Sports Built My Foundation

Before I ever closed a deal or led a sales team, I was lacing up my cleats and wrapping my hands. I played competitive soccer for most of my life, and later stepped into the boxing ring, where discipline, pressure, and perseverance are non-negotiable. I didn’t know it then, but every sprint, every missed goal, and every hard-fought round was preparing me for something far bigger than a championship, it was preparing me for leadership.

Now, in the world of sales and business development, I draw from that same mental playbook every single day. Whether I’m building a team, connecting with a customer, or guiding someone through a big decision, the lessons I learned on the field and in the ring are right there with me.

Lesson #1: Control the Controllables

In both soccer and boxing, you quickly learn there’s a lot you can’t control. A bad referee, weather conditions, or an opponent who’s just having the game of their life. The same is true in sales. You can’t control the market. You can’t control what your competitor is doing. But you can control your preparation, your mindset, and how you show up.

That mindset shift changed everything for me. I stopped trying to chase perfect outcomes and started focusing on consistent effort and attitude. That’s something I talk about a lot with the teams I lead: focus on what you can own: your activity, your attitude, and your ability to keep showing up.

Lesson #2: Leadership Starts With Service

On the soccer field, leadership isn’t just about wearing the captain’s armband. It’s about doing the gritty, unglamorous work, tracking back on defense, encouraging teammates, showing up to every practice. It’s about being consistent, even when no one’s watching.

That same idea carries over to my leadership style in business. I don’t believe in leading from above, I believe in leading alongside. If someone on my team is struggling, I’ll jump in and make calls with them. If we miss a target, I own it with them.

I’ve learned that trust is earned through action, not just titles. Great leaders make space for others to grow, and they lead by example, not ego.

Lesson #3: Mental Toughness Wins the Long Game

Boxing, more than any sport I’ve played, tested my mental toughness. You’re in the ring alone, dealing with nerves, fatigue, and fear, and you have to keep thinking, keep moving, and keep breathing. You don’t win by brute strength alone. You win by staying composed under pressure.

That’s exactly what sales requires. You’ll hear no more than you hear yes. You’ll have deals fall through, clients ghost you, and quotas that feel out of reach. But if you let every setback shake you, you’ll burn out fast.

Sports taught me to reset quickly. To learn from the loss but not dwell in it. To stay in motion. And to understand that resilience isn’t about ignoring hard things, it’s about refusing to let them stop you.

Lesson #4: Know Your Role, Play It Well

In soccer, every player has a role. Not everyone’s the striker. Some people play defense, some control the midfield, some sit on the bench ready to step in. And all of those roles matter.

Sales teams are no different. You need hunters, closers, customer success pros, and managers who see the big picture. I’ve worked in just about every seat at the table: BDR, AE, team lead, manager, and I’ve learned to respect what each role brings to the game.

As a leader, one of my biggest responsibilities is helping each person on the team understand their value and play to their strengths. You don’t win by trying to do it all yourself. You win by trusting the people around you and staying clear on your mission.

Lesson #5: Relationships Over Transactions

If sports taught me anything, it’s that people remember how you make them feel. I’ve played on teams where we won games but had no real chemistry, and I’ve been on teams where the connection made every challenge worth it.

In sales, the same principle applies. I don’t believe in pushy, one-size-fits-all selling. I believe in listening first, solving real problems, and putting the person before the product. That approach doesn’t just win customers, it builds loyalty.

Whether I’m speaking with a healthcare provider, a decision-maker, or a teammate, I try to treat every interaction like a partnership, not a pitch. Because when people trust you, they’ll work with you—even when times get tough.

Competitive Spirit, Collaborative Heart

At the end of the day, I’m still an athlete at heart. I love competition. I love setting goals and beating them. I love the rush of a challenge. But what sports taught me most is that true success comes from discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to growth.

In sales and in life, you’ll win some and lose some. But if you stay coachable, keep showing up, and never stop learning, you’ll always move forward.

That’s what I try to model every day, for my clients, my team, and myself. Because the athlete’s advantage isn’t just physical—it’s mental, emotional, and relational. And that edge? It doesn’t fade. It evolves.

And I’m just getting started.