Rhonda is the ultimate corporate athlete — constantly training for and competing in events while leading global teams at work.

Rhonda has raced in over 92 events (and counting), including triathlons, half-marathons, marathons, IRONMAN 70.3 mile triathlons, and multiple 55 mile runs across the Serengeti. She also plays golf and is a member at Winged Foot Golf Club.

An IRONMAN 70.3 is a single-day race covering a total of 70.3 miles, combining a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bicycle ride, and a marathon 13.1-mile run. Rhonda has competed a total of 14 IRONMAN 70.3 miles triathlons, with four so far in 2021.

Rhonda is an IRONMAN Bronze All World Athlete as a result of her performance in the top 10% of her age group by performance in both the 2018 & 2019 race seasons.

As part of her ongoing support of initiatives in Africa, Rhonda joined the African Community & Conservation Foundation as an ACCF Ambassador in 2021. The ACCF mission is to “contribute to the preservation of important African wilderness areas, as well as to empower the communities living alongside these spaces, contributing to a world in which people and wildlife live together, sustainably, forever.”

One of the ACCF initiatives is the U.S. Tusk Lion Trail, part of a high-profile international art installation in support of African people and conservation. “Following the huge success and popularity of the Tusk Rhino Trail in 2018, the British charity (Tusk) will launch over 45 life sized lion sculpture trail onto the streets in iconic locations worldwide, on the 10th August 2021 (World Lion Day).”

“The lion sculptures will be displayed to the general public at a selection of iconic sites around the world including The Hamptons – New York, a number of UK cities (London, Edinburgh and Bristol), Sydney, Wellington and Nairobi, from 10th August until the end of September 2021. The Hamptons will be home to 12 individually curated life-sized lion sculptures, the art installation will encourage visitors to follow the 'trails' via easy-to-use physical and digital maps, allowing them to 'collect lions' as they go. This fun, interactive experience is the perfect activity for families.”

Rhonda sponsored a lion — the “King of Beasts” by John Banovich, located at the Wölffer Estate Vineyard.

Navy SEAL Swim

Rhonda participated in the 2021 and 2022 Navy SEAL Swim in the Hudson River with the GI Go Fund — alongside 150 active & veteran Navy SEALs. Rhonda was the second female to complete the full swim, and she was one of the first in the water.

The event honors “our military veterans, their families, and all of those who died during 9/11 and the wars that followed that fateful day. Along the route, the SEALs stop at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to perform 100 push ups in honor of America's liberties, and 22 pull ups in recognition of 22 veterans who commit suicide every day. The event concludes in lower Manhattan to honor the victims of 9/11 and all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country in the wars that followed.” Photos courtesy of the GI Go Fund.

Rhonda prioritizes her training alongside her travels – it's ultimately a benefit, not a challenge, to her physical health, whether she’s on the road or working remotely from home.

"I can be traveling up to 75% of the time. I always stay at hotels with 24-hour gyms – that’s a prerequisite. Now I know what makes my body work, especially when traveling to different countries and different time zones. 

I work out the day before flights, and not on the day of a flight – when I just hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. As soon as I land after a long flight, I change, go right to the gym, and work out for an hour. It actually gives me more energy. When you travel, you have to be healthy, or you will get sick. 

My fitness intensity actually increased as my travel schedule has increased through the years, and my workout schedule is actually more intense when I’m on the road then when at home."

Vetere has discussed her training and competition – and the positive impact of her physical fitness on her performance as a global leader – with many publications.

Always push your goals! With Global CIO/CTO/Extreme Athlete, Rhonda Vetere
The Crackin' Backs Podcast — In this episode you will learn: How to set Moon shot goals, creating purpose, missions and vision, what Active Meditation is, what it’s like to race RAAM (Race Across America), and how to put yourself in a position of challenge.

Running the Serengeti - a journey of self discovery
Singita — "Rhonda Vetere is the only Singita guest to have taken part in every Serengeti Girls Run so far, making her one of its greatest supporters."

Does the end of an historic rivalry mark a new era for these two sporting icons?
SPN Africa News — “It was all about coming together,” said Vetere. “The bond we have is so strong and I would readily do it again. I bonded with Naiema and we ran together for much of the race. We took it easy because I had come off four ironman’s and had two other significant races ahead of me – Serengeti and the New York Marathon in successive weeks (total of 173 km in just 14 days). But we had lots of fun!"

Rhonda Vetere: Endurocad Ambassador
Johno Meintjes — A special broadcast to talk with Rhonda Vetere about empowering women and raising money for Endurocad in partnership with the amazing Elana Meyers. Listen in as we discuss RAAM, her experience in South Africa as an Endurocad ambassador, and more!

A Royal Opportunity to Run and Make a Difference
SPN Africa News — Her name is ‘Leonique’. Small in stature but big in heart, Leonique sat in the front row and took to heart what Rhonda Vetere was saying in the Macassar Secondary School Hall, where she is a pupil.

