Five Lessons from Sports That Made Me a Better Strategist

Athletes make a great strategist. Now, I might be a bit biased here as an athlete myself but let me tell you why. 

I’m Paula and I’ve been an athlete for almost half of my life. Even when I moved from being an athlete to becoming a global consultant and strategist, I still discovered that the timeless lessons I learned as an athlete continue to shape the way I work, lead, and make decisions today. 

The making of an athlete

Ask any athlete what defines their journey, and discipline will always be part of the answer. It’s built on the long hours of training, the commitment to show up no matter the weather, and the mental endurance that pushes them forward when it would be easier to stop.

Training taught me that results don’t come from bursts of effort but from showing up every day, even when motivation runs low. In strategy, it’s the same. Consistent action builds momentum and trust.

In business, discipline is what turns plans into progress. It’s easy to get caught up in big ideas and quick wins, but real growth happens when you stick to the process. This might look like meeting deadlines, refining details, and following through long after the initial excitement fades.

The resilience amidst delays

Before I won awards as a kiteboarder, I had to train myself to keep going even when faced with delays and failures. Setbacks are not new to athletes. Injuries, missed opportunities, and long periods of waiting are part of the process.

In business, this resilience has become my leverage. I don’t get intimidated by hurdles. I see them as part of the path rather than a reason to stop. Each obstacle forces me to reassess, adjust, and find another way forward. That mindset keeps projects moving even when plans change, timelines shift, or results take longer than expected.

The Power of Showing Up

An athlete is made of thousands of hours of training. We have experienced firsthand how we don’t see progress on the second day. We see it after the 124th day of consistently showing up to training and doing the reps even when we don’t feel like it. 

A project does not get completed with big, one-off decisions. The daily tracking of tasks, the small moments of putting in the work everyday has a big impact on how the project will turn out. I’ve learned to never compromise on the daily “repetitive” training at work in order to finish well. 

Reading market conditions

As someone who’s spent countless hours chasing wind on the water and learning from its unpredictable nature, I’ve come to realize that the wind is a master teacher, not just for athletes, but for leaders and founders, too.

On the water, you learn quickly that you can’t control the wind or the tide. You can only read them and adapt. Ignoring the conditions means you don’t move, or worse, you crash.

In business, it’s the same. I’ve learned to pay attention to trends, shifts in consumer behavior, and the “unspoken” signals in the market. Strategy isn’t just about creating a plan; it’s about staying agile enough to adjust when the environment changes.

Strength in Collaboration

No matter how individual a sport may seem, success rarely happens in isolation. Behind every competition, there’s a team. Coaches, fellow athletes, and support crews each play a role in reaching the goal. I learned early that listening, giving feedback, and aligning with others are just as important as personal skill.

In business, it’s the same. Strategies become stronger when diverse perspectives are heard and respected. Clear communication keeps projects moving, prevents small issues from becoming roadblocks, and builds trust within the team.

I’ve learned to work with different teams in my two decades as a consultant and the strongest results always come from people who row in the same direction, even when the waters get rough.

Let’s build experiences for your brand

If you’re looking for someone to manage your projects and events, let’s set up a discovery call. I’ll bring the same focus, discipline, and teamwork I’ve honed as an athlete. I’ll be your teammate to execute each step and see your project through to the finish line.

To inquire for collaborations you can send me a message at hello@paula-rosales.com