BTS fireside chat: Cricketer Smriti, entrepreneur Jagadeesh share insights on embracing failure & success

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) witnessed a fireside chat on December 1, featuring Indian cricketer Smriti Shriniwas Mandhana and entrepreneur BV Jagadeesh. Moderated by Madan Padaki, President of TiE Bangalore, the session delved into leadership and resilience in both sports and business.

Smriti Mandana, the youngest captain of the Indian Cricket team, shared her leadership mantra, emphasising the critical role of communication.

According to her, maintaining an open line of communication with the team is crucial, fostering two-way communication.

Mandana also highlighted the significance of accountability in effective leadership. She also highlighted the relevance of work ethics and mind training, emphasising the holistic impact of these factors.

On the entrepreneurial front, BV Jagadeesh emphasised the importance of resilience. Advising against dwelling on losses, he urged swift problem-solving to prevent the repetition of mistakes.

His pragmatic approach encourages a forward-looking mindset in overcoming challenges. In response to a query about setbacks, Smriti Mandhana expressed, "Embracing failure is crucial, and acknowledging it is already half the battle won."

Reflecting on the growing prominence of women's cricket, she noted, "Criticism accompanies mistakes, signifying a heightened level of attention and care."

Smriti Mandhana stressed the importance of work-life balance, advising not to bring work home. She emphasised the significance of enjoying one's profession and never losing sight of the initial passion that sparked the journey.

According to Mandhana, remembering why you started is crucial for sustained motivation and fulfilment. On the entrepreneurial front, BV Jagadeesh underscores the necessity for every entrepreneur to possess leadership skills.

He emphasised that understanding the value of hard work is essential for success in any venture, highlighting the integral role dedication plays in achieving entrepreneurial goals.

Discussing the role of luck or coincidence, entrepreneur Jagadeesh emphasised, "Luck constitutes a mere 5% of one's success and isn't simply bestowed. This 5% of luck is reserved for those individuals who have already invested 95% of their effort. Without effort, there is no room for luck.”

The fireside chat provided valuable insights into leadership strategies and resilience, offering the audience a unique blend of perspectives from the cricketing arena and the world of business.