Latest news with #MindOverMoney
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Mind Over Money: From F1 Tracks to Tennis Courts — How Sports Shape Ashish Singhal's Entrepreneurial Mindset
In the high-stakes world of startups, Ashish Singhal — Co-founder of CoinSwitch and Lemonn — finds his entrepreneurial rhythm on the Formula 1 track and the tennis court. For him, these high-intensity sports aren't just pastimes; they are masterclasses in precision, preparation, and mental resilience. In this edition of Mind Over Money, Singhal shares how split-second decisions, team coordination, and the ability to reset after setbacks translate seamlessly from sport to the volatile world of crypto and finance . From staying disciplined amid market swings to fostering a culture of consistency over fleeting brilliance, he reveals the playbook that keeps him — and his ventures — ahead of the curve. Edited Excerpts – Q) Ashish, you're a big fan of Formula 1 and tennis, what is it about these high-intensity sports that resonates with your mindset as an entrepreneur? A) What draws me to both Formula 1 and Tennis is the mix of precision, preparation, and pressure. In F1, milliseconds and micro-decisions can change outcomes. In Tennis, it is about individual resilience; no timeouts, no substitutions. You are out there figuring things out and adapting real-time. That is very similar to how I look at entrepreneurship. You prepare, plan, and execute but you also react, course-correct, and stay mentally sharp when things don't go according to the plan. Q) How do the strategy and composure in sports like F1 and tennis inspire the way you navigate high-pressure decisions in the startup world? A) Both F1 and Tennis are great examples of handling pressure with strategy and calm. In F1, it is not just the driver, it is the whole team working in sync, making split-second calls. That's a lot like how startups and most businesses function. You might be steering the ship, but without tight coordination and trust in your team, you are not going far. Tennis, on the other hand, really teaches you about patience and momentum. You are not going to win every point and that is okay. The key is how you bounce back, how you reset after a setback. In the startup world, it's the same. Some metrics dip, some launches don't go as planned but you learn to keep your head still, find your rhythm again, and keep pushing forward. Q) You enjoy content that challenges conventional thinking. Can you share a show or documentary that recently changed your perspective on something? A) I usually turn to content as a way to completely unplug from the noise of work and everything else. For me, it is about finding something that demands my full attention. This is the main reason why I gravitate toward shows that really challenge your thinking or keep you fully engaged, like Pantheon which I recently watched. If it doesn't occupy 100% of my mind, I will probably still be mentally stuck in work mode. The right kind of content helps me hit pause, reset, relax, and come back sharper. Q) How important is mental stimulation for you outside of work, and how do you ensure continuous learning in your personal routine? A) Mental stimulation outside of work is super important to me. I don't think learning is something that only happens through books or structured courses, it is everywhere. It happens in good conversations, during long walks, through a great documentary, or even while watching a game of competitive sport. I make it a point to carve out time in my day for inputs whether that is reading, listening, or just observing the world around me. It keeps me grounded and curious, and I honestly think that curiosity is one of the most underrated but essential traits for any founder. But above all, you learn the most by doing! Q) What role does mental discipline play in your journey as a founder, especially in the volatile world of crypto and finance? A) Discipline is the invisible thread that ties it all together. In crypto, things move fast, sometimes chaotically. If you react emotionally to every fluctuation, you will burn out or lose direction. I have learned to stay focused on what we can control: product, people, and purpose. Markets will swing and narratives will shift, but having a strong inner compass rooted in discipline helps you lead with clarity. Q) Have you drawn any direct lessons from sports like F1 or tennis that have shaped how you build or lead at CoinSwitch or Lemonn? A) Absolutely. One big lesson is that consistency beats flashes of brilliance. In both F1 and Tennis, the top performers are not just the fastest or most talented, they are the ones who show up, with discipline and intent. That is the kind of culture I try to build where we don't chase only highs, but focus on building with intention and innovation every single day. Another big one is preparation. Behind every 'effortless' moment in sport is hours of unseen work and I see startups in the same way. There are multiple teams working at the backend to fulfill requests and ensure seamless functioning, making it all look 'effortless'. ( Disclaimer : Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Mind Over Money: From F1 Tracks to Tennis Courts — How Sports Shape Ashish Singhal's Entrepreneurial Mindset
