Why Hockey Made Me a Better Entrepreneur

I've never claimed to be the most naturally talented athlete, entrepreneur, or business leader. There are plenty of people who are far more comfortable building and leading businesses, or playing hockey, than I am. But if there's one thing that makes me a real threat in the business world, it's the lessons I've learned from hockey.

Hockey taught me how to build great teams, develop innovative products, and deliver on strategic growth plans that make all stakeholders happy. It wasn’t just about the game itself, but about the mindset and discipline that came with it.

Playing hockey meant waking up at 5:00 a.m. and training until I felt like I couldn’t go on. It meant pushing myself to the brink—until I puked, literally. While others were out at the clubs, I was honing my craft, taking care of my body, and sharpening my mind. Prioritizing time and effort became second nature to me, and that mindset seamlessly transitioned into my entrepreneurial journey.

Hockey taught me to show up, stick with it, and endure pain—both physical and mental. That’s what I consider my superpower. When others finish their work for the day, I’m still learning and working. When others decide to give up, I’m still there, grinding. And when others stay down after a defeat, I’m the one who gets back on my feet, ready to keep going.

The same persistence that got me through grueling training sessions now powers my approach to business. Whether it's navigating the complexities of a new market, or managing the intricacies of a strategic partnership, I’ve learned that perseverance pays off.

Over the years, I’ve come to understand the importance of what I call “micro walk aways” and “macro staying power.” It’s essential to know when to step back, reassess, and pivot if necessary—those are the micro walk aways. But the bigger picture requires macro staying power—the ability to stay committed to a long-term vision despite the short-term challenges.

In business, as in hockey, it’s the combination of these two elements that leads to success. Sometimes, you need to take a step back to gain perspective, but ultimately, you need the resilience to stay the course.

The ability to endure pain isn’t something I wear as a badge of honor—it’s simply a fact. Hockey taught me to embrace discomfort and use it as fuel to keep going. In the business world, this translates to pushing through difficult projects, navigating setbacks, and continuing to learn, no matter how tough the situation gets.

Nobody can match my pain tolerance when it comes to persisting, and I say that humbly. It’s not about bravado; it’s about survival and growth.

So, while I may not be the most naturally gifted athlete, entrepreneur or business leader, I have something just as valuable—resilience, discipline, and the ability to keep pushing forward. These are the qualities that have allowed me to build great teams, create impactful products and services, and deliver real value to stakeholders and the world.

And for that, I have hockey to thank.

P.S. Have you had a chance to grab a copy of my book, The Kids Who Bought a Lemonade Stand? If not, I’d love for you to check it out! Your support through buying, sharing, and leaving a review would mean the world. My goal is to get this inspiring story into the hands of as many young readers as possible, encouraging them to dream big and explore entrepreneurship in exciting new ways. Click here.

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