Behind the shiny medals lie stories of immense struggle, resilience, and relentless focus. The lessons from elite sports provide invaluable insights for leaders and entrepreneurs alike. That’s why, at the Amsterdam Business Forum, Olympic athletes Fleur Jong and Harrie Lavreysen delivered a master class on leadership and the drive to excel, even in the face of adversity. Here are five powerful insights they shared.

Insight 1. Adversity is inevitable

 Fleur Jong was living the life of a typical teenager when, at 16, a bacterial infection turned her world upside down. Losing both her legs and parts of her fingers could have ended her ambitions, but instead, it marked the beginning of her journey as a world-class Paralympic athlete.

Similarly, Harrie Lavreysen faced his own setbacks, with recurrent shoulder dislocations forcing him to give up his BMX dreams and pivot to track cycling.

• Key takeaway: Adversity is inevitable, but resilience is the true mark of leadership. Embrace change like Fleur and Harrie, and turn setbacks into stepping stones to success.
  
  

Insight 2. Leadership demands commitment to progression

Both Fleur and Harrie emphasize an obsession with progression. It’s about cultivating a growth mindset—a relentless pursuit of learning, improvement, and forward momentum. In business, it's not just about winning a single deal or reaching a milestone; it’s about the continuous journey of getting better every day.

• Key takeaway: Leadership demands a commitment to progression. Like elite athletes, focus on daily improvements, set higher standards, and constantly seek ways to break through perceived limits.
  
  

Insight 3. Mindset is everything

“Limits only exist in our minds,” says Fleur. This belief enabled her to embrace challenges and quickly excel in the long jump. Harrie, too, kept his Olympic dream alive even after being told he needed to give up BMX due to his injuries.

The same is true in business. Leaders often grapple with self-doubt, market pressures, or internal resistance. It’s easy to feel confined by perceived limitations. Fleur and Harrie’s stories remind us that breaking mental barriers is often the first step toward realizing your full potential.

• Key takeaway: A growth mindset and unwavering motivation are essential for leaders. By reframing obstacles as opportunities, you can push beyond your perceived limits and lead your team toward success.
  
  

Insight 4. Show, don’t tell

In sports, leading by example is the most powerful way to inspire others to follow. It’s about creating a culture where courage, discipline, and dedication are not just talked about but visibly demonstrated every day.

• Key takeaway: True leadership in business, just like in sports, means showing rather than telling. By embodying values like hard work, resilience, and focus, you can inspire and motivate your team far more effectively.
   

Insight 5. Success lies in the process

When asked if success is all about the medal, both athletes strongly disagree. "The medal is only a small part of what we're doing," Fleur explains. For them, success is rooted in the process—the grueling training, the daily discipline, and the unwavering focus. The competition day, where they might win a medal, is just one moment in a year filled with relentless hard work.

• Key takeaway: Success is rarely about one big win. It’s about the daily grind, the commitment to continuous improvement, and the small victories that pave the way for larger achievements. Focus on building processes, nurturing your team, and driving daily performance.