Leading with Hearts and Smarts

We all want to find our what and discover our why. In the process, perhaps leave something behind that says, "I was here, and I did something meaningful." But figuring out how to do that, well, that's the real puzzle.

I had a chat with Kate Johnson, Director of Global Sports, Media and Entertainment Marketing at Google. She's not just any exec – she's a silver medal rowing Olympian, an accomplished sports executive, and a longtime powerhouse and pioneer of championing women's sports. She is also a cancer thriver who has come out stronger on the other side, even calling her cancer year 'magical' because of the lessons she learned and the amazing community of women who stood by her.

Here's another thing about Kate: she nailed down her passion – rowing – when she was just 12. It was her everything, from the moment she woke up until she went to sleep. She stuck with it through the ups and downs, which made her a champion. Meanwhile, I find myself trying to recall what, if anything, held my focus at that age.

Kate was one of the few lucky ones who happened to stumble upon a sport, one she had never even heard about. But we all know that not everyone finds their 'thing' so early—or even at all. She offered a few tips for figuring out what really lights your fire:

Follow Your Energy: Pay attention to what you pay attention to. I LOVED this. We talk to ourselves all the time. Let’s start paying attention! When something gets you excited, lean into it. It's about finding that flow, that thing that keeps you hungry and dedicated, and then sticking to it. And it doesn't have to be a natural talent, either. Kate said rowing wasn’t necessarily a natural fit — she had to make it happen for herself.?

Try Stuff as Adults: We often get stuck in our adult roles and forget to explore. What if we could go back to college as adults, without all the 'shoulds'? This is definitely on my fantasy list. It’d be fascinating to see where our interests would take us. Pursuing learning unencumbered, trying things without the fear of looking silly as we give ourselves permission to try and like and to try and pass…LOVE THIS!

Sacrifice and Challenge: Kate said it best: "Don’t be afraid to sacrifice what you are, for what you can become." This resonates with me, especially when it comes to welcoming the unknown. We should all learn to love the unknown. Challenging the norm isn’t just okay – it's vital. This is clearly seen in the world of women's sports. Throughout our careers, Kate and I have been staunch advocates for women in sports, facing skepticism at every turn. But our belief in its value kept us going — and?it was well worth it. Now, we're seeing the fruits of our labor:? women's sports are proving their worth, gaining fans globally, and paving the way for future investors, leaders, and athletes.

So there you have it. It's about mixing heart and smarts, finding what you love, and going for it.

Till we meet again.