A timely lesson from an Olympic great

MAD-HR 10^th Birthday

The highly decorated track champion was eager to explain how athletic principles can translate seamlessly into business success, and how her career led her to discover the valuable assets of discipline, consistency, resilience, and building the right team.

Contributing to the event at Milsoms Kesgrave Hall – which resulted in £6,500 being raised for Inspire – Sally addressed the 180-strong audience with some timely takeaways.

Going for gold

Know what gets you out of bed and be clear on the realistic goal and the dream goal: Differentiate between the achievement of realistic goals and your ultimate ambitions. Allow yourself to dream for the greater goal and ensure you have a plan in place for what’s going to get you there – these become your micro goals.

Be inspired by the ability of others: Throughout her career, Sally took inspiration from the ability and approach of others. It is, she says, where great insight can be found into how you can improve too.

Hone in on what you’re good at, but don’t be afraid to change (until you find your lane): Sally talked candidly about eventually discovering that the 400m hurdles – even though it hurt – was the right discipline for her, but how she had explored other avenues on her way to that realisation. Learn what you’re best placed to focus on, but don’t be fearful of trying other routes.

Build a team around you which allows you to achieve your potential: Crucially, even though Sally is perceived to have been a singular athlete, she has always appreciated that she could never have achieved success without the right team. From someone helping her keep on top of her laundry to those ensuring she had appropriate nutrition; she knows how critical it is to surround yourself with experts to achieve excellence. 

Don’t get complacent about your ability and remember setbacks happen: Sally talked frankly about how she had faced times when complacency crept in or when setbacks occurred. Setbacks will always happen, but the trick is to control the controllables.

Rest and reset are key to ensuring your ability to achieve: Sally placed emphasis on urging the business audience to prioritise rest and reflection. Get some sleep, recover, and be fresh for what your business journey needs of you. This ensures that your judgment is not impaired and that you will have the clarity to see opportunities when they are presented to you.

Sally’s own journey from the track to the boardroom inspired MAD-HR’s guests to harness their natural abilities and push their business to new heights.

Olympic champion, Sally Gunnell (centre) with MAD-HR’s Carole Burman (left) and Charlotte Bate.

Photos taken by Big Fish Photography