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Economic Times
4 days ago
- Business
- 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
4 days ago
- Business
- 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.
Economic Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Mind Over Money: From Mt. Everest Base Camp to boardroom - Shaji Varghese on fitness as a foundation for leadership
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? Live Events Q) You even trekked to Everest Base Camp. What drives your commitment to physical fitness, and how has it shaped your leadership journey? 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? (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 principle applies beyond fitness: setting realistic goals and making gradual improvements can lead to significant 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 prioritizing my physical well-being, I've been able to prevent lifestyle diseases and maintain a balanced personal and professional discipline I've developed through running has been invaluable, allowing me to achieve more and live a more purposeful 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 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 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 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 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 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 happiness is intricately linked to personal happiness – it's challenging to compartmentalize joy and 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 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 high-quality books is an excellent way to broaden our perspectives and improve our library is designed to support this pursuit of knowledge, with carefully curated books that will benefit our Muthootians, organization, and the wider 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 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 has profoundly impacted my leadership journey, broadened my perspective and helped me in informed books, I've developed a more nuanced understanding of life and leadership, enabling me to approach challenges with greater clarity and 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
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
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. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 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? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Q) You even trekked to Everest Base Camp. What drives your commitment to physical fitness, and how has it shaped your leadership journey? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 principle applies beyond fitness: setting realistic goals and making gradual improvements can lead to significant 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 prioritizing my physical well-being, I've been able to prevent lifestyle diseases and maintain a balanced personal and professional discipline I've developed through running has been invaluable, allowing me to achieve more and live a more purposeful 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 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 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 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 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 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 happiness is intricately linked to personal happiness – it's challenging to compartmentalize joy and 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 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 high-quality books is an excellent way to broaden our perspectives and improve our library is designed to support this pursuit of knowledge, with carefully curated books that will benefit our Muthootians, organization, and the wider 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 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 has profoundly impacted my leadership journey, broadened my perspective and helped me in informed books, I've developed a more nuanced understanding of life and leadership, enabling me to approach challenges with greater clarity and 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
NZ Herald
07-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Nigel Latta on how cancer has changed his approach to money
It was only a few months later that Latta revealed a mixture of chemotherapy and medicine had removed the terminal aspect of his diagnosis. 'The thing I've discovered is that oncology, there's lots of paths and options and there's all these kind of new wonder drugs coming out,' he told Liam Dann on the podcast in late March. 'The original tumour is kind of gone and all of the original metastatic stuff is gone. It jumped fence a little bit, but that's now on the retreat. 'So things are looking pretty good. I've had some dire moments in the last nine months.' The experience has had on lasting impact on Latta. 'I've become a huge advocate of insurance. [My wife] Natalie and I, everyone [who] comes over, we just grill 'em; have you got health insurance, check your assurance, have you got income protection?' In his decades-long career as a clinical psychologist, including fronting a dozen TV shows, money and personal finance has come up several times, including his TVNZ1 series Mind Over Money. However, his experience with cancer has put things into perspective. 'After you take care of the basics and you can pay the bills and feed the kids and do all that kinda stuff, [money] doesn't matter. I'd trade anything to be free of the whole cancer cloak. 'The money stuff literally doesn't matter to me. What matters is time. Money buys me time because insurance has meant that I've been able to get access to some of those drugs and, literally, I think I'd be dead now if I hadn't been able to do that.' He does have one bit of advice for people who are betting big on a winning Lotto ticket for their financial success: 'I think I've bought them about once or twice. To me ... Lotto feels like you're giving up. If your financial plan is Lotto, you've given up, and so you need to kind of get a better financial plan.' As a psychologist, he can understand the appeal. 'I think it's just that immediate thing. We're really good at imagining spending the money and what it would be like and the rest of it, and we don't imagine the vast swimming pool full of ping pong balls ... 'And actually, you're better off putting that $5 towards paying down some expenses or buying a coffee or anything.' Now that cancer is on the backburner, Latta is refocusing on his passion for writing, and on providing sound advice to make people's lives easier. His latest venture is Parentland, an app he has been developing for several years that is designed to give people advice personalised to their kids' development and their temperament. 'So if you've got a stubborn 9-year-old, that's different to an easy-going 5-year-old. Yeah. And so the way that you get those two kids to go to bed at a time that works for everyone is gonna be different. 'And so we've kind of been able to take that kind of secret source of how to do that and put that into an app.' There's a lot of evidence-based material in the app, Latta said, lamenting the vast range of AI-based material available that some parents are relying on. 'This is a thing I've been working on for, I don't know, it really has been kind of 20 years. A lot in the last 10 years and intensively over the last six, and [I've] put thousands of hours into this thing. 'But I think it's really good and I think it can be helpful for people, and we're deliberately pricing it low so that as many people as possible can get access to it. 'We don't want it to be something that only people with tons of money can afford. It's like less than a coffee a week.' Listen to the full episode to hear more from Nigel Latta about his journey from psychologist to presenter, and how his cancer journey has shaped his life going forwards. Money Talks is a podcast run by the NZ Herald. The series is hosted by Liam Dann, business editor-at-large for the Herald. He is a senior writer and columnist, and also presents and produces videos and podcasts. He joined the Herald in 2003.
