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 boardroom.From 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 –Q) How has your experience on the soccer field influenced your leadership style at DCB Bank? Is this how you keep yourself mentally fit?A) Absolutely. Soccer has shaped the way I think about teamwork, handling pressure, and strategic execution.Whether it’s playing at gymkhanas, local clubs, or simply catching my favourite matches, the game keeps my passion alive and helps me stay mentally sharp.Much like in soccer, where every pass and movement is both calculated and fluid, leadership demands quick thinking and adaptability.Staying 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 boardroom.Q) Can you draw parallels between a soccer team’s dynamics and your approach to managing teams in the bank?A) Definitely. 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 purpose.Everyone 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 sync.And 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 works.Q) You often talk about encouraging employees to take ownership—how do you create that sense of responsibility across levels?A) Ownership doesn’t come from micromanaging; it grows from trust, clarity, and empowerment.At 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 game.Structurally, 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 it.Q) How do you ensure team success is celebrated over individual achievements in a competitive corporate environment?A) Soccer is a team sport—you may have a hat-trick hero, but it’s the entire squad that made it happen.At 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.Q) In your view, what are the qualities of a great team player—whether on the soccer field or in the boardroom?A) 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 pass.Resilience 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 great.Consistency 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 farther.It’s the same in business—you may not start with all the advantages, but discipline and perseverance take you ahead.Q) Has your engagement with sports helped you manage pressure or setbacks in business more effectively?A) Absolutely. Sports are a great outlet—they help you reset, recharge, and refocus.Soccer, in particular, teaches you to stay calm under pressure.Whether 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 moment.Also, staying physically active helps me make healthier choices. When the mind and body are aligned, you are better equipped to handle setbacks.Every match has its highs and lows, and so does business. What matters is staying in the game and playing until the last whistle.
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