In the high-stakes world of startups, Ashish Singhal — Co-founder of CoinSwitch and Lemonn — finds his entrepreneurial rhythm on the Formula 1 track and the tennis court. ADVERTISEMENT For him, these high-intensity sports aren't just pastimes; they are masterclasses in precision, preparation, and mental resilience. In this edition of Mind Over Money, Singhal shares how split-second decisions, team coordination, and the ability to reset after setbacks translate seamlessly from sport to the volatile world of crypto and finance. From staying disciplined amid market swings to fostering a culture of consistency over fleeting brilliance, he reveals the playbook that keeps him — and his ventures — ahead of the curve. Edited Excerpts – A) What draws me to both Formula 1 and Tennis is the mix of precision, preparation, and pressure. In F1, milliseconds and micro-decisions can change outcomes. ADVERTISEMENT In Tennis, it is about individual resilience; no timeouts, no substitutions. You are out there figuring things out and adapting is very similar to how I look at entrepreneurship. You prepare, plan, and execute but you also react, course-correct, and stay mentally sharp when things don't go according to the plan. ADVERTISEMENT A) Both F1 and Tennis are great examples of handling pressure with strategy and calm. In F1, it is not just the driver, it is the whole team working in sync, making split-second a lot like how startups and most businesses function. You might be steering the ship, but without tight coordination and trust in your team, you are not going far. ADVERTISEMENT Tennis, on the other hand, really teaches you about patience and momentum. You are not going to win every point and that is okay. The key is how you bounce back, how you reset after a setback. In the startup world, it's the metrics dip, some launches don't go as planned but you learn to keep your head still, find your rhythm again, and keep pushing forward. ADVERTISEMENT A) I usually turn to content as a way to completely unplug from the noise of work and everything else. For me, it is about finding something that demands my full is the main reason why I gravitate toward shows that really challenge your thinking or keep you fully engaged, like Pantheon which I recently it doesn't occupy 100% of my mind, I will probably still be mentally stuck in work mode. The right kind of content helps me hit pause, reset, relax, and come back sharper. A) Mental stimulation outside of work is super important to me. I don't think learning is something that only happens through books or structured courses, it is happens in good conversations, during long walks, through a great documentary, or even while watching a game of competitive sport. I make it a point to carve out time in my day for inputs whether that is reading, listening, or just observing the world around keeps me grounded and curious, and I honestly think that curiosity is one of the most underrated but essential traits for any founder. But above all, you learn the most by doing! A) Discipline is the invisible thread that ties it all together. In crypto, things move fast, sometimes chaotically. If you react emotionally to every fluctuation, you will burn out or lose direction. I have learned to stay focused on what we can control: product, people, and purpose. Markets will swing and narratives will shift, but having a strong inner compass rooted in discipline helps you lead with clarity. A) Absolutely. One big lesson is that consistency beats flashes of brilliance. In both F1 and Tennis, the top performers are not just the fastest or most talented, they are the ones who show up, with discipline and is the kind of culture I try to build where we don't chase only highs, but focus on building with intention and innovation every single day. Another big one is preparation. Behind every 'effortless' moment in sport is hours of unseen work and I see startups in the same way. There are multiple teams working at the backend to fulfill requests and ensure seamless functioning, making it all look 'effortless'. (Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
Economic Times
12-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Mind Over Money – From Badminton to Boho Meditations: How CoinDCX's Sumit Gupta Recharges
