Game Set Career: Leadership Lessons from the Court

Sports has been foundational for me throughout my life, specifically tennis. Growing up, I was a three-sport student athlete, but tennis I could never get enough of, and it was what I always wanted to practice. I’d hit against almost anything, including our garage door, which took on an interesting pattern as the years went on. Through sports, I learned the value of competition, discipline, and embracing challenges — lessons that have fueled many of my personal and professional experiences and achievements.

These days, I still play tennis whenever I can, certainly for the health and fitness benefits, but especially for the team comradery and satisfaction of contributing to something bigger than oneself —?two concepts that can seamlessly translate from the court to the boardroom. Women in business are like athletes on a team; each of us contributes our individual strengths to make the sum of the parts especially strong.?

德勤 has long championed women in sports and business. Through various initiatives, such as our long-standing relationship with the WNBA, we are committed to empowering and supporting women in all aspects of life, not just in the business arena.

Data has shown a correlation between successful careers and playing youth sports. In fact, according to a recent Deloitte survey, 85% of women who played sports found the skills crucial to their professional success. Further, among survey respondents who had achieved management or leadership roles, 69% played competitive sports.

Working my way from an entry-level Deloitte consultant fresh out of college to the leadership roles I hold today, I suppose I am living proof.

That said, any enrichment activity—be it chess, drama, dance, music, art—?that teaches discipline, endurance, problem-solving, and taking both wins and losses in stride are foundational experiences that teach people to realize their power and harness it towards a successful and rewarding career. Below are just a few lessons I’ve learned over the years.

?

Solving problems. Creative and competitive outlets can teach us how to problem-solve. In some sports, at a certain level, it’s anyone’s game to win. Think of the “any given Sunday” maxim of American football. What will give you the edge? Where is the opportunity to tip things in your favor? How can you break through? These aren’t just questions for the field, the court, or the stage. They’re questions leaders bring to staff meetings, boardrooms, and client conversations.

?

Taking risks. The art of play and experimentation can also teach us how to confidently take risks. Growing up, I regularly sought new ways to be uncomfortable. I learned early as a tri-sport athlete that you cannot improve your game unless you’re constantly seeking your edge—whether it’s playing a new position or trying out a new technique in hopes of evening the score. The same applies to success in work and life. By trying new things—even if you fail— you test the limits of your abilities, learn how to strategize with others, and improve your performance.

?

Building confidence. In a tennis match, you can’t wait out the clock. You’ve got to strategize how to beat your opponent—you can play to win or play not to lose. The quickest way to lose is being led down a path where you’re playing your opponent’s game rather than your own. Confidence in your game and your abilities makes all the difference. Learning how to take both wins and losses in stride while building crucial confidence can be an invaluable life lesson. Like anything, this mindset is a muscle to strengthen over time.

?

Working as a team. Playing doubles tennis, I consistently consider how my actions serve the team and contribute to the larger strategy. Collaboration and communication are inherent in many extracurricular activities and most sports. These are necessary leadership skills, helping you clearly see where the team and the individual intersect, and how you show up for one another from project to project, from game to game.

That balanced perspective helps me remain deeply aware of what I can offer in any situation, appreciating the diverse experiences and superpowers my teammates and I bring to the table and drawing on them as a source of strength.

In the words of Serena Williams, one of the greatest athletes of all time and one of my personal heroes, “Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.”?

?

Delivering results. In sports and in my career, I have learned that the power of positivity can be a game-changer. Your mindset—whether it’s positive or negative—directly influences your actions and the results you get. Thinking about positive actions and staying centered on what you will do (rather than what you want to avoid) can make all the difference. For example, in playing tennis, I have learned not to think to myself, “don’t double-fault.”

?That kind of thinking often guarantees a double-fault. Instead, I focus on the action required for the desired outcome—such as tossing the ball higher to improve my serve. Being able to instinctively apply positive results thinking proves invaluable for women in the business world, where measurable outcomes often define success.?

?

Strong and capable. I heard those words a lot from my parents when I was growing up, and through embracing sports, I became a strong and capable woman. The cumulative, positive, lifelong effect on my physical and mental health cannot be understated. I strongly believe that starting sports early is one of the wisest investments you can make for your long-term health and professional success.

I’ve also had tremendous fun and learned to care for myself and my teammates—building strong relationships on the court and in the office in the process. Today, when I see girls involved in enriching extracurricular activities in all their various forms, I see the future. I see women who will create their career paths and define their success. To me, that’s a win, no matter how you score it.

This publication contains general information only and Deloitte is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor.

Deloitte shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this publication.

About Deloitte

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the “Deloitte” name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about?to learn more about our global network of member firms.

Copyright ? 2024 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved.