Kristen Faulkner knows what it means to achieve success quickly. A rising star in venture capital, Faulkner took an introductory cycling class in 2017, sparking a passion for the sport. While many professional cyclists told her it would take years to succeed, Faulkner defied the odds by applying the research and analytical skills she honed in venture capital and at Harvard. Just seven years after that first class, she brought home two gold medals at the Paris Olympics this summer.
“A lot of professional cyclists learn by doing,” Faulkner shared. “When I started, they said, ‘Oh, you just need to practice more. You need to do more races. You need more experience.’”
Refusing to accept the conventional wisdom, Faulkner turned to research to accelerate her learning curve. Drawing on her venture capital background, she created flashcards for each rider after every race and analyzed her moves with her coach. “I would go through everything with my coach, and analyze the moves I made, and what I was thinking,” she recalled.
Faulkner didn’t stop there—she asked her coach endless questions about her rides, the cyclists who beat her, and the tactics others used to pull ahead. She also studied other races and examined what made top cyclists successful.
Her rigorous, data-driven approach paid off. By treating cycling like research for an investment memo, Faulkner quickly transformed herself into one of the world’s best cyclists. “I felt like I was a student of the sport,” she said. “I was really studying as if I was studying for a college math exam.”
In this episode, Faulkner shares lessons from her cycling journey that apply directly to business, including:
At the heart of Faulkner’s success is her relentless preparation and dedication to learning. Faulkner’s story is a testament to what’s possible when preparation, curiosity, and determination intersect. Listen to this inspiring episode to discover how you can apply her insights to your own career and personal development.
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
Sign up to receive Don Yaeger’s weekly leadership contributions, and be the first to listen to new Corporate Competitor Podcast episodes.