{"id":996281,"date":"2025-05-08T10:02:12","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T10:02:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/piperocket.digital\/taggd-dev\/blogs\/inside-dream-11s-dream-team\/"},"modified":"2025-10-26T15:45:18","modified_gmt":"2025-10-26T15:45:18","slug":"inside-dream-11s-dream-team","status":"publish","type":"blogs","link":"https:\/\/piperocket.digital\/taggd-dev\/blogs\/inside-dream-11s-dream-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside Dream 11\u2019s Dream Team: How Dream 11 is Redefining Talent, Culture, &#038; Jobs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"introduction\">Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Indian gaming industry is no longer an underdog. With a projected market value of $7.5 billion and over 250,000 new jobs expected by next year, the space is growing at a pace that\u2019s rewriting playbooks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the heart of this transformation is Dream11, an Indian sports fantasy platform that\u2019s not just riding the wave, but also helping create it. Behind the scenes, Kevin Freitas Freitas, CHRO at Dream11, is helping shape a Dream Workforce that thrives on purpose, autonomy, and community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the second episode of&nbsp;<strong>Taggd India\u2019s Decoding Jobs: Lighthouse Series<\/strong>, presented in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), two industry leaders dive deep into the talent strategies fueling this growth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2013&nbsp;<strong>Mr. Kevin Freitas Freitas, CHRO, Dream11<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 The architect behind Dream11\u2019s high-performance culture and employer brand.<br>\u2013&nbsp;<strong>Mr. Devashish Sharma<\/strong>, the Founding Member &amp; CEO of Taggd\u2013 A visionary shaping India\u2019s workforce transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, they decode how Dream11 is building unstoppable teams, fostering innovation, and driving inclusion in one of India\u2019s fastest-growing industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Key insights from the discussion are-<br>\u2013 Creating future-ready careers<br>\u2013 Purpose-driven hiring<br>\u2013 Diversity beyond numbers<br>\u2013 Building and maintaining Employers Branding<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find the podcast here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Episode 2 - India Decoding Jobs Talent Council Lighthouse Series - Dream 11\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ygRrrjuDtZk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"gamings-inflection-point-a-new-arena-for-talent\">Gaming\u2019s Inflection Point: A New Arena for Talent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>India\u2019s gaming industry is no longer on the sidelines, it\u2019s entering its big-league moment. With the sector projected to touch $7.5 billion and add 250,000 jobs in the coming year alone, it\u2019s fast becoming one of the most dynamic arenas for innovation and employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Dream11, this isn\u2019t just growth- it\u2019s evolution. The company stands at the forefront of a vibrant ecosystem where entirely new career paths are emerging: fantasy sports analysts, gamification architects, sports content creators, and brand storytellers. These weren\u2019t even on the radar five years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As gaming evolves from entertainment to a cultural mainstay, Dream11 is helping shape what the future of work in this industry looks like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not just about building apps; it\u2019s about building meaningful careers that bridge sports, technology, and creativity. In the next decade, the talent landscape will be unrecognizable from today- and Dream11 is already charting that trajectory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"more-than-just-coders-crafting-purposeful-tech-careers\">More Than Just Coders: Crafting Purposeful Tech Careers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hiring top tech talent is a challenge, but retaining them is a whole different game. At Dream11, engineering roles aren\u2019t siloed technical jobs\u2014they\u2019re central to shaping how India experiences sports. This sense of purpose is what sets Dream11 apart in the crowded race for tech minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While many companies compete with perks and pay checks, Dream11 focuses on creating an environment where people feel they\u2019re building something bigger than themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Engineers are empowered to solve real problems, innovate at scale, and leave a lasting impact on how millions engage with fantasy sports. It\u2019s not about free lunches- it\u2019s about feeding a deeper hunger for challenge, autonomy, and impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"diversity-is-the-new-game-plan\">Diversity Is the New Game Plan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the world of sports, every winning team needs variety- fast bowlers and steady batsmen, wicketkeepers and fielders. Dream11 applies the same logic to building its ow Dream Team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For them, diversity isn\u2019t a checkbox; it\u2019s a strategy for excellence. The company has nearly doubled its gender diversity\u2014from 10% in 2017 to 22% today\u2014not by quotas but by reimagining who gets a seat at the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But diversity means little without inclusion. At Dream11, psychological safety isn\u2019t jargon\u2014it\u2019s operationalized through everyday practices like the \u201cno HiPPO\u201d rule, which ensures the highest-paid person\u2019s opinion doesn\u2019t drown out others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone- from interns to executives\u2014is encouraged to challenge, debate, and shape decisions. When people feel seen and heard, innovation follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"inclusion-in-action-the-logo-story\">Inclusion in Action: The Logo Story<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The proof of Dream11\u2019s inclusive culture isn\u2019t in policy documents\u2014it\u2019s in moments of truth. One such moment came in 2018, just as the company was about to launch a major brand refresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A global agency had designed a sleek new logo, shirts were printed, and a marketing shoot was scheduled. Then, leadership did something radical: they asked the entire company for feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The response was swift and loud- employees hated it. Most companies would have pushed forward anyway. Dream11 hit pause. Despite sunk costs and looming deadlines, the logo was scrapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The brand team