Title: Embracing Victory and Victory Beyond the Track: The Journey of Cycling Champion and Entrepreneur, Kristen Faulkner
Cycling champion Kristen Faulkner soared to victory in the Paris Olympics, clutching two gold medals after incorporating Stoicism into her racing routine. This philosophical approach allowed her to maintain a clear mind, ensure her body was primed for action, and conquer her fears. Before each race, she distinguished between what she could and couldn't control and acted accordingly.
During a recent interview, Faulkner shared the various perils she faced prior to venturing into competition. "There's a financial risk," she admitted, citing her background in venture capital. Added threats included self-doubt, homesickness, and the concern of making friends in a foreign land. Furthermore, she addressed the danger of crashing, thereby refining her bike handling skills for increased safety.
To mitigate the uncontrollable factors, such as the weather or an opponent's performance, Faulkner made two lists: one for things she couldn't affect and another focusing on aspects she could. These latter categories included her reactions to global acclaim, her state of mind, diet, sleep patterns, and overall attitude. To keep her spirits high, she engage with positive affirmations, music, and avoid the intense gaze of the anxious crowd just before the race.
At the Olympics, Faulkner was a natural introvert, easily overwhelmed by stimuli. To counteract this, she reached out to family and friends, creating a support system, and maintained a well-balanced diet and sleep schedule. While acknowledging the power of external factors, she emphasized the importance of self-control, directing her thoughts only towards the positive and preparing her mind for victory.
In the interview, Faulkner also revealed valuable lessons learned during her racing career. These insights translate seamlessly into the corporate sphere, such as:
- Ensuring team members feel appreciated and valued.
- Planning for challenges and setbacks, with enduring patience and resilience.
- Building team camaraderie through shared interests and values.
Faulkner isn't the only high-profile executive who embraces cycling. Hailey Middlebrook's Bicycling article revealed numerous CEOs share this passion, like Mike Gregorie of CA Technologies. These leaders credit cycling with enhancing their strategic leadership and partnerships within their organizations.
According to Faulkner, a successful race inevitably relies on a team leader who embodies patience and strategic decision-making. As the team captain, this leader encourages and prepares team members for their roles while exemplifying the ultimate goal of collaboration and victory. "Everyone gets different opportunities throughout the year, and it's all about selecting a team leader," Faulkner concluded, "Everyone has a role to play in the race."
In her interview, Faulkner emphasized the importance of leadership in her racing team, stating, "A successful race relies on a team leader who embodies patience and strategic decision-making." Further illustrating the transferability of cycling lessons to leadership, she highlighted, "Successful leaders in the corporate sphere, like myself in racing, must plan for challenges and setbacks with enduring patience and resilience."
