Avanade UK & Ireland’s Post

What an absolute honor to sit down with Venus Williams today at the #ATD2024 Conference. Venus is an inspiration in many capacities, she holds 7 grand slams, was the first African-American woman ever to be ranked number 1 in the world in tennis in the open era, and is one of only two women (along with her sister Serena) to win four Olympics gold medals in tennis. She’s no stranger to breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings and candidly opened up about her leadership journey both on and off the court. It’s no secret that I like to draw comparisons between sport and business and I’m leaving my chat with Venus energized and motivated. A few things I’m thinking about after my conversation today: 🎾 It’s easy to stick to a routine when you’re full of energy and things are going well, but our routines are our backfalls on our toughest days. Venus stressed the importance of having a process that you can tap into even on your worst days, allowing you to channel your best.  🎾 Don’t wait for that summer vacation to take a break. You can’t squeeze all of your recovery into a week if you want to maintain your edge, find little moments every day to recharge. 🎾 Venus spoke about the power of wanting to live with no regrets. She frames this as a way of focusing yourself in the moment in order not to waste any of the time you have.  🎾 It’s no question that Venus has had a lasting impact on tennis. She spoke powerfully about how she hopes her legacy will change the narrative for this next generation of black tennis players, where they no longer need to be asked “what it’s like to be a black tennis player.” Thank you again to the Association for Talent Development (ATD) for providing me with the platform to have these insightful conversations. I look forward to sharing more insights from my discussions over the next week! I’d love to hear from you all in the comments what three things you’re taking away from this week’s conversations. #venuswilliams #leadershiplessons #tennis #grandslam #atd #keynotespeaker #interview

#Fridaythoughts with Josie, and the USA Women’s Basketball Team #unstoppable #consistency + #excellence = #success 🏅 8 Consecutive Olympic Gold Medals 💪 61 Consecutive Olympic Wins #gritandgrace I could have shared any number of posts and articles about the USA Women's Basketball Team, and their enduring Olympic achievements and legacy, but I've chosen to share this one by Josie. Reading the comments from Janine, it's clear that Josie shares the same qualities as Team USA. #kudos #inspireothers What is LinkedIn for if it's not to showcase the outstanding talent of the next generation? Whatever career direction Josie chooses; basketball, journalism, both!, her future is bright, and many other young women will be inspired and motivated by her example too. #hopeliveshere Enjoy the features! #leadbyexample #setthetone #pullasyouclimb Josie Gross-Whitaker | Communications '25 | Stanford Women's Basketball | Stanford University | USA Basketball Freelance Profile Writer | Creative Artists Agency Basketball Intern | San Francisco, CA #fridayvibes #weekendvibes #inspiration #motivation #leadership #leadershipqualities #leadershipmatters #peoplehelpingpeople #legacy

You don’t have to be a manager to be a leader. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. These women are leading by example, and it is powerful. Celebrate each other’s success. Go to work everyday with a “you don’t have to lose for me to win” mentality. All of the women competing earned their right to be there, just like your coworkers. You can’t always be number one, and sometimes you learn more from the experience when you don’t make the podium. That is how you build high performing teams — by lifting each other up. #leadbyexample

Navigating the transition from football star to executive: Insights from Thomas Hitzlsperger In an insightful journey through the lens of Thomas Hitzlsperger, the former German international unveils the myriad of challenges and triumphs he faced transitioning from a celebrated football career to a pioneering role in football leadership. As the former CEO of VfB Stuttgart and a co-owner of Danish club AaB A/S, Hitzlsperger shares his unique perspective on leadership, the essence of responsibility, and the ongoing dialogue about gay rights in football. His story is not just about football; it's a narrative of courage, leadership, and breaking stereotypes. 1: What challenges did Thomas Hitzlsperger face transitioning from a football player to an executive role? Transitioning to an executive role, Hitzlsperger encountered the complexities of negotiating contracts and making tough decisions that affected the futures of colleagues and friends. This shift required him to maintain a professional distance, making decisions in the best interest of the club while managing a team of approximately 300 people. 2: What were some of the critical lessons Hitzlsperger learned in leadership positions at VfB Stuttgart? Key lessons include the importance of a strong support network, the necessity of daily learning and adaptation, and the value of trust and confidence in decision-making. Hitzlsperger emphasizes the need for courage and responsibility, especially when faced with unprecedented challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. 3: How does Hitzlsperger assess the effectiveness of Germany's 50+1 rule? While he defends the principle behind the 50+1 rule, Hitzlsperger critiques its implementation, noting exceptions that undermine its intent. He believes that while the rule is cherished by fans, it does not sufficiently level the playing field among Bundesliga clubs, affecting the competition's overall quality. 💡 Learn more Thomas Hitzlsperger's journey from the football field to the boardroom is a testament to the evolving landscape of football leadership. His candid reflections offer invaluable insights into the challenges of adapting to new roles, the importance of advocacy and representation, and the complexities of navigating the business side of sports. #SportsBusiness #Football #SportsBiz #Finance #People #Data #Intelligence #Management

