How Being a Triathlete Has Prepared Me For My CRE Career

It isn’t surprising that many top triathletes are also top executives and CEOs. Triathlons attract Type A personalities — the highly driven, massively motivated individuals seeking more challenges in life.?

In business and the races, you may encounter an operational challenge that you need to work through to come out positively on the other side. Triathlons and business both teach us to constantly be comfortable being uncomfortable. No matter the challenges that arise, how can we persevere and succeed??

I first started running triathlons in the early 90s and have since raced all over the world — from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia to New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, South America, the U.S., and beyond.?

Both the races and business have been a massive catalyst in my life, teaching me that you can do anything if you’re willing to try your best and dedicate your all.?

I’d like to share a few ways that being a triathlete has prepared me for my career in commercial real estate. Ready… set… go!

#1. Break down a big process into manageable parts.

From a strategic perspective, both the race and business are all about the big picture. There’s a term used in triathlons, “manage the process.”?

What do you think that I’m thinking about when I enter the water at the first few strokes of my 1.5-kilometer swim?

The very first thing I’m thinking about is getting to the first buoy. Then, it’s about getting to the second, then the third. As soon as you’re out of the water, it’s about running. On the bike, it’s about the first five miles, then the second, and so on. The entire time, you’re breaking the race down so it becomes more manageable.?

In business, the same thing is true as you’re working through a deal. You first understand the process, then learn the facts, and then analyze the data to form a cohesive plan that takes you from one stage to the next.?

#2. Preparation sets up your performance.?

I see a high correlation between triathlons and business as they are both all about preparation. The science and psychology behind how you prepare for and manage the race during the course of adversity parallels business — in both cases, discipline and resilience are key.?

Business and triathlons are both technology-driven. There's tech around the bikes, wetsuits, and other tools that are specifically designed for triathlons. On the job, tech is used at every opportunity to shape an informed plan. In both situations, every detail and every second counts.?

Preparation is fundamental, and sometimes we prepare 12 to 24 months for a business opportunity to ensure we’ve engaged and provided evidence of our value. You can’t cram for a meeting and then walk in hoping for the best. Similarly, you can’t cram for an iron man with five to ten weeks training.?

#3. Control the controllable.?

Staying in control also means staying in the moment.?

When you get to a tough part of the race, how can you overcome the challenge and manage so that you keep your form? If your form falls apart, everything else falls apart. Rain or shine, you need to be able to deal with any adversity that comes at you.?

While you can’t control the outcome, you can only control the inputs that relate to the outputs which create the outcome. I can’t control the weather, but I am trained in case bad conditions occur.?

What can I control in business? My operations, my execution, delivery, input, and research so that I achieve the very best benchmarking and guidance for us, with attention to details and client preferences in mind.?

#4. Success takes a whole team.?

It might appear like triathlons are an individual sport, but it actually takes a huge team.?

When you can’t swim, you need a swim coach and discipline coach. I trained with Purple Patch, which trains both professional and amateur athletes worldwide. Beyond helping my form and technique, my coaches acted like a psychologist. We talked about managing stress, establishing a work-life balance, lifestyle, and nutrition.?

In every area, support is critical. My family and friends commit alongside you to provide the time allocated to stay active and train. Doctors and health teams are a core pillar of support, too. Strength coaches and surgeons keep you safe and protected… and the list goes on.?

It’s a huge team and triathlons are definitely a team sport. Everyone works together toward that north star of the highest possible performance and outcome that you can get out of yourself on race day.?

Of course, business is also a team effort. Success requires the same network of collaboration and dedication. I’m thankful to everyone in my life that supports these two passions of mine, my career and my triathlons. A huge thank you to my friends, family, and my team.