This was the focus of a recent inclusive leadership development program for leaders across the sector, hosted by the Australian Sports Commission.
More than 60 CEOs and executives from the sport sector, representing national sporting organisations and national sporting organisations for people with disability (NSO/ NSODs), state sporting organisations (SSOs), the national institute network (NIN), Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia and Commonwealth Games (Games partners), gathered at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium for the two-day course led by Harvard Business School Professor Boris Groysberg.
Building upon the success and momentum of a workshop delivered by Professor Groysberg in 2023 which focused on proactive ways to address barriers and foster gender inclusivity within the sporting sector, this year’s program presented a valuable opportunity for our sports leaders to continue to build knowledge and influence as an inclusive leader, as well as role model the importance of inclusive leadership in sport to other leaders across the sector.
Participants were guided through sessions focusing on the evolution of leadership, leading change in challenging environments, strategies for engaging, motivating and retaining employees, and decision-making.
A session focused on mental health in leadership particularly struck a chord with the attendees as it centred on the most decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps, and how – driven by his own experience of mental health challenges throughout his career – he is now working to remove the stigma associated with mental health in sport and beyond.