What does it take to craft a champion—on the court, in the boardroom, or within an organisation? Is it talent, grit, or the courage to rise from failure? Legendary badminton player, Prakash Padukone, shared timeless principles behind exceptional success in a candid conversation with Pushkaraj Bidwai, CEO of People Matters at TechHR Pulse Bengaluru 2024. Drawing from his illustrious career, Padukone explored the core values of discipline, resilience, and mastery that define champions—not just in sports but across every walk of life.

In the session, ‘Candid Conversation With Prakash Padukone: Crafting A Champion’s Journey,’ he offered profound insights into leadership, innovation, and the power of a growth mindset. Padukone also reflected on his journey of grit and mastery, sharing lessons on setting ambitious goals, overcoming challenges, and creating environments that inspire excellence. Highlighting parallels between sports and the corporate world, he emphasised that true leadership lies in building sustainable ecosystems—like the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy—that nurture future talent.

Padukone’s message to talent leaders was clear: to build champions, leaders must identify potential, inspire resilience, and create pathways for collective growth. His insights provide a powerful blueprint for those striving to cultivate winning mindsets and build cultures of purpose-driven success.

Self-belief is Key to Achieving Goals

Prakash Padukone’s keynote was a masterclass in the power of a growth mindset. He spoke candidly about the role of mental toughness in achieving greatness. “Success in sports, like in business, isn’t just about skill; it’s about the mindset. You need to believe that you can achieve your goals, even when the path ahead is filled with challenges,” Padukone shared.

Drawing from his own experiences on the court, Padukone underscored how vital it is to remain focused on long-term growth rather than short-term rewards. He recalled moments in his career when things weren’t going according to plan, but it was his relentless pursuit of improvement that kept him going. “The setbacks in my career taught me valuable lessons about resilience. When you are driven by a purpose, those challenges are stepping stones, not roadblocks.”

Building a Winning Culture: The Role of Leadership

One of the key themes of the keynote was leadership and its role in fostering a winning culture. Padukone emphasised that leadership isn’t merely about authority—it’s about being a source of inspiration and trust. He explained how his coach, and later his leadership style, was rooted in building mutual respect and empowering those around him.

“True leadership is about understanding your team’s strengths and weaknesses and supporting them in ways that foster their growth. I believe in empowering my teammates, just as I believed in myself during my own journey. The people you lead should feel they are a vital part of the larger mission,” Padukone remarked.

He also stressed the importance of consistency in leadership. He noted that in sports, just as in any organisation, success is not built overnight. “It’s about consistently showing up, doing the work, and bringing your best every day—whether on the court or in the boardroom.”

Perseverance: The Key to Overcoming Obstacles

Padukone’s reflections on perseverance were particularly impactful, as he recalled his challenges in breaking into the international badminton scene during a time when India was still largely unknown in the sport. He spoke about the sacrifices he made and the mental resilience required to maintain focus amid a lack of immediate rewards. “I remember times when I would lose, and it seemed like the end of the road, but I kept coming back. Every loss was a lesson. The key is to understand that failure is not final. It’s just part of the process,” he stated.

This message resonated with the audience, as many in attendance could relate to the idea of setbacks being part of their own journeys. Padukone’s story reinforced the importance of viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth.

Innovation: A Constant Drive for Betterment

In a world that is constantly changing, Padukone spoke about the need for innovation—not only in sports but also in the way organisations operate. He encouraged attendees to embrace change and innovate consistently. “The game is always evolving, and if you’re not evolving with it, you’ll be left behind. Whether in sports or business, innovation is the key to staying relevant.”

He recalled how his own training methods had evolved over time, moving from traditional routines to more innovative techniques that incorporated technology and science. This, he explained, was crucial in staying competitive and ahead of the curve. “When I first started, there were no performance analytics or advanced equipment. But over time, we started adopting new methods to track progress, measure performance, and recover better. This constant push for improvement is what kept me at the top.”

Charting the Path to Leadership Excellence: Taking the Lessons Forward

Padukone’s session was a powerful reminder that success, whether in sports or business, is shaped by resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to growth. As HR professionals, leaders, and innovators, the lessons shared during this keynote were invaluable in framing our approach to leadership, talent management, and organisational culture.

In his closing remarks, Padukone left the audience with a thought-provoking piece of advice: “Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. Whether you’re leading a team or pursuing your personal goals, always strive for more, learn from every experience, and lead with purpose.”

The session was not just a highlight of TechHR Pulse Bengaluru 2024—it was an inspiring deep dive into the principles of building champions in workplaces, offering timeless lessons for every leader and every organisation striving to make an impact.

Such timeless lessons are exactly what TechHR Pulse Mumbai 2025 aims to deliver. The event will bring together the best minds in HR, leadership, and innovation, designed to shape the future of work. Join us for thought-provoking sessions, hands-on workshops, and insightful conversations with industry leaders and experts. 

Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this transformative experience! Register now for TechHR Pulse Mumbai 2025 to secure your spot for the conference scheduled to be held on February 5, 2025 at Grand Hyatt Mumbai and gain access to sessions that will inspire and equip you to lead with purpose.

Download our Delegate Brochure to explore the full list of sessions, speakers, and what to expect at the event. We look forward to welcoming you at TechHR Pulse Mumbai!