Sumit Gupta, Co-Founder of CoinDCX, prioritizes mental clarity through mindfulness and physical activity to navigate the volatile crypto world. In the high-stakes world of crypto entrepreneurship, mental clarity is just as critical as business strategy. For Sumit Gupta, Co-Founder of CoinDCX, staying grounded amidst volatility is a conscious, daily practice. Whether it's through morning meditations guided by Boho Beautiful, an energizing game of badminton, or late-night walks with his wife, Sumit blends mindfulness with movement to recharge both mind and body. In this candid conversation for 'Mind Over Money' series, he shares how he structures his day for focus, the values that shape CoinDCX's culture, and why laughter, integrity, and intentional living are key to navigating the pressures of leadership. Edited Excerpts – Q) How do you keep yourself mentally fit? A) I genuinely believe that physical and mental fitness go hand-in-hand, especially if one wants to perform consistently at a high level. That said, mental fitness is even more critical in the unpredictable and often lonely journey of entrepreneurship. You're constantly making decisions with limited data, managing uncertainty, and balancing pressure, all of which takes a toll on your mental health if not managed me, regular workout sessions with my trainer, playing badminton, or even going for a night walk with my wife helps keep me physically and mentally active. And when it comes to mental clarity, I've found morning meditations to be really helpful -- Just 15 minutes a day before I start my day in the morning is good enough to reset and refocus.I feel mental fitness begins with awareness and we all as professionals spend a large part of our day with colleagues. So, at CoinDCX, we thought, why not find ways to drive discussions around fitness and motivate each other? That's how we started a few Slack channels around fitness, travel, and music. It's great to see how these channels have evolved. People share music playlists, meditation tips, healthy food recipes, weekend getaway plans, and even travel ideas. People across teams engage with each other for things other than work. This adds a human touch to work, and that really helps with mental well-being too. Q) What does your morning routine look like, and how does it set the tone for your day as a founder? A) My mornings are intentionally slow and mindful. It's the only part of the day I try to keep truly for myself.I begin by praying to God with a few mantras and folded hands. That short moment of gratitude and grounding sets the tone for everything that follows. Then I drink a glass of hot water with lemon, followed by a quick call with my parents and a 10-minute walk inside the house—just to get moving and freshening up, I spend 15 minutes in meditation, usually guided sessions from the BOHO Beautiful series. It's incredibly calming and helps me reset my focus before the day's noise kicks I shower, have a healthy heavy breakfast with lots of fluids, and catch up with what's happening around the world—whether it's global news, crypto markets, or trends on Twitter and LinkedIn. That blend of inner stillness and outer awareness helps me step into a day full of decisions, meetings, and movement with clarity and intention. Q) Any mindfulness practices or productivity hacks you swear by during high-stress moments? A) Yes. Two, actually. First, during high-stress moments, I turn to guided breathing, specifically the Wim Hof Method. There's a brilliant session on YouTube with over 100 million views that I keep going back to. Just a few minutes of focused breathing resets your nervous system and brings instant clarity. Second, I take a short break and talk to my family. Just being around them or having a quick call is a reminder of what really matters. It brings perspective and joy and helps me return to work with a lighter head and a fuller heart. As for productivity hacks, I never rely on memory alone. I maintain all my tasks digitally using the Microsoft To Do app, which syncs across all my devices. It's my second brain—where I dump everything on my mind in a written, structured format that drives me to take action. Once it's out of my head and into that list, I can move on with clarity. And I practice time-boxing: dividing my day into clear slots aligned with my top priorities—work, health, family. It ensures I stay focused and intentional with how I spend my time. Q) We hear you enjoy stand-up comedy! Has humour helped you navigate tough times as an entrepreneur A) Absolutely. I love watching stand-up comedy, whether it's live shows or during dinner with friends and family. Indian comedians are brilliant at creating content that's so relatable, and their ability to make people laugh through everyday struggles is truly underrated. It's one of my favorite ways to unwind and lighten the mood. As an entrepreneur, I've learned that uncertainty is the only constant. Things rarely go exactly as planned, and life throws curveballs more often than we'd like. In that kind of environment, humor becomes a powerful tool. You need intensity to build and lead but you also need the ability to laugh things off. That balance helps me