Olympic Special #2 The Gold Medal Mindset with Ryan Millar

The Connected Leadership Podcast

In this episode of the Connected Leadership podcast, Andy Lopata enters the world of volleyball with three-time Olympian and gold medalist, Ryan Millar. Ryan Millar is an American former volleyball player. He was a member of the United States national volleyball team from 1998 to 2008, winning a gold medal in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and is a three-time NORCECA Champion. Andy and Ryan explore the unique perspective of a professional athlete transitioning into the business world and the valuable lessons learned along the way.

Ryan grew up in Southern California, the mecca of American volleyball and he played professionally in Europe and Asia. He recalls the challenges of adapting to different cultures and languages, highlighting his fluency in Italian acquired during his time playing in the country.

Andy and Ryan examine the crucial mental aspects of achieving greatness in sports, comparing it to the business world. Ryan emphasises the dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence required to reach the top, comparing it to the commitment necessary for leadership success. He reflects on his own Olympic journey, particularly the transformative impact a new coach had on the team's performance and culture, highlighting the importance of a strong leader in fostering a winning environment.

Ryan discusses the importance of embracing change and adapting to evolving environments, both in sports and business. He stresses the importance of the need for continuous learning and growth to remain competitive and successful. Ryan's transition into the business world was not without its challenges, specifically imposter syndrome, but his passion for the subject matter and his innate ability to learn quickly helped him overcome these obstacles.

Andy concludes the episode by discussing the impact of mentorship on Ryan's journey, both in sports and business. Ryan shares his experiences of leveraging the wisdom of experienced colleagues and mentors to accelerate his learning and navigate the complexities of the business world. Ryan's story serves as a powerful testament to the transferable skills learned in sports and their application to leadership success in the business world. He emphasises the importance of a growth mindset, continuous learning, and adaptability in achieving excellence in any field.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

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Connect with Ryan Millar: Website | LinkedIn

The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring