In the fast-evolving world of sportswear and athleisure, there are only a few leaders who embody passion and innovation as seamlessly as Puspen Maity, CEO of TechnoSport. With a background in Myntra and a keen eye for industry trends, Maity has been at the forefront of transforming activewear into a lifestyle for enthusiasts of sports and fashion alike.
In this exclusive interview with BFH, he shares his journey, inspirations, and vision for the future of men's sportswear, along with insights on leadership, personal well-being, and breaking industry stereotypes. His story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
What inspired you to join the Sportswear industry? Could you tell us your journey?
My journey into sportswear was inspired by my deep fascination for sports and fitness from an early age. During my time at Myntra, I got closely involved with the sports category and realized it was more than just apparel—it was about promoting a lifestyle. Witnessing the shift in consumer behavior toward fitness and versatile activewear intrigued me, and TechnoSport presented an opportunity to blend my passion for sports with business. The growing focus on health-conscious lifestyles inspired me to take on this journey.
Did you have mentors that effectively shaped your career?
Yes, I have been fortunate to have mentors who played a crucial role in shaping my career. Mukesh Bansal (Founder, Myntra & Cult.fit) has been a major influence, especially in understanding the intersection of fitness and business. Another key mentor is Ganesh Subramanian (Founder, Stylumia), who provided invaluable guidance in strategic decision-making and industry insights. Their mentorship helped me develop a holistic perspective in my professional journey.
What do you think is the future of sportswear for men?
The future of men’s sportswear looks promising due to multiple factors such as demographic shifts, increasing disposable income, and post-pandemic health awareness. As fitness infrastructure improves and accessibility increases, more men are adapting to active lifestyles. The sportswear industry will not be just about apparel but a larger ecosystem that includes footwear, nutrition, and coaching. The convergence of fitness and technology will also play a vital role in shaping the future of this industry.
As a CEO of a sportswear company, how do you integrate fitness into your lifestyle?
Being in the activewear industry, I make it a point to test our products personally. We also foster a fitness-centric culture at TechnoSport, regularly organizing sports events like cricket and football tournaments. I actively participate in these, which keeps me engaged and ensures that we truly stand by the lifestyle we promote.
What is something you wish you could tell your 20-year-old self?
I would tell my younger self to explore entrepreneurship much earlier. While my career at Myntra and now at TechnoSport has given me a hybrid experience, I believe I could have taken more risks earlier to build something of my own.
How do you balance being a CEO with your personal life?
I believe when you are building something meaningful, your work and personal life often intertwine. Instead of focusing on rigid work hours, I focus on impact and results. Building a high-performing, motivated team allows me to maintain balance and efficiency.
What are your go-to activities for unwinding?
I have recently developed a passion for photography, particularly street and wildlife photography. I also enjoy cooking, as I find a strong parallel between cooking and business—both require the right ingredients, timing, and patience.
How has being CEO of TechnoSport influenced your networking?
It has expanded my network significantly. Previously, I was mostly involved in the demand side of the business. Now, I interact more with suppliers, manufacturers, and technology innovators in the sportswear industry. This has broadened my perspective and helped me build valuable connections globally.
What major career challenge did you face, and how did you overcome it?
One of my biggest challenges was communication and strategic thinking in the early stages of my career. Coming from a small town, I found it difficult to express myself effectively in corporate settings. Over time, I overcame this by actively engaging with colleagues and shifting my focus from just task execution to long-term strategy and planning.
What scope do you see for men in the fashion industry, especially in sportswear and athleisure?
Men today are prioritizing comfort, style, and functionality more than ever before. Sportswear is no longer restricted to the gym; it has blended with athleisure to become part of everyday fashion. This shift presents exciting opportunities for innovation and expansion in men’s fashion.
Who was your biggest inspiration growing up?
Rather than one individual, I have been inspired by multiple sports legends. Their discipline, perseverance, and ability to push their limits have always motivated me to challenge myself in both personal and professional life.
Do you think men’s fashion tastes are evolving?
Absolutely. Today, fashion is more individualistic than ever. Men are embracing styles, colors, and trends that were once considered unconventional. This evolution is creating a more diverse and dynamic fashion landscape.
What’s your life’s mantra?
Finish work efficiently to create time for yourself. Productivity and teamwork go hand in hand, so I believe in building a strong team that allows for both personal and professional growth.
What’s your best advice for maintaining productivity?
Hire people who are smarter than you. Find what personally fuels your motivation, and most importantly, be in the right role—if you are not engaged in your work, productivity will naturally suffer.
How do you envision the future of TechnoSport and your role in it?
At TechnoSport, we aim to bring high-quality activewear technology to millions of Indians at an affordable price. We are also looking at global expansion. My role as CEO is to drive innovation and make fitness technology accessible to all.
What diet and health care principles do you follow?
I stick to two major meals a day—healthy home-cooked food for lunch and an early dinner. I also practice intermittent fasting but balance it with enjoying good food while traveling or socializing.
How do you keep a check on your mental well-being?
I recognize the signs of burnout—irritability, fatigue, and disturbed sleep. Whenever I sense these, I take a break, even if it’s just for a short while. Taking a step back helps me reset and come back with a fresh perspective.
What’s your favorite book of all time?
A few of my favorites are The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz, Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.
Outside of sportswear, what defines Puspen Maity?
I am a people-centric person. For me, relationships—both personal and professional—are at the core of everything I do. I believe in building meaningful connections and working with a strong sense of purpose.
What are some of your favorite recreational activities?
Traveling, especially for photography, and cooking for my family and friends. Both give me immense joy and act as creative outlets.
What advice do you have for men wanting to join the athleisure industry?
Ask yourself why you want to be in this industry. If you are truly passionate about fitness, sports, and creating high-quality apparel, you will find a meaningful career in this space. Purpose is key.
What do you think about the stigma around men pursuing careers in fashion?
The industry is evolving, and old stereotypes are breaking. Designers like Sabyasachi and Manish Malhotra have shown that fashion is not bound by gender. More men are confidently embracing their fashion choices, making the industry more inclusive than ever.