In the intimate world of squash, Paul Assaiante is nothing short of a legend. Known for his historic coaching streak at Trinity College—17 national championships and a 252-match unbeaten run—Assaiante has dedicated his life to more than just the pursuit of athletic perfection. He has become a philosopher and guide of resilience, diversity, and human connection.

For Sahil Vora, founder of the real estate company SILA, the lessons learned under Pauls’s guidance have left an indelible mark on his life. Their recent conversation, captured in a compelling video interview, revealed the enduring impact of their coach-athlete relationship and explored how sports can shape leaders in the business world.

“Run to the Roar”

At the heart of Paul Assaiante’s coaching philosophy is a metaphor drawn from the animal kingdom. Lions, he explains, set a trap by positioning the oldest, weakest member of the pride—the one with the loudest roar—on one side of their prey, while the rest of the pride waits silently on the other. The prey, startled by the roar, runs away, only to find itself surrounded.

“Run to the roar,” Paul advises, challenging his players to confront their fears head-on rather than retreat from them. For Sahil, this mantra became a guiding principle as he navigated the complex and intricate real estate market of India, to build SILA – a real estate platform focused on both real estate services and development.

The Power of Diversity

Assaiante’s teams at Trinity were a kaleidoscope of cultures, with players hailing from around the globe. Managing such a diverse group required more than strategic prowess; it required emotional intelligence and a deep appreciation for the human experience.

Sahil carried this experience into SILA, fostering a corporate culture where diversity is celebrated. His team, much like Paul’s squads, draws strength from differing perspectives and backgrounds. This approach has been pivotal to SILA’s expansion across India, building a strong team of over 25,000 employees.

Discipline Translated to Leadership

For an athlete at Trinity, excellence was non-negotiable. Paul demanded discipline, focus, and adaptability—qualities that would prove invaluable in the boardroom.

“Paul never let us off the hook,” Sahil recalled. “He taught us to perform under pressure, always saying pressure is a privilege. If it weren’t for pressure, diamonds would still be coal”

Sahil Vora’s company, which began as a small real estate services firm in 2010, has grown into a multi-faceted platform with interests spanning facility management, real estate advisory, and development. He credits the structured, high-pressure environment of Trinity squash for preparing him to lead in a field like Indian real estate with rapidly shifting market dynamics.

A Lifelong Bond

The coach-athlete relationship is often fleeting, confined to a few formative years. But for Sahil and Coach, it has strengthened and flourished over the decades. Their conversation was less a formal interview and more of a heart-warming exchange between mentor and mentee—two individuals whose lives remain intertwined despite the passage of time.

Paul Assaiante believed that coaching goes beyond teaching someone to win; it’s about equipping them to handle life’s losses with grace.

This philosophy resonates with Sahil, who now mentors his own team at SILA, instilling in them the same values he absorbed on the squash court: resilience, collaboration, and the courage to confront the unknown.

Lessons Beyond Boundaries

The conversation between Sahil and Paul serves as a reminder that the lessons of sports are universal. Fear is not the enemy but a compass; diversity is not a challenge but an asset; and discipline is the bedrock of achievement, whether in athletics, business, or life.

Sahil Vora’s journey from Trinity squash player to real estate entrepreneur exemplifies the transformative power of mentorship. It is a testament to how the lessons learned on a squash court in Connecticut can resonate in the bustling markets of Mumbai.

For a closer look at their conversation, the full interview is available online:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmswoJByVLA

About SILA

SILA is one of the leading real estate consulting companies in Mumbai with a tech-driven approach, offering facility management services, and real estate advisory services. Our expertise as a south mumbai real estate developer ensures that our projects are maintained to the highest standards, providing residents with an unparalleled living experience. We are committed to delivering excellence, making us one of the top real estate companies in Mumbai.

Industries We serve –  

Commercial Offices & Buildings | Manufacturing & Heavy Industrial Facilities | Residential Complexes & Townships | Hotels & Campuses | Airports & Malls | IT Parks & Data Centers | Warehousing & Logistics Parks | Banks & Retail

Present in 125 cities –  

Ahmedabad | Baroda | Bengaluru | Chennai | Bhubaneswar | Delhi | Gurugram | Noida | Kolkata | Hyderabad | Kochi | Mumbai | Pune & more

Also Read: How to Choose the Right Real Estate Developer for Your Dream Home

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