Ready to win gold in the boardroom?

As the curtains close on the Paris 2024 Olympics and the city of lights returns to its everyday rhythm, there’s a lingering energy—a kind of electric buzz left behind by the world’s greatest athletes. But what if I told you that the Olympic spirit doesn’t have to be confined to the stadiums and arenas? What if there’s a playbook here, waiting to be adapted, for those of us leading in the boardroom instead of the field?

The traits that make an Olympian—confidence, charisma and stage presence—are the same ones that can transform a CEO from a good leader to a truly great one. Just like an athlete prepares meticulously for their moment on the world stage, we too, as leaders, can cultivate these qualities to excel in our own high-pressure environments.

So, what can we learn from the Olympians of Paris 2024? Let’s break it down.

The power of self-confidence: Trusting your inner champion

Watching athletes like Simone Biles during the Olympics is a masterclass in self-confidence. Simone came to Paris 2024 as the most decorated gymnast of all time and left with another three Olympic gold medals and a silver, cementing her status as the greatest athlete her sport has ever seen. Her journey is truly remarkable not just for the medals themselves, but for what they represent—Biles’ incredible voyage to these Games, a story that is now well-known yet reamins extraordinary.

These athletes, like Biles, know they have put in the work, they trust their preparation, and when they step onto their respective stages, they perform with an unshakable belief in their abilities. As leaders, we may not going for the Yurchenko double pike vault, but we are often required to make high-stakes decisions and inspire confidence in others. Self-confidence is not about being the loudest in the room or having all the answers; it’s about having a quiet, unshakable belief in your capacity to figure things out, to pivot when needed, and to lead with conviction.

For instance, think about the last time you had to make a tough decision—one where you didn’t have all the information but had to move forward anyway. Did you trust your instincts? Did you convey that trust to your team? That’s self-confidence in action. It’s about standing firm in your decisions, even when the path isn’t clear, and knowing that your experience and judgment will guide you through. Building this kind of self-confidence involves embracing the right mindset and tools. Over the years, I’ve observed how even the most seasoned executives can strengthen their inner confidence to navigate challenges with poise, often through strategic coaching and reflection.

Charisma: The secret sauce of influence

Charisma is that indefinable quality that makes people want to listen to you, follow you, and, most importantly, believe in you. It’s not about being the most gorgeous or having the sharpest suit; it’s about connecting with others on a deeper level, making them feel seen, heard, and valued.

In my years of working with leaders across various industries, I’ve encountered my fair share of charismatic individuals. But one leader who truly stands out is Satya Anand, President at Marriott International. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet him again, and once more, I was astounded by his genuinely natural charisma. Satya is one of those rare leaders who truly cares about his people—he listens with utmost attention and engages in a way that makes you feel like you’re the most important person in the room. His interest in others is not just professional; it’s personal, and it’s sensational.

This kind of charisma requires being fully present in your interactions and showing genuine interest in the people you’re speaking with, creating a lasting connection. I’ve seen firsthand how leaders can develop this authentic rapport with their teams and stakeholders through focused practice and self-awareness. It’s about being authentic and empathetic, qualities that Satya embodies so well. And while not every CEO may have this natural gift, the good news is that charisma can be cultivated. It starts with being authentic—showing up as your true self and caring deeply about the people you lead.

Communication that wins: Speaking like an Olympian

If there’s one thing that stood out to me during the Paris 2024 Olympics, it was the way athletes communicated—not just with words, but with every fibre of their being. Whether it was the steely-eyed focus of a gymnast before a routine or the jubilant celebration of a swimmer after smashing a world record, their body language spoke volumes.

As executives, we communicate all the time—through speeches, meetings, emails, and even in the way we enter a room. But are we always communicating with intention and clarity? Take, for example, the way athletes handle post-event interviews. When asked about a loss or a less-than-perfect performance, the best of them respond with grace, focusing on what they’ve learned and how they’ll improve. They don’t dodge the tough questions, nor do they dwell on the negatives. Instead, they reframe the narrative in a way that maintains their dignity and keeps their eyes on the future.

In the corporate world, our ability to communicate effectively—especially under pressure—can make or break our leadership. Whether you’re delivering a quarterly report or addressing a crisis, the way you communicate can either instill confidence in your team or sow seeds of doubt. It’s about being clear, concise, and confident in your message, while also being attuned to the emotions and needs of your audience.

Stage presence: Commanding the room

Finally, let’s talk about stage presence—that elusive quality that allows someone to not just stand on a stage but to own it. In the Olympics, athletes have a few short moments to shine, and they do so with a presence that captivates millions. Whether it’s the poised grace of a figure skater or the explosive energy of a sprinter, they command attention simply by being fully present in the moment.

For CEOs, stage presence is about more than just delivering a great speech. It’s about how you carry yourself in every interaction, from board meetings to one-on-ones. It’s about the way you walk into a room, the way you listen, and the way you respond. I’ve worked with many leaders who through consistent practice and tailored guidance have enhanced their ability to command a room and connect meaningfully with their audience.”

A personal observation from the Paris 2024 Olympics: I couldn’t help but notice how many of the female athletes wore beautiful makeup during their competitive events. At first, I wondered why—this isn’t a beauty contest, after all. But then it struck me—this is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about personal branding and the power of looking and feeling good. These athletes know that when they look their best, they feel their best, and that confidence translates into their performance.

In the boardroom, this principle holds true as well. Stage presence isn’t just about what you say; it’s about how you show up. It’s about harnessing your energy, focusing your attention, and being fully engaged in the moment, whether you’re speaking to one person or one hundred. And yes, it’s also about taking care of your appearance, because when you feel good about how you look, that confidence shines through.

Your playbook for success

As we reflect on the Paris 2024 Olympics, it’s clear that the qualities that make Olympians great are in many ways similar to the ones that can elevate us as leaders. Charisma, confidence and stage presence aren’t just for athletes; they’re critical tools for any CEO looking to inspire, influence, and lead effectively.

So, here’s your playbook: Build confidence by embracing uncertainty and trusting in your abilities. Cultivate charisma by being authentic and empathetic. And develop stage presence by being mindful of how you show up and staying fully present in every interaction.

The path to leadership success isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. And like any great athlete, the more you practice, the stronger you become. So, take a page from the Paris 2024 playbook, and let these Olympic qualities guide you to your own gold medal moments wherever those could be.