Tom May’s Post

Very wise words from Tom May, fortune most certainly favours the brave. In educational organisations, a disproprtionate number of those involved in sport or from a previously sporting background thrive in leadership positions. There appears to be a clear correlation between cognitive diversity and the ability to add significant value in education. This alongside transferable soft skills and inner drive developed through sporting endeavour certainly prepare athletes to bring so much to their respective teams across many industries. Be a changemaker and ahead of the curve #FutureStep #education #SportsDevelopment #NextGeneration

In business, we often talk about competition. The Olympics, however, are the ultimate in competition. The dedication must be complete, the commitment total. It is beautiful competition. Contrast that with the way we often talk about competition in business -- cutthroat, brutal. I blogged about how we should focus on the beauty and value of competition, and that's also best played as a team sport. How could anyone not think the U.S. women's gymnastic team is beautiful competition? 🥇 🥇 🥇 #Olympics #competition #teamwork https://lnkd.in/gaSpBqJa

In this episode of Bloomberg The Deal, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly sit with tennis champions Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss to discuss the current buzz around women’s sports. King and Kloss, the dreamer and builder (respectively) behind Billie Jean King Enterprises, tell the hosts about their investments in the Los Angeles Dodgers and Angel City Football Club, the story behind how they helped launch the Professional Women's Hockey League and the lessons they think athletes should learn about the business of sports. Key insights: 🔍 Business Acumen is Vital: Athletes must learn the business of sports to advocate for themselves and ensure sustainable careers post-retirement. Understanding financial dynamics enhances their negotiating power. 📊 Media Visibility Matters: An increase in media coverage for women’s sports reflects growing interest and investment potential, showing that visibility translates to opportunity and funding. 🏆 Collective Power: When women athletes unite under a single banner, they enhance their bargaining power and visibility, as seen in the successful formation of professional leagues. 🤝 Investment in Women’s Sports: The involvement of wealthy investors signals a belief in women’s sports as a viable business opportunity, moving away from viewing it as a charity. 🏅 Mentorship and Guidance: King’s mentorship highlights the importance of knowledge transfer from experienced athletes to the next generation, fostering a culture of empowerment. ⏳ Long-term Vision: Sustainable growth in women’s sports requires a long-term commitment from investors, as initial losses are common but necessary for eventual success. 🌍 Cultural Shifts: The increasing acceptance and integration of women in sports reflect broader societal changes, encouraging future generations to pursue their dreams in athletics.

This Foundation has the potential to fill a much needed void in athlete transition. Most athletes are passionate and wholly dedicated. The life they lead involves an incredibly high work ethic coupled with countless unappreciated sacrifices along the way – all geared towards peak high-performance with a goal of winning!   In the realm of athlete transition, it's evident that many sporting organisations often overlook the crucial aspect, leading to significant distress among athletes. "Players can feel lost, and with that comes various challenges."   Little attention is given to the athlete as a human being; instead, there's a reiteration of their job-centric identity, a pitfall many people endure (not only athletes).   The consequence? Grappling with profound misery, a sense of emptiness, and a loss of direction.   Who are you, fundamentally? What do you desire for your life and your family? What ignites your passion?   These are questions that can help kick-start your efforts in establishing who you really are. If this strikes a chord with you, whether an athlete or otherwise: get in touch to explore how to make your transition joyful and authentic.

After a fabulous summer of sport, here are some insights on what businesses can learn from the world of competitive sport

Olympic fever is high in my house🏅🏅🏅. Already so many great moments for Team GB 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧. Sport is a great way to bring a Country and Community together and help build a sense of belonging. Inclusive Cultures at work are all about belonging and the better people feel they belong and are valued the better they perform. As a leader, some of it is instinctive and really involves listening to your team but some you can learn from really watching what other entrepreneurs do around the world - both what does and doesnt work. It is the same for UK plc. We all need to belong and that applies right now when we need to get back on the growth path. I believe belonging and Inclusive Culture need to prioritised for the UK to really succeed. We need to look at what works well in other countries and get back on the world stage, where we been missing for a while. And what better example of getting the whole Country to be part of something than Team USA,s opening Olympic Video from Beyonce... Just brilliant. We could learn a lot from what others do well....love this video. #growth #inclusiveculture #olympics #belonging #valuedatwork #ScaleUpBritain #Beyonce #TeamGB

In my latest for Forbes I discuss that while the 2024 Paris Olympic Games continue to highlight the achievements of women in sports, the games also expose the ongoing challenges in achieving true equity for all Olympians and Olympic teams. The USOC should do much more to support individual athletes and teams, rather than waiting on folks like Flavor Flav to step in and promote and financial support a program. We need to move beyond the culture that requires women athletes and teams to dominate and win prior to receiving the funding, support, and exposure that they need. Read more ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gZucXCMR

