Mind Over Money: From Mt. Everest Base Camp to boardroom - Shaji Varghese on fitness as a foundation for leadership
Shaji Varghese, CEO of Muthoot FinCorp, integrates fitness into his leadership, completing numerous marathons and trekking to Everest Base Camp. He emphasizes habit-building and wellness, which have shaped his leadership style and company culture. Varghese promotes initiatives like the Muthoot Health Triangle and fosters a learning environment through a curated library, highlighting the importance of continuous growth and well-being.
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Q) Thanks for taking the time out. How many marathons have you completed and is this one of the way you keep yourself mentally fit day in and day out?
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Q) You even trekked to Everest Base Camp. What drives your commitment to physical fitness, and how has it shaped your leadership journey?
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Q) How do you prepare—physically and mentally—for endurance events like the TATA Mumbai Marathon or high-altitude treks?
Q) What does your typical wellness or fitness routine look like during a busy work week?
Q) You've implemented wellness-focused initiatives like the Muthoot Health Triangle and Diversity Club. What inspired you to make wellness a leadership priority?
Q) You've curated a physical library in the office with impactful titles. Why is fostering a learning culture important to you?
Q) Among the books you've recently read—such as Atomic Habits and Thinking in Systems—which one has had the biggest influence on your approach to leadership and why?
In an era where boardroom stress and relentless schedules often sideline personal wellness, Shaji Varghese , CEO of Muthoot FinCorp , offers a refreshing perspective — one where fitness fuels focus, and discipline off the track drives decision-making at the top.With over three dozen marathons under his belt and an unforgettable trek to the Everest Base Camp, Shaji isn't just running for physical health — he's running to stay grounded, self-aware, and sharp as a leader.In this candid conversation for our Mind Over Money segment, he shares how his journey through endurance sports, habit-building, and wellness initiatives has shaped not only his leadership style but also the culture he champions at Muthoot FinCorp. Edited Excerpts –Running has been a transformative experience for me, with over three dozen marathons under my belt in the past 3-4 years, including two full marathons.For me, running is a form of meditation – a chance to connect with myself and reflect. While it's a group activity, marathons remind me that ultimately, I'm running my own race.Discovering my passion for running has been a catalyst for positive change, helping me develop healthier habits and a more organized lifestyle.I've started prioritizing early sleep and nutritious eating, and I've become more mindful of my overall well-being. Running has taught me discipline and self-awareness, and I'm grateful for the impact it's had on my life.Committing to physical fitness taught me the power of habits. Small, consistent progress can have a profound impact over time. When I started running, completing a 42km marathon seemed daunting.But by focusing on tiny, incremental gains – just 1% improvement each week – I achieved remarkable progress. Consistent training and dedication paid off on my Everest Base Camp trek, where I pushed my limits and achieved new heights.This principle applies beyond fitness: setting realistic goals and making gradual improvements can lead to significant outcomes.As a person, I've learned to prioritize my own growth and accountability. Health is a personal responsibility, while my job is a means to fulfil my larger life purpose.By prioritizing my physical well-being, I've been able to prevent lifestyle diseases and maintain a balanced personal and professional life.The discipline I've developed through running has been invaluable, allowing me to achieve more and live a more purposeful life.Running has become second nature to me. For long marathons, I make sure to log at least 35 km in the preceding days to prepare for the 42 km challenge. High-altitude treks are a testament to the endurance built over time.Last year was fulfilling, as I achieved three personal goals: participating in the Tata Mumbai Marathon, running kilometres equal to my age on my birthday, and completing the Everest Base Camp trek.Sky diving, para gliding, ice skating, wild life safari, hot air balloon ride, experiencing Northern Lights are few others I have crossed off my list.I'm excited to pursue more aspirations this year. I am thrilled to share that I look forward to running the full marathon at the Athens Marathon in November 2025 - crossing the historic Panathenaic Stadium of Athens will be an unforgettable experience.Also, I plan to explore deep sea water swimming this year along with a run at the Ladakh marathon if all goes well.I prioritize staying active every