The worlds of CEOs and elite athletes have more in common than many might think. Both spheres demand extensive travel, time away from home, and operating within high-pressure environments where relentless scrutiny and criticism are the norm. In both domains, there’s an expectation to appear almost superhuman, masking any signs of distress. With the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris underway, the return of Simone Biles to the spotlight has provided a powerful reminder for business leaders about the significance of mental health.
Simone Biles recently secured her third gold medal at the Paris Olympics, adding to her impressive tally of nine Olympic medals. While her athletic achievements are extraordinary, her journey to these Games offers crucial lessons for CEOs, founders, and business leaders. During the 2020 Tokyo Games, Biles was expected to win multiple gold medals and was hailed as the “face of the Games.” However, she ended up with two medals—a silver and a bronze. In an interview with NBC’s Mike Tirico, Biles opened up about the immense pressure she felt and her struggle with “the twisties,” a phenomenon where gymnasts lose their sense of spatial awareness while airborne.
Initially dismissing the issue as a fluke, Biles faced it again and decided not to compete in most of her scheduled events. Though she did not achieve the multiple golds that many anticipated, Biles brought attention to a critical mental health issue in high-pressure environments. In the business world, medals can be swapped for IPOs, major mergers and acquisitions, revenue targets, and the constant pressure from shareholders and public scrutiny. Biles’ journey from Tokyo to Paris underscores two essential lessons for CEOs aiming to maintain high performance while safeguarding their mental health.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs and Embrace Strategic Rest
Biles’ self-awareness and support from her professional team enabled her to prioritize her mental health. She emphasized in her interview, “Put your mental health first. It doesn’t matter if you’re on the biggest stage; that’s more important than any other medal you could win.” With 55% of CEOs experiencing mental health issues in the past year, many try to push through their struggles, often disregarding internal warnings. Whether an elite athlete or a business executive, taking breaks is often discouraged in favor of continuous “hustling” and “grinding.”
This relentless approach leads to burnout, negatively impacting personal well-being, the organization, and critical relationships. Just as a check engine light signals a problem with your car, CEOs must heed the warning signs in their lives—whether physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional. Addressing these issues promptly and seeking support is crucial. Professional athletes understand that rest allows for recovery and growth. Similarly, in business, strategic breaks and engaging in hobbies that offer a respite from daily demands are essential for professional growth.
Establish a Well-Being Board of Directors
Success is rarely achieved alone, and high performers often face various forms of loneliness. Biles spoke of the “loneliness of being expected to win,” a sentiment shared by athletes like Michael Phelps and Naomi Osaka. As Biles worked on her mental and physical recovery, she relied on a support network, including her husband, coaches, teammates, and parents.
Just as CEOs have a board to guide organizational decisions, they should also build a personal well-being board of directors. This support network should be tailored to each leader’s unique situation, focusing on maintaining personal relationships, addressing physical health, providing outlets for mental and emotional issues, and managing job pressures.
The stress and pressure to perform as a CEO are unlikely to diminish. These challenges are inherent to leadership roles. However, the approach to handling these pressures can be adapted and improved. As demonstrated by Biles and other athletes, taking strategic breaks to regroup and recharge is not a sign of weakness but a strategic move to return stronger and more resilient.
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