"People would say girls can't play hockey, girls can't skate. I would say watch this," – Hayley Wickenheiser. Wickenheiser, a Canadian ice hockey legend and Olympic gold medalist, faced skepticism and resistance when she first pursued her passion for the sport. Undeterred, she embraced the challenges and, through her extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication, not only proved the naysayers wrong but also became a beacon of inspiration for aspiring female hockey players worldwide. This powerful quote is a rallying cry for girls who dream of lacing up their skates and taking to the ice. It sends a message that gender should never be a barrier to pursuing one's passion. In a world where young girls may still encounter doubts about their place in certain sports, Wickenheiser's words serve as a reminder that excellence knows no gender. As we witness the incredible talent displayed by current players in leagues like the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), it's evident that women's hockey is flourishing. The PWHL, with its pool of exceptionally skilled players, provides a platform for young athletes to showcase their abilities and aspire to follow in the footsteps of icons like Wickenheiser. So, this quote highlights to not give up on your dreams, whatever they may be. #FuelSports #Sportsquote #Sportseventindustry

Diversity in Sport Teams and performance Really interesting article on Diversity in Football teams, number of cup wins and how it makes the difference within the team/society as a whole.... #high performing teams #diversity https://lnkd.in/eNtrvArt

As the Matildas reflect on their journey to the Paris Olympics, the question of "what's next?" looms large for Australian women’s football. While the team has captured the nation's heart, the path ahead presents challenges that demand attention. The A-League Women struggles to consistently produce world-class talent, driving many young stars overseas. Our youth national teams also face difficulties, with few players under 23 ready to step up to the senior level. With several senior players nearing retirement, the team faces a significant transition. However, their legacy is already clear. The Matildas' World Cup performance has had a profoundly positive influence on female participation in football, leading to increased focus and investment in women's football development. This is why the future of women’s football in Australia is so exciting. As we look towards the 2026 Women's Asian Cup, investing in the next generation, strengthening domestic leagues, and securing top coaching will be crucial. This moment may feel like the end of an era, but it also offers the chance to build something even greater. We thank our retiring players for leaving the game in a better place than before, ensuring that the journey of Australian women’s football is far from over and heading towards a brighter future. #Womensfootball #Matildas #FootballAustralia #Nxtgenfootball

Way to go Andrew Lawrence! Follow the link to learn more from Andrew himself!

Firsts are for the brave. The bold. The visionary. Up until 1998, female professional boxing was illegal in the UK. Even after it was legalised, lack of access to funding and support kept many from competing. Simply by taking the ring, Nicola Adams shattered perceptions of who is allowed to compete and succeed in sport—becoming the first female boxer to win Olympic gold. 🥊🥇 As the Worldwide Management Consulting Partner of the International Olympic Committee - IOC, we’re using our global scale, deep insights, and understanding of innovation to track the impact of firsts that have happened at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Explore #TheFirstEffect to see how firsts move the world forward. https://deloi.tt/4cKgsNR

Lots of great questions came in about our bid this week. ICYMI: we present to the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in spring! Read up on why we want this women's professional soccer team, how a bid becomes a team and our timeline from here to opening day. ➡️ Have more questions? Ask in the comments below or send us a message. #womenssoccer #clevelandsports #cleveland #womenssports