Today, I’m thrilled to share a glimpse into our company’s commitment to community, growth, and personal development. Here hangs my top in the gym showcasing we are now proud sponsors of the local cricket team - Hall Park Cricket Club. Gary Walton and his fantastic team have achieved unbelievable things and we wanted to be a part of it. This picture symbolises more than just a sponsorship though. It represents our dedication to: - Business Growth: Seeing our brand on these shirts reminds me of how far we’ve come and motivates us to keep striving for excellence. - Community Engagement: Supporting local sports teams is our way of giving back, fostering local talent, and building strong, positive connections within our community. -Personal Development: Fitness and sports aren’t just about physical strength, but also about perseverance, discipline, and mental well-being. At Kane Selection Ltd we believe in nurturing growth - both in business and in ourselves. Whether it’s through rigorous training or pushing boundaries in our industry, we’re committed to continuous improvement. Feeling incredibly grateful for this journey and excited for what’s next. Here’s to hard work, dedication, and a bit of fun along the way! #BusinessGrowth #CommunitySupport

#rugbyleague #womensempowerment #questioningassumptions #womeninmedicine. Perspectives- a lesson in questioning my assumptions. If you aren’t from New South Wales or Queensland, (Australia) you may not be as familiar with “State of Origin” as those of us up here. It is a hotly contested 3 game rugby league series in the middle of the season, between players who “originated” from those states. In some ways, it is more intensely followed than the Grand Final, which of course only involves two teams. For the last three years, women have also had the chance to play in “State of Origin”, initially one game, but in 2024 for a three-game series like the men. It was very exciting for us here in Townsville, as the decider final of the series was played right here in our stadium. The women play daring and athletic rugby.  I’m not overly “sporty”, but it was a ‘first” and an exciting event, so it naturally led to discussion among my friends and acquaintances. On several occasions, I heard someone say something along the lines of: “I’m glad they are playing, but I’m not really comfortable with women playing such an aggressive sport”. My first reaction was to agree with them. You only have to look at some sports injuries to know that it isn’t a gentle game. But then I realized. How would I have felt if someone in the 1970’s had said “I’m not comfortable with women studying medicine – they have to look at naked bodies, dissect cadavers, and it’s a very high-pressure career”? I would have objected in no uncertain terms, and strongly defended my right to study medicine if I chose to do so. These women are groundbreaking and absolutely deserve our respect and congratulations. Yes, the game is a contact sport, and potentially “rough”, but they have chosen to take part knowing exactly what is involved. I’m guessing they enjoy challenging themselves, just as I did years ago. It made me wonder. What other hidden cultural assumptions am I carrying? How about you? SueX

Increasing your Recruiting IQ: 🏅✨ Unlocking the Power of Team Building: Lessons from the 1996 USA Women's Olympic Basketball Team 🌟Was watching #espn 's 30 for 30 "Dream On" while I was working early this morning and became enthralled by the story of this magical team. It reminded me when we join together and work towards a common goal that Synergies can be created that far outweigh working as a single unit. Join me on a journey back to 1996, where a remarkable group of female athletes shattered barriers and clinched gold at the Atlanta Olympics. The victory of the USA Women's Olympic Team transcended the realm of sports, showcasing the transformative power of unity, resilience, and effective team building. As #hiringmanagers and #recruiters, we can draw invaluable insights from their triumphs, understanding that building a cohesive and high performing team goes beyond individual talent—it requires trust, communication, and a shared sense of purpose. 🌍 In this video, watch the strategies employed by the 1996 USA Women's Olympic Basketball Team to overcome challenges, foster collaboration, and ultimately emerge victorious. From cultivating a culture of mutual respect to embracing diversity and leveraging each team member's strengths, their journey offers a wealth of inspiration for building winning teams in any organization. 🚀 Let's harness the spirit of camaraderie and excellence that propelled the 1996 USA Women's Olympic Team to gold, applying these timeless principles to recruit and build teams that not only succeed but also inspire greatness. It's our job to create teams that rise above obstacles, achieve extraordinary results, and leave a lasting legacy of excellence. 💫 As we navigate the path to success, let's remember the words of the Great Coach, Phil Jackson "The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.". This "Dream Team" truly exemplified Jackson's profound statement - Clay 🌟 , #1996usawomensolympicbasketball #recruiting #teambuilding #inspiration #recruitment #linkedin