“For a leader, his team is always first. When the team is confident and performs well, it leads to victory. The same principle applies to business. When the team is strong, the organisation grows,” said cricketer Faiz Fazal during an engaging session titled “Leadership Talk: In Conversation with Cricketer Faiz Fazal”, organised by the Vidarbha Management Association (VMA) at Chitnavis Centre on Sunday. Sharing insights from his cricketing journey, Fazal emphasized the importance of preparation over pressure. He noted that a “prepare and perform” approach is far more effective than a “perform or perish” mindset. Highlighting discipline, he stated that while situations may be controllable or uncontrollable, individuals must focus on giving their best in every circumstance.

 

He encouraged a balanced mix of hard work and smart work, along with stepping out of comfort zones to unlock true potential. Drawing strong parallels between sports and business, Fazal stressed that empowering team members is crucial. Just as players perform better when given freedom and trust, employees too thrive in an environment of confidence and encouragement. He added that a single performance should not define an individual, and leaders must trust the preparation and potential of their team members. Reflecting on his career, Fazal shared valuable learnings from legendary cricketers like Shane Warne and Rahul Dravid, which helped shape his leadership mindset. He highlighted that strong preparation sharpens instinct, enabling effective on-the-go decision-making. He also underlined the importance of recognition, rewards, and celebrations in building a positive work culture. Emphasizing passion and resilience, Fazal concluded that setbacks are inevitable, but consistent effort and the right mindset ultimately lead to long-term success. Sachin Jahagirdar moderated the session.