returned to the drawing board, this time with voices from across the organization shaping the outcome. That decision didn\u2019t just save a logo- it cemented trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When employees know their opinions carry weight, they don\u2019t just work for the brand; they become its ambassadors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"learning-as-a-team-sport\">Learning as a Team Sport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At Dream11, learning isn\u2019t an isolated activity\u2014it\u2019s cultural muscle-building. The company approaches development like preseason training: immersive, intense, and continuous. Initiatives like \u201cChampions at the Stadium\u201d bring in athletes, industry leaders, and domain experts to inspire and educate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hackathons are not limited to engineers; everyone joins, because innovation has no job title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps the most empowering tool is the \u201clearning wallet\u201d\u2014a no-cap budget that employees can use to pursue any course, workshop, or experience that fuels their growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From mental well-being to productivity, from tech upskilling to creative exploration, learning at Dream11 is as holistic as it is personal. The goal is simple: grow the individual, and the organization grows with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hiring-with-heart-retaining-with-purpose\">Hiring with Heart, Retaining with Purpose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In today\u2019s ultra-competitive talent market, everyone wants to hire the \u201cVirat Kohli\u201d of their industry. But while flashy offers may bring top talent through the door, only authenticity keeps them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dream11 understands this deeply. During hiring, the company makes clear promises\u2014autonomy, impact, challenge\u2014and then delivers on them, consistently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employees stay not because they have to, but because they believe in the mission: changing the way India engages with sports. It\u2019s a rare alignment of passion and profession, where the thrill of the game extends into the workplace. People don\u2019t just clock in\u2014they suit up for a bigger cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"crafting-a-culture-of-impact-and-joy\">Crafting a Culture of Impact and Joy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dream11\u2019s employee value proposition doesn\u2019t hide behind buzzwords. It\u2019s inspired by Netflix\u2019s celebrated \u201cfreedom and responsibility\u201d model, but shaped for a homegrown, sport-obsessed audience. The EVP hinges on two simple yet powerful pillars: impact and fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The company wants Dreamsters (as employees are called) to feel the weight of their contribution\u2014and the lightness of joy while doing it. This isn\u2019t culture theatre. It\u2019s an authentic expression of what happens when people love what they do and who they do it with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Dream11, purpose isn\u2019t painted on the walls\u2014it\u2019s woven into the work. And that\u2019s how you build not just a business, but a movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wrapping-up\">Wrapping Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The podcast wrapped up on a powerful and optimistic note. Kevin Freitas highlighted that while Dream11 may have laid the foundation, the future will be shaped by a growing ecosystem of players, companies, and innovations, all contributing to building something much bigger\u2014multiple castles, not just one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Devashish Sharma concluded by acknowledging the significance of Kevin Freitas\u2019s insights and their impact beyond the industry, noting that these conversations feed into broader discussions across academia, government, and business through platforms like the India Decoding Jobs report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tune into the&nbsp;<strong>full episode<\/strong>&nbsp;to hear Kevin Freitas and Devashish Sharma break down the future of India\u2019s talent landscape. So, whether you\u2019re an HR leader, job seeker, or policymaker, Dream11\u2019s approach offers lessons in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Scaling a high-growth startup<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Balancing automation with human connection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making DEI a business priority, not just an initiative<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction The Indian gaming industry is no longer an underdog. With a projected market value of $7.5 billion and over 250,000 new jobs expected by next year, the space is growing at a pace that\u2019s rewriting playbooks. At the heart of this transformation is Dream11, an Indian sports fantasy platform that\u2019s not just riding the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":996282,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"blog-categories":[236],"class_list":["post-996281","blogs","type-blogs","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blog-categories-leaders-perspective"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/piperocket.digital\/taggd-dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogs\/996281","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/piperocket.digital\/taggd-dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogs"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/piperocket.digital\/taggd-dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blogs"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/piperocket.digital\/taggd-dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/piperocket.digital\/taggd-dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=996281"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/piperocket.digital\/taggd-dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogs\/996281\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":998835,"href":"https:\/\/piperocket.digital\/taggd-dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogs\/996281\/revisions\/998835"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/piperocket.digital\/taggd-dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/996282"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/piperocket.digital\/taggd-dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=996281"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/piperocket.digital\/taggd-dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=996281"},{"taxonomy":"blog-categories","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/piperocket.digital\/taggd-dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog-categories?post=996281"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}