day. My weekly routine includes long-distance running on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and one weekend day, which helps me build endurance and challenge myself.On Wednesdays and Fridays, I focus on stretch exercises, mobility, or flexibility workouts to maintain flexibility and prevent injuries. Exercise isn't just about physical health; it's also a great way to clear my mind and boost productivity.By making time for physical activity, I'm able to tackle my work responsibilities with more enthusiasm and efficiency, while also enjoying a better work-life balance.I firmly believe that life itself is the most precious thing we have, and good physical and mental health is crucial for overall well-being.Workplace happiness is intricately linked to personal happiness – it's challenging to compartmentalize joy and fulfilment.True work-life balance means finding happiness in both your professional and personal life, effortlessly navigating between the two, and feeling eager to be in both places.I think organizations play a vital role in fostering a healthy work environment. When colleagues prioritize their health, it benefits not only themselves but also the organization and society as a whole.I must credit Muthoot Fincorp for the Muthoot Health Triangle MHT ) initiative - a significant milestone for Muthootians promoting physical, intellectual, and spiritual well-being for Muthootians; and I encourage my people to be part of the MHT initiatives ensuring their holistic well-being.By promoting well-being, organizations can unlock their people's full potential, drive growth, and contribute to a healthier, more productive communityIn today's rapidly changing world, continuous learning is essential for survival and growth. By upgrading our skills and knowledge, we not only enhance our own productivity but also contribute to the organization's success.Reading high-quality books is an excellent way to broaden our perspectives and improve our thinking.Our library is designed to support this pursuit of knowledge, with carefully curated books that will benefit our Muthootians, organization, and the wider community.We prioritize knowledge acquisition, recognizing that it's a key driver of progress. We encourage Muthootians to utilize their time effectively by reading and learning, rather than getting caught up in non-productive activities. By putting knowledge first, we can stay ahead of the curve and achieve our goals.While both books are good, my recent favorite book is 'The Courage to Be Disliked' by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. This book has been a catalyst for self-discovery, helping me gain valuable insights into my own thoughts and behaviors.Reading has profoundly impacted my leadership journey, broadened my perspective and helped me in informed decision-making.Through books, I've developed a more nuanced understanding of life and leadership, enabling me to approach challenges with greater clarity and confidence.Let me say that books and reading have had a profound impact on my life as a whole, and am sure it will continue to do so.: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of Economic Times
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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Brands on a runner's high
HighlightsThe Tata Mumbai Marathon and TCS World 10K Bengaluru have seen participation from 60,000 and 40,000 runners respectively, reflecting a significant post-COVID increase in the running community in India, which now stands at 2.6 million. The running event industry in India has experienced over 100% growth, with the number of running events rising from more than 700 in 2018 to over 1600 by 2024, driven by increasing participation from diverse age groups and demographics. Leading brands such as Tata Group, Adani Group, and Tata Consultancy Services are leveraging running events for brand building and consumer engagement, highlighting the growing economic footprint of these events, which contribute significantly to local economies. Braving the early morning odds - 60,000 runners in Mumbai and 40,000 runners in Bengaluru hit the streets to conquer Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 and TCS World 10k Bengaluru 2025 earlier this year. Everyone including - elite, experienced, and new runners- dressed in their gear, ran to set new personal records, get fitter, become a long distance runner or to sample a new form of excitement with friends, colleagues or family. They all aimed to cross the finish line and earn the coveted medallion. Post Covid, running, as a sport, has come-of- age in India. As per reports, there is a 2.6 million strong running community pushing the demand for running events and growing on the back of new runners across different age-groups and cities. Be it the beaches of Goa, majestic valley of Kashmir, historic city of Kolkata, hills of Shimla, or spiritual streets of Ayodhya, each region has its own big running event that is slowly gaining national level popularity. As per data, in 2018 there were a total of 700+ timed and non-timed running events which grew to 1600+ by 2024, reflecting 100%+ growth in demand. Vivek B Singh, joint MD, Procam International attributes the growth of this trend to the Mumbai Marathon. 