stay grounded and resilient. A) For me, it's 'Do the Right Thing'. It's also one of our core values at operating in an industry that's so complex and still evolving. There are no playbooks, and that means the responsibility on us as builders is even higher. We're here to build for the long term, and that starts with earning trust from users, regulators, and our own it's staying compliant, being transparent, or putting the user first, integrity can't be optional. It has to be in the DNA of how we operate every single day. As entrepreneurs, we don't just build products, we build culture. And culture is built one decision at a time. A) Yes, big fan of chai! And also poha, thanks to my Indore roots. If I could sit down for a long 'chai pe charcha,' I think it would be with Satoshi Nakamoto. Imagine chatting with the person or a group of people who created Bitcoin. It's arguably one of the most disruptive innovations of our time, and yet what was going on in the founder's mind while creating it remains a complete mystery. I'd love to understand what inspired Satoshi, what they envisioned for the world when they wrote that whitepaper, and most intriguingly did they ever imagine that Bitcoin would reach this level of global adoption, influencing people, organizations, and even entire nations? (Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mind Over Money – From Badminton to Boho Meditations: How CoinDCX's Sumit Gupta Recharges
In the high-stakes world of crypto entrepreneurship, mental clarity is just as critical as business strategy. For Sumit Gupta , Co-Founder of CoinDCX , staying grounded amidst volatility is a conscious, daily practice. Whether it's through morning meditations guided by Boho Beautiful, an energizing game of badminton , or late-night walks with his wife, Sumit blends mindfulness with movement to recharge both mind and body. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo In this candid conversation for ' Mind Over Money ' series, he shares how he structures his day for focus, the values that shape CoinDCX's culture, and why laughter, integrity, and intentional living are key to navigating the pressures of leadership . Edited Excerpts – Q) How do you keep yourself mentally fit? A) I genuinely believe that physical and mental fitness go hand-in-hand, especially if one wants to perform consistently at a high level. That said, mental fitness is even more critical in the unpredictable and often lonely journey of entrepreneurship. Live Events You're constantly making decisions with limited data, managing uncertainty, and balancing pressure, all of which takes a toll on your mental health if not managed well. For me, regular workout sessions with my trainer, playing badminton, or even going for a night walk with my wife helps keep me physically and mentally active. And when it comes to mental clarity, I've found morning meditations to be really helpful -- Just 15 minutes a day before I start my day in the morning is good enough to reset and refocus. I feel mental fitness begins with awareness and we all as professionals spend a large part of our day with colleagues. So, at CoinDCX, we thought, why not find ways to drive discussions around fitness and motivate each other? That's how we started a few Slack channels around fitness, travel, and music. It's great to see how these channels have evolved. People share music playlists, meditation tips, healthy food recipes, weekend getaway plans, and even travel ideas. People across teams engage with each other for things other than work. This adds a human touch to work, and that really helps with mental well-being too. Q) What does your morning routine look like, and how does it set the tone for your day as a founder? A) My mornings are intentionally slow and mindful. It's the only part of the day I try to keep truly for myself. I begin by praying to God with a few mantras and folded hands. That short moment of gratitude and grounding sets the tone for everything that follows. Then I drink a glass of hot water with lemon, followed by a quick call with my parents and a 10-minute walk inside the house—just to get moving and centered. After freshening up, I spend 15 minutes in meditation, usually guided sessions from the BOHO Beautiful series. It's incredibly calming and helps me reset my focus before the day's noise kicks in. Then I shower, have a healthy heavy breakfast with lots of fluids, and catch up with what's happening around the world—whether it's global news, crypto markets, or trends on Twitter and LinkedIn. That blend of inner stillness and outer awareness helps me step into a day full of decisions, meetings, and movement with clarity and intention. Q) Any mindfulness practices or productivity hacks you swear by during high-stress moments? A) Yes. Two, actually. First, during high-stress moments, I turn to guided breathing, specifically the Wim Hof Method . There's a brilliant session on