“Don’t let anyone squash your dreams. Connect with others around you – the bonds you make with people will become the most important thing in your life,” said influential global technology executive, two-time author, team leader and ultra-distance triathlete (Ironman 70.3 miles), Rhonda Vetere, who is in Cape Town to run the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in support of Elana van Zyl’s Endurocad Young Women Empowerment programme.

ATHLETIFREAK ICONS
We’re excited to welcome C-Suite Rhonda Vetere to the @athletifreak family! Business Leader, C-Suite Executive Athlete, 2x Author, Mentor and Friend - Rhonda can be found strategizing in the Boardroom, jet setting from airport lounges, swimming in the Hudson, or regularly competing in IRONMAN 70.3 triathlons or running through the Serengeti in Africa!

Embodying what it means to be an #athletifreak, she is always fulfilling her greatest passion - ‘To Inspire and make a difference in personal lives!’

Thousands of runners lace up for New Haven Road Race
Eyewitness News — It’s a tradition each Labor Day where thousands of runners gather in the Elm City for the annual New Haven Road Race. “I enjoy the peace and being off technology and being in the moment. Just active meditation. It’s really good for the soul,” said Rhonda Vetere, of Greenwich.

Rhonda Vetere: On Leadership, Listening, and Triathlon
Find Your Finish Line with Mike Reilly – Mike Reilly is the "Voice of IRONMAN Triathlon” — a renowned race announcer, commentator, and author, who has called millions of endurance athletes across a finish line. In this podcast interview, we talk running, races and a little bit of business too.

Ringside chat with Heather Hardy
G-Net Solutions – A ringside chat with professional boxer Heather "The Heat" Hardy and Herbalife CIO, 2X Author and Ironman 70.3 Triathlete, Rhonda Vetere. Moderated by former ESPN First Take host Reischea Canidate.

Rhonda Vetere: Herbalife Nutrition CIO, Grit & Grind Author, Lessons from a Triathlete in Life
Potential to Powerhouse Podcast – Rhonda speaks about how she learned the power of hard work and discipline from a young age, and reveals the Ah-ha moment she had after making it in the tech industry. Tune in as we talk about crazy moments in Rhonda’s life, including running in the Serengeti and a close kidnapping in India.

Tanzania the Serengeti Girls Run
CNN World Edition – The Serengeti Girls Run is a three day, 63 km, all-women endurance run through Tanzania's Serengeti. Navigating through iconic wilderness and wildlife, we follow 14 women from across the world as they race for a local cause — the empowerment of women.

Life-changing stories shared at Captain’s Challenge breakfast
Cape Times – Rhonda joined Sanlam Cape Town Marathon race director Janet Welham and former Springbok captain Francois Pienaar at the Cape Times Captains Challenge Run4Change Breakfast, kicking off the 2019 Cape Town Marathon.

STEM Meets Sport
She Is Sport – The IF/THEN mission is to inspire the next generation of girls to pursue careers in STEM by creating a platform to elevate positive and successful female STEM professionals.

Women Run the World Panel Celebrates the Empowerment of Women on SHAPE Women’s Half Marathon Weekend
NYRR – Women Run the World™ honoree panel discussed the topics of female leadership and empowerment. Vetere, who travels extensively and manages teams in countries around the world, agreed that self-care is vital.

These Fearless Women Ran 55 Miles Through Lion Territory in Africa
AFAR – The first annual Serengeti Girls Run is the ultimate Girl Power experience: The all-women event raised funds for women living on the edges of the wildlife-filled Serengeti. “This is more than just a run to me,” said Vetere. “I came back to speak to kids, to give back, and to hopefully impact someone’s life.”

Who Runs The World? GIRLS: How This Corporate Athlete Changed The Lives Of Girls And Women In Tanzania
SWAAY – In October 2018, I participated in the first-ever women-only run across the Serengeti wilderness as part of a fundraiser for female empowerment programs hosted by the Singita Grumeti Fund and BRAVE. Our solidarity ‘fun run’ with girls from the local community was an incredible experience for me – few of the girls ran along my side, holding my hand, and we sang Beyonce for the 4 miles. I will never forget how happy and free those girls felt as they ran down the streets of Tanzania.

Laces Tied Ready to Run
Thrive Global – As a runner, Rhonda has tread many miles of pavement, but no part of her trek has been more spiritually enlightening or life changing than the journey she made to Tanzania, Africa. The interactions she had with the people there touched her soul so deeply, that Rhonda decided it was imperative to travel there again to take part in a three day, fifty-five mile run through the Serengeti.

A Mindful Runner Shares What Drives Her to Train for the First-Ever All-Female Run Across the Serengeti
Sonima – Rhonda Vetere is a tech industry executive, an athlete, and, this October, a participant in the inaugural Serengeti Girls Run—a 55-mile, multi-day journey that aims to empower the next generation of female leaders. “I think the race is about more than running. It’s about self-esteem and wellness,” says Vetere. “I want to teach and give back. I want the girls to learn about fitness, mental strength, and spirituality—and that you can do anything you put your mind to—no matter where you are in the world.”