'It has caused a massive paradigm shift in India. While the country always had cricket, football, and hockey, it never had a major running event. The Mumbai Marathon pioneered a movement where people could be on the streets, cheered by others—ordinary professionals with families, who were used to applauding athletes in stadiums. It marked a huge transition from being a spectator who applauds to becoming the one being applauded upon crossing the finish line,' exclaimed Singh. Some of the leading running events include - Tata Mumbai Marathon, Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, Apollo Tyres New Delhi Marathon, TCS World 10k Bengaluru, Wipro Bengaluru Marathon, Adani Ahmedabad Marathon, Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, Tata Ultra Marathon , NMDC Hyderabad Marathon, Kaveri Trail Marathon, Ladakh Marathon, and others. Adani Group started its journey eight years ago with the Ahmedabad marathon and is now the biggest running event in Gujarat. Sanjay Adesara, chief business officer, Adani Sportsline said, 'We started with 8,000 participants, and today, we have nearly 20,000 runners, including 10,000–12,000 from Ahmedabad, 2,500 from other parts of India, and international participants from the USA, UAE, Germany, and various African truly sets the Ahmedabad marathon apart is its core cause, #Run4OurSoldiers.' Running events have multiple formats - ultra marathons, iron man, full marathon, half marathon, stadium run, hill run, monsoon run, desert run, charitable run and much more ranging from 3 km - 120 km+. Reasons to Run Running has exploded in popularity, especially post-Covid, driven by rising health consciousness and increasing participation from younger audiences. It's a simple, low-cost activity that requires minimal gear, making it ideal for those seeking a healthier lifestyle. More than just fitness, running has become a lifestyle choice, with people proudly sharing achievements on social media and creating authentic content. Once dominated by the over-35s, running now sees strong participation from women and youth across both metros and smaller towns. It's also being embraced by companies as a tool for employee engagement. Running has become far more inclusive, with unique events like the Pinkathon, India's largest women's run, leading the way. Today, for any running event to make a big impact, it needs both a strong on-ground presence and a compelling digital footprint. For forward-thinking organisers, this presents limitless possibilities. Pinkathon, for instance, aims to host events in 52 cities across the year, one every Sunday, an ambitious feat that has never been attempted before. An industry expert jokingly shared - during my initial years as a marathoner I knew everyone, at the race expo, but now, I can hardly recognise anyone - clearly reflecting the growth of the tribe. The digital boom and influencer-driven content have made training resources more accessible, encouraging newcomers to join in. Global events like the London, Chicago, and Sydney Marathons have added aspiration, with more Indians travelling to participate. Milind Soman, actor, model and fitness enthusiast shared that anyone can start running at any level of fitness. 'India has one of the fastest growing running communities in the world. Being easy for beginners as it's a natural movement, no particular environment or equipment required, together with a community that is inspiring, inclusive, encouraging and empowering, makes distance running a magnet for people aspiring for a healthier, fitter lifestyle. A lot of runners may have, prior to their running journey, tried gyms or other disciplines with little satisfaction. With the number of running events, running groups and coaching mushrooming across the country in the last few years, it is the easiest, most fun and high energy community to join,' added Soman. Supporting the runner The saying is sacrosanct in business- 'the increase in the number of eyeballs proportionally changes the participation and perceptions of advertisers.' And running events are no exception. Today, the leading running events witness participation from more than 25,000 people. From CXOs to students to families to young professionals to couples to investors - people are sampling it. Experts call it the new golf and it is fast emerging as a popular way to socialise after movies and shopping. Given this growth, B2C and B2B brands are warming up to the idea of leveraging these running IPs as a media vehicle for brand building, awareness and engagement. It allows them to identify new consumers, position themselves with unique values of health, fitness, community building, and philanthropy, and create engagement. Singh (Procam) mentioned, 'Every brand claims to be useful but when