AIA Insurance & PodHUB hosts the award-winning Sri Lankan powerlifter Rohan Paulus on ‘Rethink Healthy’ podcast series
The second episode of ‘Rethink Healthy’, the podcast series hosted by PodHUB in partnership with AIA Insurance, featured Mr. Rohan Paulus, award-winning powerlifter and Chief Executive Officer of St. James Capital. His story challenges assumptions about age, success and what it truly means to live healthy. ‘Rethink Healthy’ is a global campaign launched by AIA Insurance with the objective of shifting the conversation around health beyond gyms, fitness trends and diets. Instead, it focuses on real stories that inspire physical, mental, social & financial wellness.
Rohan is a seasoned corporate leader who also holds seven international powerlifting medals, which he earned at the age of 60. His transformation was not sparked by vanity or the need for competition, but by an unfortunate tragedy. Having seen a close friend endure the pain of weight gain, heart disease, divorce and ultimately passing away, Rohan realised that ambition without any kind of self-care, comes at a very high price. What followed, was the complete redefinition of his life.
Where many choose to slow down after a certain age, Rohan decided to restart as opposed to retire. Sports such as squash, surfing and powerlifting along with disciplined wellness routines became routine. He pushed back against the outdated notion that age should signal any kind of decline, and proved that energy, strength and joy are available to anyone at any age, if they are willing to put in the work.
Powerlifting is more than just a physical feat for Rohan; it is a test of mental resilience as well. Every lift demands discipline, and every training session requires the utmost focus. It’s not just about working out for the sake of being fit; it’s about pushing the limits with purpose. This is the clarity that transformed the gym from a chore into a pursuit, and sport into a source of meaning.
Rohan also believes that living healthy does not only mean the gym. He is also a passionate advocate for introducing movement into everyday life. He jogs, plays squash with his son, dances and even goes for walks, all while dealing with the demands of business leadership. His message is simple, don’t treat exercise as an event, and let movement become a part of your lifestyle, little by little, day by day.
For Rohan, wellness also extends to financial stability. He spoke candidly about the mental toll that unmanaged finances can take and stressed the importance of financial planning, especially for younger professionals. He explained that money stress can affect the way one sleeps, thinks and lives. His story serves as a reminder that building long-term health, includes being intentional with both body and bank account.
At the heart of Rohan’s story is legacy. He wants to be the kind of father who will still be able to get on the squash court or on the dance floor with his kids, and not one who sits on the sidelines. That’s what being healthy really means to him; having the freedom and energy to live fully, travel freely and make memories, without having to rely on medication and without regret.
His final mantra on this episode, echoes a truth that applies to everyone, regardless of age or background: “Please get active and keep your movement going — because if you slow that down or stop that, then you’re in trouble.”
Rohan’s inspirational story is a powerful continuation of AIA Insurance’s ‘Rethink Healthy’ initiative. The campaign is not about driving perfection but about making progress. It is a reminder that regardless of where you are in life, or how old you are, it’s never too late to start building a life that sustains you in mind, body and spirit.
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