Kolkata: In a powerful convergence of two worlds—sports and business—Anirban Aditya, Chairman of Aditya Group, hosted legendary cricketer and former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly for a candid and insightful fireside session at the Bengal Business Council summit. The session, titled “Learning from Sports for Business Leadership,” explored how the ethos of sports can empower entrepreneurial and leadership journeys in today’s dynamic economic landscape.
Anirban Aditya opened the session by acknowledging how sports had long influenced his own leadership philosophy—especially lessons in discipline, pressure management, and strategic decision-making. He also reflected on Aditya Group’s own journey—from a single school to a diversified conglomerate spanning education, sports, media, food, and infrastructure.
“Sport has a unique way of building character—it teaches you how to lose, how to rise, and how to keep playing. These lessons have shaped not just me, but the way we build and lead at Aditya Group. It’s not just about growth, it’s about grit,” said Anirban Aditya, Chairman, Aditya Group.
Sourav Ganguly, revered for his bold captaincy and business forays post-retirement, shared lessons from his transition from the cricket pitch to the boardroom. Citing examples from his early days in a business family, his cricketing career, and now his role in various ventures—from endorsements to ownership in the steel and media sectors—he spoke on leadership under pressure, building high-performing teams, and long-term vision.
“Whether you’re on the field or in a boardroom, leadership is about vision, courage, and trusting your team. You don’t always get second chances—so you play every shot with intent,” said Sourav Ganguly
The session also explored talent development in Tier 2 and 3 cities, the need for equitable sports infrastructure, and the growing intersection between athletic discipline and entrepreneurial grit. In a lighter moment, Ganguly was asked what his viral 2002 shirt-waving moment at Lord’s might’ve looked like in the Instagram era—prompting laughter and applause from an enthusiastic audience
The engaging dialogue between two stalwarts of Bengal—one from the field and the other from the boardroom—left the audience with valuable insights on resilience, leadership, and legacy