you sponsor a running event, when you align with fitness and health, and when you make a difference in a person's life, you earn goodwill,' added Singh. Some of the leading brand associations include - Tata Group (Mumbai Marathon), Adani Group (Ahmedabad Marathon), TCS (global portfolio of 14 running events), Vedanta (Delhi Half Marathon & Udaipur Half Marathon), Apollo Tyres (New Delhi Marathon and Chennai Half Marathon), AU Bank (Jaipur Marathon), Tata Steel (World 25k Kolkata), and SBI (multiple events). Apollo Tyres leverages running events to drive engagement with consumers. Remus D'cruz, head of marketing & partnerships, Apollo Tyres said, 'We don't suffer from awareness. We need to build engagement, and given the product category we're in, associations like this are helpful. Running, especially long distances, is synonymous with endurance. Our content talks about performance, endurance, speed aligning naturally with our brand values. Running attracts diverse audiences, kids, seniors, families, helping us to engage with all of them at once.' On the other hand, Jaipur Marathon has helped AU Small Finance Bank to position itself as a purpose-driven institution that goes beyond banking and unites the society. Uttam Tibrewal, ED and deputy CEO, AU Small Finance Bank said, 'Our long-standing association has played a pivotal role in strengthening our brand presence and community connect, both regionally and nationally. As the title sponsor for 10 years, we've leveraged it to champion values that reflect our brand ethos—resilience, inclusivity, health, and social impact.' On the B2B front, TCS has built a huge portfolio of running events across the globe in the last 15 years. Abhinav Kumar, global CMO, TCS said, 'We quickly realised that the level of engagement these events created with our clients was phenomenal. Once we committed to running, we made a strategic decision to shut down all other sports sponsorships and focus solely on deepening our brand association with this sport. Today, we partner with 14 running events worldwide, and the impact has been extraordinary. From a customer perspective, around 4,000 clients participate in these races every year along with TCS employees.' Brands sign up for multi-year association with these events as the recall takes longer time to build. It also showcases a brand's commitment and consistency to the fitness mission. Some of the long associations include - Tata Group and Mumbai marathon (8 years), Standard Chartered and Mumbai marathon (14 years), Vedanta and Delhi Half marathon (3 years), Airtel and Delhi Half marathon (12 years), and TCS and World 10K Bengaluru (15 years). Be it food, banks, fitness, gyms, sports nutrition, athleisure, cements, confectionery, two-wheeler, hotels, elderly care, cooking oil, government institutions, almost every product category is exploring association with running events. Some of these brand include - Fortune Cooking Oil, Ambuja Cements, Wagh Bakri Tea, Hyatt Regency, The Lalit, Hero Vida, Emoha, Fuse, IDFC Bank, Fortis, Trident, Nayara Energy, DMRC, Indian Army, Bisleri and others. The increased demand for running events has led to sharp increase in gate money, costs of title sponsorships, build up of retail channels, community engagement activities and marketing spends. As per the industry experts, the title sponsorship of Mumbai marathon (India's biggest running event) costs between Rs 14 crore to Rs 20 crore annually. It is the only running event in India to be broadcasted live on television. However, the title sponsorship cost for the next big running event is between - Rs 4 crore - Rs 8 crore annually. Mumbai Marathon claimed 45th spot with a brand strength index at 58.6 (it is a measure of brand perception and customer behavior) in the recently released Brand Finance report that analysed world top 50 marathons. Ramachandaran Venkatasubramanian, former COO, Havas Play mentioned that the running event business in India is estimated to be in between Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 crore which comprises 70% ticketing and 30% sponsorship. 'All the leading running IPs have got layers of sponsors—title sponsors, associate sponsors, partner sponsors—it's becoming a huge business. Earlier, there was a sense of 'why participate?' Now, it's more like, 'if my competitor is participating, I should too,' adds Venkatasubramanian. It is expected to grow at 15-20% CAGR. Organisations are constantly measuring the RoI on these spends while the metrics vary depending on the objectives and the nature of association. Hence, the RoI measurement is a case-by-case approach rather than a one-size-fits-all metric. TCS globally spends nearly $40 million annually on such sponsorships. Kumar said, 'It has helped us build relationships with our customers beyond the workplace. Many of our account teams who work with these clients have taken up running themselves. Clients and TCS employees not only run together in marathons but also train together on weekends, often wearing co-branded T-shirts and engaging in shared experiences. This connection is invaluable, especially in the B2B space, where relationships play a crucial role.' Kumar shared that over two lakh TCS employees are active runners, participating in 8K to 15K distances, and have showcased remarkable health transformations. They get access to these races, which has sparked a major fitness movement within the company thereby boosting workplace energy, productivity, and engagement. The entry cost for running properties is much lower than traditional media properties. D'cruz shared that the media spend on running is more efficient than cricket or soccer. Apollo Tyres witnessed a 72% spike in organic traffic on its website from the activations at the New Delhi Marathon 2025. 