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.
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 -
Q) Thanks for taking the time out Girish. You're known for your passion for cricket. How has the game influenced your leadership style in the corporate world? Is this one-off your ways to keep yourself mentally fit?
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.
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 success.
Whether 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.
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.
Q) Like a cricket captain, how do you assess and adapt to rapidly changing business conditions?
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 agility.
At 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.
I encourage a culture where we stay proactive rather than reactive anticipating shifts and preparing for various scenarios.
This includes fostering cross-functional collaboration, building contingency plans, and staying aligned with our long-term vision while being nimble in execution.
Just 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 supported.
Ultimately, it's about trusting your preparation, backing your team, and staying focused on the larger goal just like in cricket.
Q) Cricket requires patience and resilience, how have you drawn on these traits during business turnarounds or challenging phases?
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 headwinds.
At 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 markets.
It wasn't an overnight shift. It required consistent efforts, stakeholder alignment, and the patience to see our long-term strategy come to fruition.
There 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 fundamentals.
Just 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.
Q) How do you apply the concept of 'playing to one's strengths' from cricket when managing your leadership team?
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 best.
Rather than expecting everyone to do everything, I focus on building a complementary team where strengths are amplified, and gaps are addressed through collaboration.
This creates a culture of trust and empowerment where leaders have the autonomy to lead in their areas of expertise while working towards shared goals.
At 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.
Q) You've spoken about how music helps enhance emotional intelligence. How does that translate into your leadership approach?
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 leadership.
In my leadership approach, this translates into being more empathetic, a better listener, and more attuned to the unspoken dynamics within the team.
Emotional 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 situations.
Much like a well-composed piece of music, leadership requires harmony between strategy and empathy, direction and understanding.
Whether 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.
Q) In what ways has your connection to music improved team engagement and stakeholder relationships?
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 stakeholders.
It 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)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
a day ago
- 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)
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
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. 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 - Q) Thanks for taking the time out Girish. You're known for your passion for cricket. How has the game influenced your leadership style in the corporate world? Is this one-off your ways to keep yourself mentally fit? 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. 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 success. Whether 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. 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. Q) Like a cricket captain, how do you assess and adapt to rapidly changing business conditions? 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 agility. At 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. I encourage a culture where we stay proactive rather than reactive anticipating shifts and preparing for various scenarios. This includes fostering cross-functional collaboration, building contingency plans, and staying aligned with our long-term vision while being nimble in execution. Just 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 supported. Ultimately, it's about trusting your preparation, backing your team, and staying focused on the larger goal just like in cricket. Q) Cricket requires patience and resilience, how have you drawn on these traits during business turnarounds or challenging phases? 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 headwinds. At 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 markets. It wasn't an overnight shift. It required consistent efforts, stakeholder alignment, and the patience to see our long-term strategy come to fruition. There 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 fundamentals. Just 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. Q) How do you apply the concept of 'playing to one's strengths' from cricket when managing your leadership team? 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 best. Rather than expecting everyone to do everything, I focus on building a complementary team where strengths are amplified, and gaps are addressed through collaboration. This creates a culture of trust and empowerment where leaders have the autonomy to lead in their areas of expertise while working towards shared goals. At 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. Q) You've spoken about how music helps enhance emotional intelligence. How does that translate into your leadership approach? 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 leadership. In my leadership approach, this translates into being more empathetic, a better listener, and more attuned to the unspoken dynamics within the team. Emotional 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 situations. Much like a well-composed piece of music, leadership requires harmony between strategy and empathy, direction and understanding. Whether 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. Q) In what ways has your connection to music improved team engagement and stakeholder relationships? 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 stakeholders. It 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)
Economic Times
14-06-2025
- Economic Times
Mind Over Money: A Walk at Sunrise, Yoga, and Bhagavad Gita: The Routine That Grounds Bonanza's Shiv Goel
Q) Thanks for taking the time out. Could you tell us about how you begin your day? Live Events Q) You've spoken about being spiritually aligned. How has spirituality shaped your leadership style and decision-making at Bonanza Group? Q) 'Giving' is a beautiful theme in your life. Could you expand more about how it brings peace in your life? Q) How do you stay grounded amid the pressures of the corporate world? Q) How do you prioritise your work, personal life and other commitments? Q) What final advice would you give to young working professionals? (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel In this edition of Mind Over Money, we explore the deeply reflective world of Shiv K. Goel , Director at Bonanza Group , whose day begins not with spreadsheets or strategy calls, but with a sunrise walk, yoga , and spiritual readings from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita For Goel, success isn't defined solely by business milestones but by the ability to remain grounded, composed, and purpose-driven amidst the chaos of corporate this conversation, he shares how his morning rituals and spiritual alignment shape his leadership style, instill resilience, and inspire a life rooted in empathy, balance, and inner clarity. Edited Excerpts –Starting my day with a sunrise walk followed by yoga helps create a space of inner stillness and presence. The walk offers mental clarity and solitude, while yoga brings physical balance and routine sets the tone for the day, allowing me to approach decisions with a calm, focused, and composed spiritual alignment offers twofold benefits. Firstly, it helps me handle successes and failures in both personal and business life with balance, recognizing God's it reinforces the karma principle, guiding Bonanza Group to operate with deep integrity, treating all stakeholders with fairness, respect, and transparency.I see 'giving' as a natural part of life that aligns with the universe's greater order. Daily acts like feeding birds, cows, and the less privileged remind me that life is about brings peace by restoring balance amidst the pursuit of success. Selfless giving humbles the ego and fosters and listening to spiritual texts, especially Srimad Bhagwat Ji, reminds me that while we're responsible for our actions, the outcomes are in divine helps me stay centered, optimistic, happy and resilient during challenges. It's a reminder to lead with purpose, not Giriraj Ji Parikrama in Govardhan acts as a spiritual reset for me. Walking 21 km in silence, immersed in devotional music, allows for deep inner reflection and removes helps me realign priorities, discern what's important, and cultivate gratitude. This periodic withdrawal builds resilience, clarity, and spiritual no substitute for hard work; success is built on consistent effort. Truly listening to mentors, your team, and your inner voice is also life is about balance. A professional life driven by purpose, ethics, and spiritual values is more fulfilling and sustainable. Work hard, stay humble, remain spiritually anchored, and meaningful success will follow.
