“When you do not make small goals along the way to your big goal, you are only hoping things come together, and that does not serve you well,” Kikkan said, “So my coach and I mapped out the small goals, and by the time we figured out what it was going to take, it was a ten-year plan.”
She went on to compete in FIVE Olympics and in 2018, during her last games… Kikkan Randall won gold.
In this episode, you will learn about Kikkan’s goal-setting secrets. You’ll also discover how to ensure that internal competition fuels your employees and does not destroy team chemistry. “We brought an element of fun to the Olympic team and the camaraderie gave us superpowers,” she recalled, “If you want to be a great team, only training together is not enough.”
Three months after winning gold, Kikkan’s competitive spirit was needed once again, but this time for a different battle. She was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Throughout her road to recovery, she used the lessons from competing to combat negative thoughts. Today Kikkan is part of the EY Women Athletes Business Network and serves on the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee!
You will learn:
"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.