'We've optimized cost and deepened our engagement over the years. From on-ground activations to digital integrations, we have learned to extract more out of the same budget. For instance, moving from a toll-free number for tire health checkups to QR codes gave us more data with less manpower. These small shifts lead to big efficiencies,' added D'cruz. AU Small Finance Bank clocked a social media reach of 336.3 Million+ with Jaipur Marathon 2025 Performance running outpaces expectations The running category is a key focus area for fitness, athleisure and sports nutrition brands. They are closely working with the community, partnering with running events and engaging the runners in the process. Shreya Sachdev, associate director and head of marketing, Puma India mentioned that running in the performance category is one of Puma's biggest priorities. 'We recognise the intense competition in this space, which is why we invest heavily—not just because it contributes significantly to our revenue, but because we are bullish about its future growth," added Sachdev. Puma recently locked in a multi-year deal with NEB Sports to become the official sportswear partner for the Mumbai Half marathon and the Wipro Bengaluru marathon. It has also been associated with the Vedanta Delhi Half marathon and the Ladakh marathon in the past. Asics India operates in multiple product categories including - performance (running), sports style (sneakers), performance sports (Cricket, tennis, squash, hockey) and sports style (apparels and equipment). The performance category (running) drives almost 60% of the overall business followed by the sports style category. It follows a four pronged strategy for the running category - it is associated with the New Delhi marathon in the North, Tata Mumbai marathon in the West, TCS World 10k Bengaluru in the South and another one is yet to be announced. Saurabh Sharma, head of marketing, Asics India shared that TCS World 10K Bengaluru is strategically important for Asics India. 'It leverages this platform to engage with India's running community, reinforcing its commitment to fitness and well-being. This collaboration not only strengthens our connection with seasoned athletes and aspiring runners but also enhances the brand visibility across key markets,' shared Sharma. Alongside the fitness, the sports nutrition category is also picking up pace including electrolyte drinks, salt tablets, gels, carbohydrates and others. New runners are investing into nutrition products to perform better. Some of the key players here are Fast&Up, Energiva, Steadfast, Centrum, Supply6, and Gatorade. Vijayraghavan Venugopal, co-founder and CEO, Aeronutrix Sports mentioned that Fast&Up has been there from 2015 and is present across 9 out of 10 running events in India either as a sponsor, supplier or in a hybrid role. 'Since 2023, we have categorised events into A, B and C categories. Every weekend, our products are used in 7–8 running events and our running vertical ensures strong engagement throughout the year. From day one, our intention is to work with running cohorts, which over time has led to extensive groundwork with running groups, runners and events,' added Venugopal. He claims that Fast&Up introduced the energy gels in the India market. Both fitness and sports nutrition brands are investing in building running communities across different running hotspots of the country to drive year-long engagement with the runners. They continuously train the amateur and experienced runners for all formats at no-cost. These groups are like running schools where they organise weekly runs, share exercises, techniques and lessons on nutrition. Asics has running clubs in 10 cities, Adidas has clubs in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore and Puma constantly collaborates with run clubs across different cities. Sachdev said, 'Some clubs conduct runs every Saturday and Sunday, with starting and ending points at our store. We support them by providing t-shirts, allowing access to our store for product trials, and even bringing in F&B partners to ensure runners can refuel post-run. By working directly with these club leaders, we gain insights into their community's needs and co-create experiences that truly add value,' added Sachdev. Sharma also shared that Asics India informs its customers about the running clubs in their cities. 