By Dorie Klissas
Women continue to make strides in sports, with notable figures like Gabby Thomas, Simone Biles, and Kristen Faulkner shining on the global stage at the Summer Olympics in Paris. I am thrilled to share that I recently qualified for the USTA National Tennis Championships, highlighting the powerful connection between athletics and corporate success. According to Ernst & Young, 80% of female Fortune 500 CEOs and 94% of all C-suite women participated in sports during their formative years.
Growing up in Southampton, New York, I spent countless hours on my grandparents’ tennis courts, cultivating self-esteem, confidence, and resilience. By 18, I had become a nationally ranked junior tennis player with the U.S. Tennis Association. The competitive spirit I developed on the court drives my determination and work ethic in the corporate boardroom.
For hiring managers, consider the invaluable skills that former athletes bring to an organization:
– Goal-Oriented: Athletes excel at breaking down long-term goals into manageable steps, ensuring steady progress daily, and strategically overcoming obstacles with relentless drive and focus.
– Mastering the Art of Winning: Drawing from my experience on the tennis court, I bring critical thinking under pressure and the ability to strategize, adapt, and persevere until the end to drive success in the corporate world.
– Grace in Adversity: Sports have taught me the importance of celebrating peers’ successes and understanding that both winning and losing are integral parts of the journey. Embracing individual victories as a team’s victories fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment where success benefits everyone.
The unique skills and mindset cultivated through sports participation bring a valuable edge to any corporate team, enhancing goal achievement, adaptability, and team spirit.