YouTube with over 100 million views that I keep going back to. Just a few minutes of focused breathing resets your nervous system and brings instant clarity. Second, I take a short break and talk to my family. Just being around them or having a quick call is a reminder of what really matters. It brings perspective and joy and helps me return to work with a lighter head and a fuller heart. As for productivity hacks, I never rely on memory alone. I maintain all my tasks digitally using the Microsoft To Do app, which syncs across all my devices. It's my second brain—where I dump everything on my mind in a written, structured format that drives me to take action. Once it's out of my head and into that list, I can move on with clarity. And I practice time-boxing: dividing my day into clear slots aligned with my top priorities—work, health, family. It ensures I stay focused and intentional with how I spend my time. Q) We hear you enjoy stand-up comedy! Has humour helped you navigate tough times as an entrepreneur A) Absolutely. I love watching stand-up comedy, whether it's live shows or during dinner with friends and family. Indian comedians are brilliant at creating content that's so relatable, and their ability to make people laugh through everyday struggles is truly underrated. It's one of my favorite ways to unwind and lighten the mood. As an entrepreneur, I've learned that uncertainty is the only constant. Things rarely go exactly as planned, and life throws curveballs more often than we'd like. In that kind of environment, humor becomes a powerful tool. You need intensity to build and lead but you also need the ability to laugh things off. That balance helps me stay grounded and resilient. Q) You talk a lot about building a people-first culture. What's one value that's non-negotiable at CoinDCX? A) For me, it's 'Do the Right Thing'. It's also one of our core values at CoinDCX. We're operating in an industry that's so complex and still evolving. There are no playbooks, and that means the responsibility on us as builders is even higher. We're here to build for the long term, and that starts with earning trust from users, regulators, and our own teams. Whether it's staying compliant, being transparent, or putting the user first, integrity can't be optional. It has to be in the DNA of how we operate every single day. As entrepreneurs, we don't just build products, we build culture. And culture is built one decision at a time. Q) We've heard you love chai. If you could share a cup with any thinker — dead or alive — who would it be and why? A) Yes, big fan of chai! And also poha, thanks to my Indore roots. If I could sit down for a long 'chai pe charcha,' I think it would be with Satoshi Nakamoto. Imagine chatting with the person or a group of people who created Bitcoin. It's arguably one of the most disruptive innovations of our time, and yet what was going on in the founder's mind while creating it remains a complete mystery. I'd love to understand what inspired Satoshi, what they envisioned for the world when they wrote that whitepaper, and most intriguingly did they ever imagine that Bitcoin would reach this level of global adoption, influencing people, organizations, and even entire nations? ( Disclaimer : Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times )
Economic Times
21-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Mind Over Money: Why cricket and music keep PNB Housing CEO mentally fit and emotionally grounded
In this edition of Mind Over Money, we step off the trading floor and onto the cricket pitch—and even into a musical interlude—with Girish Kousgi, MD & CEO of PNB Housing Finance. ADVERTISEMENT A firm believer that leadership is as much about mental clarity as it is about strategic decision-making, Kousgi shares how his lifelong passion for cricket instills discipline, resilience, and team spirit in his leadership style. Just as crucial to his personal equilibrium is music, which he credits for sharpening his emotional intelligence and deepening human connections in both personal and professional settings. From reading the market like a pitch to leading with empathy and rhythm, Kousgi reveals how sport and melody keep him grounded amid the pressures of the corporate world. Edited Excerpts - A) Cricket has always been more than just a sport for me – it's a way of life. It teaches you discipline, focus, teamwork, and above all, resilience. ADVERTISEMENT These values have deeply shaped my leadership style. Just like in cricket, where every player has a unique role but the team wins together, I believe in empowering individuals while driving collective it's dealing with pressure situations, taking strategic calls, or celebrating wins and learning from losses, the game has taught me the importance of staying grounded and agile – qualities which I strive to bring into the boardroom every day. ADVERTISEMENT On the personal front, cricket