Women Of The C-Suite: “Be a True Corporate Athlete” With Rhonda Vetere
Authority Magazine – I am currently working on a monthly “Ask Rhonda” series to open up to the world to help anyone by being approachable. It is so important to let others know that no question is dumb! I am passionate about mentorship and this gives me direct visibility into people at all stages of their career that want to hear about the road traveled.

Why You Need To Know Rhonda Vetere “Q&A Session”
Inspiyr – I wanted to go for a run in Tanzania so I simply asked the hotel for a good route to try. The concierge mentioned that I would need to have security guards with guns accompany me because of the dangerous animals that would be on the trail. Turns out, I was the first female to ever request an outdoor run. I ran two days in a row, and on the second day, a large group of locals decided to join me on my twelve mile running trek. Many of them said that they were inspired, as they rarely have the opportunity to enjoy exercise given the environmental hindrances. This wellness experience enlightened me on how much we take self-care for granted here at home.

14 Gems of Running Advice to Remember
UnderArmour Map My Run Blog – We asked 14 runners for the best advice they have ever received on running. If you need a little help to get off the couch or out of the office to start running, the following counsel might serve you well: “Running is your time. Not everything is a competition or race with yourself.” (2018)

Running the Extra Mile: How to Combine Business with Your Passion
Authority Magazine – "Mental sanity is so important. Wellness is huge for me and allows me to make sharper decisions when I exercise. I just landed after a trip to Africa and completed an Iron Man the next day. Often times roughest moments are when you grow."

Interview with Rhonda Vetere
Zieley Magazine – My competitive side came out in sports — swimming, gymnastics, diving, cheerleading, volleyball, softball, skiing, scuba diving, cliff diving, etc. I have completed five half marathons this year as well as the St. George Ironman – these help me stay focused. Training gives me a sense of fulfillment, and I also do much of my business strategizing while working out. (2018)

How This Estee Lauder Exec Fits in Triathlon Training
Triathlete – Those dark-thirty workouts are not just a jet lag fix for a continent-hopping executive; they’re part of an endurance athlete’s training plan. Vetere not only manages tech teams in 162 countries, she’s completed over 52 half-marathons, two full marathons, four triathlons, and one Ironman. (2018)

Tips From The Top: One On One With Rhonda Vetere
Thrive Global – My theory is that an individual's personal wellness must be a top priority in order to achieve one's major corporate goals. As a competitive athlete and avid runner dedicated to a strict fitness and nutrition regime, I participate in ongoing marathons and iron man competitions across the globe as a way to balance work and overall wellness. If I can’t take care of myself I cant lead a team. (2018)

Why This Tech Exec's Big Career Regret has to do with Golf
CNBC – Vetere, who now plays golf on her summer Fridays, says the golf course opened her eyes to just how important out-of-office relationship building can be. "Often times we think, 'Oh, I have to get this email out or I have to do this transaction,' and life is not about that," says Vetere. "It is about relationships." (2018)

“Don’t Let Your Health Or Stress Get Out Of Control — Take Care Of Yourself” 5 Leadership Lessons With Rhonda Vetere
The Startup – Take risks daily — get out of your comfort zone. Ask for help — this is not a weakness it is a strength. Don’t let your health or stress get out of control — take care of yourself and this is why I am focused on health and fitness to balance me out, that is what works for me. (2018)

Former CTO-Estee Lauder Rhonda Vetere Runs Marathons While Managing A Global Team In Over 162 Countries
Women Fitness – My theory is an individual’s personal wellness must be a top priority in order to achieve one’s major corporate goals. I attribute many of my most prized leadership qualities, including motivation, perseverance and a stellar ability to navigate the daily struggle of balance, to my active and healthy lifestyle that is the impetus for my day-to-day accomplishments. (2018)

Leadership Lessons from a Female Executive
Career Builder – Today, between juggling the day-to-day responsibilities of her job and training for triathlons, half-marathons and IronMans, Vetere is a mentor and advocate for young female professionals and women entrepreneurs. Just in time for International Women’s Day, Vetere is sharing her rules for success in business and leadership, which apply to anyone – man or woman – at any stage of their career. (2018)

Global Technology Leader Rhonda Vetere:
“I Make Better Decisions When I Am Active.”
Thrive Global – In the “Stronger Leader Series,” Pete Leibman interviews C-level executives, game-changing entrepreneurs, and other high-performers who attribute part of their career success to their active, healthy lifestyles. (2017)

Your Job Can Survive A Holiday Without You. This Is Why That Is A Good Thing
Forbes – Rhonda Vetere, Chief Technology Officer at Estée Lauder, manages a global technology team across 162 countries. She spends her holidays recharging with her family and training for Ironman competitions and marathons. She expects her team to take time to recharge as well. “The team knows that I care about their health and wellness,” she said.