'Anybody who's coming to the store and buying Asics shoes, we share information with them about the Asics Running club and provide free access to them,' added Sharma. Most brands want to target consumers here as they get maximum attention from the runners and a window to convert them to loyal consumers. There is a huge underlying opportunity for the fitness brands in the new runner/amateur cohort. And community engagement is helping brands to build loyalty here which results in enabling conversions across online and offline stores. They are building scale with mass running events and credibility with tougher ones. Interestingly, experienced runners have more influence on amateurs - especially while choosing shoes, nutrition plan, and races - than the celebrities as they together clock miles on the ground every weekend. Off the chart engagement The brand engagement journey of a runner from signing up for a race to the finish line is extremely immersive. They engage with brands across offline and online mediums. A new runner usually discovers a running event via social post, HR email, or a referral from a friend or kin. Once signed up, the runner immediately takes to the social platforms to share the excitement of this new adventure with his/her network immediately turning into an advocate for the race and the title sponsor. The post leads to the new runner receiving information on race gear, electrolyte drinks, and coaching programs from brands and running influencers. As next steps, the new runner joins a run club to train better where he is introduced to the right techniques, apparel, shoes, gadgets, and nutrition products to enhance his performance. During his training (2-3 months) he consumes a lot of related content and constantly advocates the run club and a fitness brand across office and dinner discussions and shares updates on his improving performance on social media. During the expo, the new runner engages with all the advertisers in their experiential zones via multiple activities like push ups, cycling, tug-of-war and others. They share these moments along with their goody bag and t-shirt on their social media creating buzz about the race day. Brands are also innovating with their experiential zones. Apollo Tyres during the New Delhi marathon 2025 invited participants to get their tires checked. The Indian Army treated the runners with a musical performance from their pipe band and had set up an entire zone showcasing the key moments from Operation Vijay in Kargil in 1999. Puma launched its race day Rang De Dilli T-shirt in a large onground activity for VDHM. Once beyond the finish line, the new runners, across all ages, share their experience along with photos and video across branded booths on social platforms which sees engagement from their network for a long time, making it an authentic UGC for the brand. Last year Puma India collaborated with dating app Bumble to organise a 3 km community run in Bengaluru that also served as a singles mixer. The initiative offered Gen Z and Millennials who share similar values around lifestyle and fitness to connect beyond digital screens. Some of the interesting activities from brands on the race day - Asics used large billboards during the Tata Mumbai marathon 2025, Adidas creates their cheering zones across all large running IPs, Bisleri had set up a cooling point on the race track, Hero Vida launched its electric scooter with a huge experiential zone at the Vedanta Delhi Half marathon 2024. These brand activations tend to make a stronger impression in the minds of the runner. However, there is a huge scope for creative innovation in the expo and race day experiential zones. Economic footprint of running events Running events contribute to the economy of the state where it is organised. Apart from the sponsorship and ticket money, it also attracts tourists to the region who spend on accommodation, food, transport, entertainment, and retail. Cities with iconic landmarks, rich history, and vibrant cultural scenes offer a unique draw that goes beyond the race itself. Research suggests that a typical marathon event generates economic activity over a three-to-four day period. The recent Brand Finance report pointed out that a single edition of Mumbai marathon infuses almost $57 million to the state economy, followed by Wipro Bengaluru marathon that adds $8 million. It has also elevated the city's profile among the global running community. As per the report, the top 50 marathons of the world add $5.2 billion annually to the world economy with the Chicago Marathon's contribution topping the chart at $627 million. Globally, marquee marathon events have become prestigious platforms for brands to establish credibility and connect with consumers. In India, the growth of running culture is following a similar trajectory, with mass participation events becoming aspirational milestones and turning into household names.