is my way of staying mentally and physically fit. It helps me disconnect from the rigors of daily responsibilities and rejuvenate.I firmly believe that physical activity, in any form, isn't a luxury but a necessity. It fuels clarity, focus, and emotional balance. For me, cricket is that outlet. ADVERTISEMENT A) Much like a cricket captain who must read the pitch, assess the opposition, and adjust the game plan in real time, navigating a dynamic business environment requires constant vigilance, strategic foresight, and PNB Housing Finance, we operate in a sector that's highly sensitive to economic trends, policy changes, and evolving customer expectations.I believe in staying closely connected to ground realities whether through data analytics, customer feedback, or internal team insights. ADVERTISEMENT I encourage a culture where we stay proactive rather than reactive anticipating shifts and preparing for various includes fostering cross-functional collaboration, building contingency plans, and staying aligned with our long-term vision while being nimble in as a captain leads from the front in adverse situations, I try to lead with clarity and composure during uncertain times, ensuring that my team feels confident and it's about trusting your preparation, backing your team, and staying focused on the larger goal just like in cricket. A) Patience and resilience are at the heart of both cricket and leadership especially during challenging phases or turnarounds. In cricket, you don't always win every session, but staying focused, trusting the process, and bouncing back is what counts.I've applied the same mindset throughout my leadership journey, particularly during times when the business needed strategic recalibration or faced external PNB Housing Finance, we've undergone significant transformation over the past few years – from recalibrating our portfolio mix to focusing more on retail, especially on affordable housing and emerging wasn't an overnight shift. It required consistent efforts, stakeholder alignment, and the patience to see our long-term strategy come to were moments when quick results were elusive, but I've always believed in steady, sustainable progress over short-term wins. Resilience helped us stay the course, remain customer-focused, and deliver strong like in a long innings, you need to absorb the pressure, pick your moments, and keep moving forward with conviction. That's what drives real, lasting success. A) In cricket, every player has a distinct role – be it an opener, a fast bowler, or a finisher and the team performs best when each one plays to their strengths. I apply the same principle when leading my team.I strongly believe in identifying individual capabilities and aligning responsibilities where people can thrive and deliver their than expecting everyone to do everything, I focus on building a complementary team where strengths are amplified, and gaps are addressed through creates a culture of trust and empowerment where leaders have the autonomy to lead in their areas of expertise while working towards shared PNB Housing Finance, this approach has helped us drive high ownership and sharper execution across functions. Much like a winning cricket team, our success is rooted in knowing our strengths and playing to them with clarity, conviction and confidence. A) Music has a unique ability to connect us with our emotions, helping us pause, reflect, and understand perspectives beyond our own. I find that this emotional depth directly enhances emotional intelligence something that's incredibly valuable in my leadership approach, this translates into being more empathetic, a better listener, and more attuned to the unspoken dynamics within the intelligence is not just about managing your own feelings but also about recognizing and respecting the emotions of others, especially in high-pressure or uncertain like a well-composed piece of music, leadership requires harmony between strategy and empathy, direction and its resolving conflicts, motivating teams, or driving cultural change, the ability to connect on a human level makes all the difference. Music keeps me grounded in that space. A) Music has an incredible way of bringing people together. It transcends hierarchy, backgrounds, and even stress. I've often used my love for music as a bridge to build rapport, both within my team and with external sparks conversations, adds a human touch to interactions, and creates a shared space of comfort and relatability. I've realized that shared interests like music help move conversations beyond numbers and deals. It allows for deeper, more authentic relationships. At the end of the day, leadership isn't just about driving outcomes – it's about connecting with people. And music has been a powerful enabler of that connection. (Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times) (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel)
