form of future investment.

Regarding his fitter and healthier body after exercise, Toddy mentions exercise as a form of future investment.

“We're getting older. So the healthier our bodies are, the longer we can enjoy the results of the business we run,” he said.

Since the 4th grade, Toddy has been used to running. His late father often took him to practice. From running around at school, continuing to play basketball, golf and even marathons.

He tried his first marathon while in college. "But because I didn't know the technique, I made a lot of mistakes. The training was haphazard, the nutrition wasn't taken care of. As a result, when I was running, I couldn't go any further at kilometer 30. I finished in 3 hours 59 minutes, but it felt miserable," he recalled.

Instead of giving up, that experience sparked a new obsession. He started marathon running seriously by hiring a coach, researching nutrition, and strategizing pacing.

“Lay people think that running is just running. In fact, a marathon is about energy management. We have to know when to eat, when to drink, when to hold the tempo. If the strategy is wrong, you're done in the middle of the road,” he explained.

From there, his performance continued to improve. London Marathon, Chicago Marathon, to Tokyo Marathon, his time continued to be cut, from 3:59 to 3:15.

“The difference is not because the legs are getting stronger, but because the strategy is getting more mature. Eating, drinking, recovery, everything is calculated. So finish strong, not just finish," he said.

For him, business is like running a marathon. If you sprint, you get tired quickly. But if you have thorough preparation, disciplined execution, and can manage energy, we reach the finish line with our heads held high.

Business is like running a marathon. If you sprint, you get tired quickly. But if you have thorough preparation, disciplined execution, and can manage energy, we reach the finish line with our heads held high.

Likewise in business, he said, many entrepreneurs only imitate physical training patterns, such as only polishing products or services from a technical point of view, but ignoring other aspects – risk management, capital reserves, team resilience – that determine whether a business is able to penetrate the crisis phase.

Golf builds relationships

If marathons teach about rhythm and endurance, golf reveals the social side of sports and business. Although he admits he is not a professional player, golf gives him something more than just a score.

"Golf is a social sport. I'm not saying I'm great, but I'm good enough. The important thing is the social interaction. Playing for hours, chatting casually, that builds relationships," he said.

On the wide fairway, between one shot and another, conversations about family, the market, or even politics can grow naturally. For Toddy, this is a relationship laboratory where patience and networking ethics are tested.

“How to wait your turn, how to respect your opponent, how to maintain your reputation through small behaviors, all are relevant when he returns to the meeting room."

The lesson from golf is not just "who has the sharpest swing", but how to build social capital. In a business world full of uncertainty, trusted acquaintances and casual discussions that lead to partnerships are a bonus.

Learning to adapt in padel

Recently, Toddy has also found an interest in padel, a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and ping pong, played in pairs on a small court. Padel has recently become popular in Indonesia, especially among young people who enjoy prestigious sports.

"People often think padel is easy. But if you study it seriously, it turns out to be interesting. There are techniques, there are strategies. Similar to golf. From the outside it looks relaxed, but if you really want to play well, you still need practice and discipline," he said.

Toddy explained that padel has its own uniqueness. Not as complicated as golf, which requires long practice, but still challenging.

"Padel is very social. Like happy tennis. Anyone who is used to playing racket sports, tennis, badminton, or table tennis, can usually adapt quickly. And that's what makes padel quickly popular," he said.

However, for him, sports are not just about physical movement or a hobby to fill time. There is a deeper philosophy.

"What makes me like padel is the combination. There's enjoyment, there's the social aspect, but it still demands discipline. Sports, in my opinion, are not just for fun. There is still proper training, there is effort that must be put in," said Toddy.

At this point, Toddy connects sports with business. "In business, if you only rely on formal forums, sometimes information is hard to get. It is precisely in informal moments, on the sports field, that a lot of valuable information can come out," he said.

"It is precisely in informal moments, on the sports field, that a lot of valuable information can come out," said Toddy.

Every sport, for Toddy, brings a different lesson. "Running teaches me about strategy and endurance. Golf teaches patience and building relationships. Padel teaches me about quick adaptation and cooperation. All of that can be applied to the business world," explained Toddy.

That night's conversation made it clear that, for Toddy, sports never stop on the field. He absorbs the values, then brings them to the meeting room, to business strategies, and even to the way he sees the world.

When he used to play basketball, he learned about teamwork and communication. Although it may not be directly relevant to the business world now, he still uses those sporting values: discipline, networking, and respecting others.

He admits that he is used to scheduling sports regularly. At least once a week, Toddy will take the time to run, play golf, or padel.

"I can't do it all, I'll collapse. But at least there's one run, one padel, one golf. If I'm not running, maybe two padel or golf sessions. The point is, there's a rhythm," he said.

For him, rhythm is important. Not only to keep the body fit, but also to train consistency. Moreover, he will soon be turning 50 years old.

For Toddy, rhythm is important. Not only to keep the body fit, but also to train consistency.

“I believe that exercise should be scheduled. If it's haphazard, it could lead to injury. Stretching is important, training must also be correct. If you are diligent and consistent, that's what makes us strong until old age,” he said.

“If people only focus on running, for example, their cardio is okay, but their muscles don't develop. So it has to be balanced,” he said.