Economic Times
6 days ago
- Economic Times
Mind Over Money: From pitch to boardroom: how soccer shapes the leadership style of DCB Bank CEO Praveen Kutty
Q) How has your experience on the soccer field influenced your leadership style at DCB Bank? Is this how you keep yourself mentally fit? Live Events Q) Can you draw parallels between a soccer team's dynamics and your approach to managing teams in the bank? Q) You often talk about encouraging employees to take ownership—how do you create that sense of responsibility across levels? Q) How do you ensure team success is celebrated over individual achievements in a competitive corporate environment? Q) In your view, what are the qualities of a great team player—whether on the soccer field or in the boardroom? Q) Has your engagement with sports helped you manage pressure or setbacks in business more effectively? (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel In this edition of Mind Over Money , we spotlight Praveen Kutty , Managing Director and CEO of DCB Bank , whose leadership philosophy draws deeply from the soccer field.A passionate footballer off the clock, Kutty brings the same energy , strategic thinking, and team-first mindset into the understanding individual strengths to making quick decisions under pressure, he shares how the beautiful game continues to influence his approach to building agile teams, fostering ownership, and staying mentally sharp in a high-stakes corporate environment. Edited Excerpts –Absolutely. Soccer has shaped the way I think about teamwork, handling pressure, and strategic it's playing at gymkhanas, local clubs, or simply catching my favourite matches, the game keeps my passion alive and helps me stay mentally like in soccer, where every pass and movement is both calculated and fluid, leadership demands quick thinking and active through sport has taught me to maintain focus, manage stress, and make decisions on the go. It's one way I ensure I stay mentally fit for the game, both on the field and in the A soccer team consists of 11 players, including a goalkeeper, all aligned to one goal: winning. Similarly, in a bank, various departments and individuals must work with a shared has different strengths—some are defenders, some are forwards. Identifying these roles and placing people in the right positions is the responsibility of a good leader.A well-planned strategy, open group discussions, and clearly defined roles ensure the team moves in just like in soccer, where it's not only about the star striker but also the silent midfielder setting up the goal, success in business is driven by collective effort, not just individual brilliance.I also believe in rotating responsibilities occasionally, much like a coach might tweak formations or switch player roles to suit the strategy. It keeps the team agile, helps individuals grow, and gives them a deeper understanding of how the whole system doesn't come from micromanaging; it grows from trust, clarity, and DCB Bank, we focus on giving individuals the freedom to operate within well-defined goals. Much like in a soccer match, you don't tell a player every move—they train, prepare, and then make judgment calls during the we ensure teams have accountability frameworks in place, but culturally, we encourage risk-taking, learning from mistakes, and celebrating initiative. When employees feel their contribution matters to the larger goal, they step up and own is a team sport—you may have a hat-trick hero, but it's the entire squad that made it DCB Bank, we make it a point to acknowledge team wins. From project launches to quarterly milestones, we focus on appreciating every contributor, visible or behind the scenes.A strong team culture is about synergy. It's about passing the ball, creating space for others, and defending when needed. We drive this mindset by encouraging cross-functional collaboration and removing silos. Recognition is always shared, because no goal is scored alone.A great team player is alert, agile, and always has an eye on the bigger picture. They anticipate what's coming next and act accordingly, just like a midfielder reading the game before making a is another key quality. In both soccer and business, you'll face injuries, bad calls, or off days. But the will to keep playing—to keep showing up—is what separates good from beats talent when talent doesn't show up. Someone born with skills may lose their edge without practice, while a consistent player with the right mindset can go the same in business—you may not start with all the advantages, but discipline and perseverance take you Sports are a great outlet—they help you reset, recharge, and in particular, teaches you to stay calm under it's the last five minutes of a tight match or the final push to close a business deal, that muscle memory kicks in. You learn to read the field, pace your energy, and strike at the right staying physically active helps me make healthier choices. When the mind and body are aligned, you are better equipped to handle match has its highs and lows, and so does business. What matters is staying in the game and playing until the last whistle.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Mind Over Money: From pitch to boardroom: how soccer shapes the leadership style of DCB Bank CEO Praveen Kutty
