For the last two weeks, the Olympic Games have showcased the pinnacle of human athleticism — a blend of physical prowess and mental fortitude. But beyond the medals and the glory, these elite athletes possess a unique set of skills that are directly transferable to the high-stakes world of supply chain management. To gain deeper insights, I recently spoke with Mike Donohue, senior vice president of global sales at conversation cloud platform Gupshup and a former Olympic-level rower. Donohue's journey from the rowing basin to the boardroom offers valuable lessons for supply chain professionals. Here are the seven key transferrable skills he uses every day:
1. A resilience mindset. The most important quality for any competitive athlete is their mindset. “As an athlete, you learn to push through physical and mental barriers, which is also crucial for navigating the complexities of the business world,” Donohue explains. “The resilience developed through rigorous training and competition helps leaders stay composed under pressure, maintain a long-term vision, and inspire their teams to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.”
2. Teamwork. As a competitive rower, Donohue was part of a team of people who had to understand the importance of individual contributions while synchronizing or recalibrating their actions based on each other's behaviors. In business, Donohue prioritizes a similar culture of teamwork — an approach that also extends to partners, where building strong relationships is essential.
3. Effective goal-setting. Every supply chain professional knows that it’s crucial for leaders to dissect business processes and continuously monitor performance. The same is true in sports, where athletes break down their training into specific, measurable goals.
4. Stress management. There’s no question that competing on the field, in an arena or on the open water is stressful. Managing anxiety is crucial for staying calm enough to reach the finish line. Donohue stays grounded by keeping his mind on the bigger picture; supply chain professionals can use that advice too. Even when a discrete situation feels insurmountable, staying focused on the greater outcome can keep you on track.
5. Logistics and coordination. In both sports and supply chain, the job requires “meticulous planning, precise execution and seamless communication,” Donohue says. “In rowing, every team member's role and timing must be perfectly aligned to achieve optimal performance. Similarly, in business, each department and team must function in harmony to ensure efficiency and reliability.”
6. Data-driven decision-making. Data is the lifeblood of modern business. Its power to inform strategic decisions is undeniable. For rowers, this involves analyzing data on technique and performance to help optimize training and improve results; in business, data-driven decisions enhance efficiency and drive growth.
7. Continuous improvement. Athletes keep getting faster and stronger, beating old records time and again. They know that, in order to compete, they must constantly improve. In supply chain, it’s important for leaders to regularly review processes, seek feedback and implement incremental change. “By fostering an environment where innovation and improvement are valued, we can enhance our operations, drive efficiency, and achieve sustained growth,” Donohue urges.
Become a supply chain champion
Call me biased, but I think every athlete I’ve watched in the Paris Olympics this summer would have a fantastic second career in supply chain. Whether you’re making a professional pivot or looking to advance the supply chain career you already love, make a plan to attend ASCM CONNECT 2024: North America next month. One event that’s sure to be a winner is our Masterclass Series on Sunday, September 8, right before the official start of the conference. Engage in interactive exercises and collaborative learning to enhance your skills and build knowledge in sustainability, leadership, mentorship and supply chain transformation. Pre-registration is required, so secure your spot today for just $199!
