Mastering Success: Lessons from Olympic Gold Medalist Kristen Faulkner

Kristen Faulkner, a champion cyclist, has captured the world’s attention with her stellar performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she clinched two gold medals. Behind her success lies a unique approach to preparing for her races—one that integrates Stoicism, strategic planning, and a keen understanding of what she can control.

The Power of Controlling the Controllables

Faulkner attributes much of her success to her ability to distinguish between factors she can control and those she cannot. Before each race, she meticulously evaluates these areas, allowing her to focus her energy on what truly matters.

In a recent interview, Faulkner shared, “There’s a financial risk, a risk that I’m not good enough, and the risk of homesickness. I also had concerns about having friends in a new country and the possibility of crashing.” By proactively addressing these fears, such as enhancing her bike handling skills and making connections with teammates, she has successfully mitigated potential setbacks.

Embracing the Stimulating Olympic Environment

The Olympic atmosphere can be overwhelming, yet Faulkner has mastered the art of maintaining composure amidst the chaos. As an introvert, she understands the importance of carving out alone time to recharge. She prioritizes her mental state by controlling aspects like diet, sleep, and her immediate environment.

Faulkner notes, “I control my mindset by thinking positively and listening to uplifting music. I avoid focusing on the crowd’s pressure, choosing instead to concentrate on my performance.” This focused mindset aids her not only in her sport but also in her business pursuits.

Valuable Lessons for Business Leadership

• Appreciate Your Team: Faulkner emphasizes that while cycling is often seen as an individual sport, it’s actually a team effort. Recognizing and appreciating each team member’s contribution is crucial for morale and success.
• Planning for Challenges: Just like in business, athletes must prepare for setbacks. Faulkner advocates for a long-term approach, helping teams anticipate and navigate adversities.
• Building Team Cohesion: Strong teams are built on shared passions and values. Faulkner and her team routinely align on their values to ensure unity and purpose.

The Intersection of Cycling and Business Leadership

Faulkner isn’t the only leader channeling the benefits of cycling into business. Hailey Middlebrook reported in Bicycling that cycling enhances leadership skills among CEOs. In one such article, CA Technologies CEO Mike Gregorie illustrated how he translates cycling experiences into leadership lessons.

Similarly, other leaders like PNC’s Bill Demchak and former Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson have utilized cycling to hone their leadership skills. It’s a shared belief among these leaders, including Faulkner, that cycling is inherently a team sport, reinforcing the importance of collaboration.

Cycling as a Leadership Paradigm