During the 2023 FIFA World Cup, Chloe Kelly’s penalty was the fastest of the tournament, but what left a lasting impression was her immediate gesture of empathy, comforting Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. It was a striking moment of emotional intelligence that resonated far beyond sport. It reminded us that high performance doesn’t need to be cold. In fact, it can be most powerful when grounded in compassion.
An athlete’s unique mindset provides continual inspiration to professionals across all industries. Why? Well as Kelly proved, success is not just about high-pressure performances or moments of glory, rather how it is achieved through a mentality rooted in confidence, resilience and continuous growth. Qualities- all of which are vital in today’s fast-paced, increasingly complex working world.
In this article, Louise Johnson, CEO of Fuse, a global agency that connects brands to culture through sport and entertainment, helps us further explore these ideas. Drawing on years of experience working with some of the world’s top athletes, Louise has seen how powerfully the athlete’s mindset translates – not just in sport, but in leading teams, driving transformation, and building confidence in times of change.
When it comes to building real confidence, three traits stand out in sport: emotional intelligence, resilience, and self-belief. These three traits are ones we should all be focusing on too.
The Lionesses have exemplified what it means to bounce back, reflect, and rebuild. Their transparent and supportive culture is what keeps them performing at the highest level — a model that translates seamlessly into the modern workplace.
Then there’s self-belief- not bravado, but a quiet, unshakeable inner conviction. For women, cultivating this kind of confidence often starts with challenging self-doubt, owning your strengths, and setting boundaries that protect your energy and values. It grows through action: saying yes to opportunities, learning from setbacks, and surrounding yourself with people who champion your growth. Self-belief isn’t something you’re born with- it’s something you build, one courageous step at a time.
In the dynamic, fluid world in which we are all now working, athletes also show us how to handle change. Often when their playing careers end, they experience a sense of dislocation – of stepping into a world without structure, without the rush, and sometimes, without a clear sense of identity.
It is easy to underestimate how difficult this can be to experience. For many, their sport isn’t just a job, it is who they are. Leaving active sport behind takes mental strength, a deep resolve and trust in a new vision for their futures. Serena Williams, with her highly successful venture capital firm, proves that focus and drive can be repurposed. Its launch wasn’t just a business move, it was a bold, brave reinvention that demonstrated her clarity of purpose and ambition.
So how can you channel that same approach to reinvention?
Sport doesn’t just build bodies- it builds habits. And the habits athletes build on the field can transform how we show up far beyond it. Here are three that can supercharge your performance in any arena.
Habit #1: Resilience building
A particular habit that is crucial in the sporting and business world is building resilience. Athletes train resilience like a muscle: tested under pressure, strengthened by setbacks. They don’t see failure- they see feedback. That mindset is gold in the business world, where disruption is constant and adaptability is everything.
Top tip: Run a “resilience replay.”
After any setback, a missed opportunity, tough feedback, or a project that didn’t land — don’t just move on. Pause. Reflect. Ask yourself: What stretched me? What did I learn? What would I do differently next time?
Athletes review their performance to improve. You can do the same. Turn every challenge into a training ground- not for perfection, but for progression. That’s how resilience is built: not in the win, but in the recovery.
Habit #2: Visualisation
Athletes visualise success with surgical precision. Before gymnast Simone Biles even steps onto the mat, she’s run the routine in her head a hundred times. That same mental rehearsal? It works just as well for keynotes, pitches, and high-stakes meetings.
Top tip: Rehearse the win
Before a high-stakes moment, a presentation, pitch, or big conversation, take five minutes to mentally walk through it. Close your eyes and visualise it from start to finish: how you enter the room, how you speak, how your message lands. See it going well. Feel the confidence, the clarity, the control.
This isn’t wishful thinking, it’s mental conditioning. Like any top athlete, you’re wiring your brain for success before you even step into the spotlight.
Habit #3: Set yourself apart
Elite athletes don’t try to be everything- they focus on being exceptional at their thing. They know their edge, and they train it obsessively. In the workplace, that same clarity is rare and powerful. When you know what makes you valuable and lean into it, you stop chasing comparison and start building impact.
Top tip: Identify your “performance edge.”
Ask yourself: What do people consistently come to me for? What do I do better or differently than others? Once you’ve nailed it, sharpen it. Read, practise, ask for feedback. Get so good at that thing, people can’t ignore it. That’s how you stand out- not by being everything, but by being brilliant at your best.
Female athletes don’t just play the game – they change it. They’ve had to fight harder: for funding, visibility, and respect. Their resilience runs deeper, rooted in purpose, not just performance.
They show us that leadership isn’t about fitting into old moulds- it’s about breaking them. They lead to be seen. To make space. To lift others as they rise.
So, what can women in business take from this? Stop asking for permission. Start showing up with conviction. Lead like the space was always yours. Because the athlete’s mindset doesn’t just aim for the podium- it pushes for progress. And that’s where the real wins happen.
