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For the first time, the world witnessed the first all-Black podium in women’s Olympic gymnastics history. Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade joined Team USA’s Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they were captured in an iconic photo that showcased the power of girls of color in sports. These Olympics reached a groundbreaking milestone as 50% of the athletes competing were women, and greater than half of all medal events were open to women.
This 12 months has seen many moments of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). So what DEI lessons can we take from the 2024 Olympics that entrepreneurs can apply to their businesses today? The short answer is: quite a few.
1. Take care of your mental health
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the world was stunned when Biles, the best gymnast of all time, was eliminated with “twisties,” a dangerous break in the brain-body connection that causes a gymnast to lose track of where she is in the air. She stepped back and allowed her teammate, Suni Lee, to perform and then win gold in the women’s all-around gymnastics event—an accomplishment Biles was perfectly prepared to win and expected to win. Biles taught us that irrespective of what the stakes are, your mental health should come first. How are you able to perform at the highest levels of business and entrepreneurship if your mental health isn’t in fine condition? The answer is that you would be able to, but that’s not even what the GOAT would do. If no one told you today, here’s a friendly reminder that caring for yourself isn’t selfish; it’s productive.
2. Don’t be afraid to be first
While some entrepreneurs dream of being the (*4*) to invent or invent something, others feel intimidated when they find their area of interest or area of brilliance in their industry. When faced with the daunting opportunity of being the first to start out or lead in a given area, fear of failure or high visibility could cause some entrepreneurs to squirm. Despite the nerves and fear that come with innovation, it’s okay to be the (*4*) at something and to confidently step into the arena with a clear idea. That’s exactly what fencer Lauren Scruggs did at this 12 months’s Paris Olympics. She became the first African-American woman to win a gold medal in fencing, and I’m sure she was nervous. But she got here prepared to win and kept her eyes on the prize. Entrepreneurs who are afraid of entering the space of being (*4*) should take a deep breath and know why they are there, then boldly step into their arena with confidence and focus.
3. Support others with yourself
As entrepreneurs, we wear many hats and strive to succeed in business. No matter how much success we have achieved, we didn’t do it alone. We must all the time remember to offer people their flowers and lift them up like We grow. For example, during a qualifying run in the 100-meter race, South Sudanese runner Lucia Moris collapsed in the heat of the day and was unable to get up and finish the race. As soon as her fellow runner Silina Pha Aphay of Laos finished her run and noticed Moris lying on the ground in pain, she stopped and ran back to make sure Moris was okay and offered her comfort and support while she waited for medical teams to reach. The business world can often seem unforgiving and every man for himself, but the heroic and noble athletes at the Olympics remind us that as we grow, we must lift others up. We don’t win if others suffer as a result.
4. Create value and stand out
Like most athletes who go to the Olympics, the goal is to win, and they know that winning requires them to face out. Most athletes don’t get the opportunity to face out when other competitors are on par with them. But Simone Biles definitely does. After having several gymnastics moves named after her, she reminds us all to concentrate on what we bring to our fields and how we are able to stand out by doing what others don’t. Creativity and innovation are key, and exceptional athletes like Biles show how our creativity can encourage others in business and entrepreneurship to assume more.
Final Thoughts
When it involves business, all of us need to be number one and change into the entrepreneur of the 12 months. But the better of the best in the world of sports can teach us a thing or two about get there. Lifting others up when they are down does not give your competitor an advantage; it gives them compassionate hand. Creating value and being the first to do something sets the standard for others in your sphere to strive for more and reach higher. Finally, caring for your mental health is not selfish; it is one of the best things you may do for yourself and others. While the Paris Olympics have passed, the lessons live on. Let those lessons permeate your mind and your online business, and see where you go. Who knows, you would possibly just win gold.