Q) How has your experience on the soccer field influenced your leadership style at DCB Bank? Is this how you keep yourself mentally fit? Live Events Q) Can you draw parallels between a soccer team's dynamics and your approach to managing teams in the bank? Q) You often talk about encouraging employees to take ownership—how do you create that sense of responsibility across levels? Q) How do you ensure team success is celebrated over individual achievements in a competitive corporate environment? Q) In your view, what are the qualities of a great team player—whether on the soccer field or in the boardroom? Q) Has your engagement with sports helped you manage pressure or setbacks in business more effectively? (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel In this edition of Mind Over Money , we spotlight Praveen Kutty , Managing Director and CEO of DCB Bank , whose leadership philosophy draws deeply from the soccer field.A passionate footballer off the clock, Kutty brings the same energy , strategic thinking, and team-first mindset into the understanding individual strengths to making quick decisions under pressure, he shares how the beautiful game continues to influence his approach to building agile teams, fostering ownership, and staying mentally sharp in a high-stakes corporate environment. Edited Excerpts –Absolutely. Soccer has shaped the way I think about teamwork, handling pressure, and strategic it's playing at gymkhanas, local clubs, or simply catching my favourite matches, the game keeps my passion alive and helps me stay mentally like in soccer, where every pass and movement is both calculated and fluid, leadership demands quick thinking and active through sport has taught me to maintain focus, manage stress, and make decisions on the go. It's one way I ensure I stay mentally fit for the game, both on the field and in the A soccer team consists of 11 players, including a goalkeeper, all aligned to one goal: winning. Similarly, in a bank, various departments and individuals must work with a shared has different strengths—some are defenders, some are forwards. Identifying these roles and placing people in the right positions is the responsibility of a good leader.A well-planned strategy, open group discussions, and clearly defined roles ensure the team moves in just like in soccer, where it's not only about the star striker but also the silent midfielder setting up the goal, success in business is driven by collective effort, not just individual brilliance.I also believe in rotating responsibilities occasionally, much like a coach might tweak formations or switch player roles to suit the strategy. It keeps the team agile, helps individuals grow, and gives them a deeper understanding of how the whole system doesn't come from micromanaging; it grows from trust, clarity, and DCB Bank, we focus on giving individuals the freedom to operate within well-defined goals. Much like in a soccer match, you don't tell a player every move—they train, prepare, and then make judgment calls during the we ensure teams have accountability frameworks in place, but culturally, we encourage risk-taking, learning from mistakes, and celebrating initiative. When employees feel their contribution matters to the larger goal, they step up and own is a team sport—you may have a hat-trick hero, but it's the entire squad that made it DCB Bank, we make it a point to acknowledge team wins. From project launches to quarterly milestones, we focus on appreciating every contributor, visible or behind the scenes.A strong team culture is about synergy. It's about passing the ball, creating space for others, and defending when needed. We drive this mindset by encouraging cross-functional collaboration and removing silos. Recognition is always shared, because no goal is scored alone.A great team player is alert, agile, and always has an eye on the bigger picture. They anticipate what's coming next and act accordingly, just like a midfielder reading the game before making a is another key quality. In both soccer and business, you'll face injuries, bad calls, or off days. But the will to keep playing—to keep showing up—is what separates good from beats talent when talent doesn't show up. Someone born with skills may lose their edge without practice, while a consistent player with the right mindset can go the same in business—you may not start with all the advantages, but discipline and perseverance take you Sports are a great outlet—they help you reset, recharge, and in particular, teaches you to stay calm under it's the last five minutes of a tight match or the final push to close a business deal, that muscle memory kicks in. You learn to read the field, pace your energy, and strike at the right staying physically active helps me make healthier choices. When the mind and body are aligned, you are better equipped to handle match has its highs and lows, and so does business. What matters is staying in the game and playing until the last whistle.
