Tennis challenges me physically, mentally and emotionally. On court, I recognise challenges I have also faced as an executive: making decisions with little time, adapting when circumstances change and staying focused under pressure, without knowing the outcome.
Read the situation
Winning is the objective, but my attention needs to be on the point I am playing: the ball, my opponent and myself. That means noticing changes in energy, body language and emotions, while staying ready to adjust. In leadership and coaching too, being fully present helps me see what is happening before choosing how to respond.
Play the next point
An error can stay in my mind longer than it should. I keep learning to acknowledge the frustration, recover my focus and commit to the next point. Being my own ally helps me respond more constructively.
Keep learning
Some days everything connects; others demand patience. Progress comes from recognising patterns, trying something different and learning from the result. It also means knowing how to manage my energy for the whole match.
On court and throughout my executive career, I have learned to recognise my reactions, manage my emotions and question what I take for granted. In coaching, I work with clients to explore how they interpret the challenges they face and what they could do differently to move towards their goals.
