In elite sport, as in business, success often comes down to the same things: preparation, culture, and how leaders respond under pressure. Mel Marshall – one of Britain’s most decorated swimmers and now an Olympic coach – has lived this from both sides. She joined The Ascent to share her journey, and many of her reflections translate directly into lessons for leadership teams.
1. Preparation pays off
As a teenager, Mel missed qualifying for the Sydney Olympics by a fraction of a second. Looking back, she admitted she hadn’t taken preparation seriously enough. It was a turning point that shaped her approach as both an athlete and coach: consistent, long-term effort always beats short bursts of intensity.
For leaders: It’s tempting to focus only when deadlines loom – before a product launch or investor meeting. But real progress comes from steady, ongoing preparation that becomes part of the organisation’s daily rhythm.
2. Building systems, not just stars
When Mel started coaching in Derby, she inherited a small local club with no real track record. Over time, she grew it into a thriving community of hundreds of athletes and coaches. The key wasn’t a single standout swimmer – it was the environment she created. She introduced rituals to celebrate milestones and built a culture where progress, however small, was valued.
For leaders: Businesses that rely on a few star performers are fragile. The organisations that last are the ones that build supportive systems and cultures where everyone can succeed.
3. Shifting your leadership style
Mel explains leadership in three stages:
- Front leadership: when people are new, they need clear direction.
- Side leadership: as they grow, it becomes more of a partnership.
- Back leadership: once they’re experienced, the leader steps back and supports from behind.
For leaders: Not every team needs the same style of leadership. Sometimes guidance is essential, at other times autonomy is more powerful. The skill is knowing when to step in and when to step back.
4. Thinking in cycles
Mel thinks of Olympic preparation in four-year cycles: discovery, innovation, hard execution, and refinement. But she also points out that things rarely go perfectly – sometimes you have to pivot and change direction.
For leaders: Strategy doesn’t have to be constant reinvention. Allow time for trying new ideas, but also for embedding and refining them. And when the evidence shows a plan isn’t working, be ready to adjust.
5. Preparing for the tough days
Mel often uses the metaphor of “mapping the mountain.” Just like climbing, training and performance involve good weather and storms. If you expect setbacks, they don’t come as a shock.
For leaders: Every organisation faces challenges – market changes, setbacks, or periods of fatigue. Recognising these as part of the journey, and breaking big goals into smaller, achievable ones, helps teams keep moving forward.
6. Authenticity matters most
Through her conversations with other coaches and leaders, Mel noticed one common thread: authenticity. Each had a different style, but the best ones led in a way that was true to themselves and communicated openly, even when delivering tough news.
For leaders: Leadership isn’t about copying others. The most effective leaders understand their own style and values, and they’re consistent in living them.
7. Boundaries and Sustainability
Coaching Olympic athletes meant Mel often carried their highs and lows as if they were her own. Over time, she realised this wasn’t sustainable. Setting boundaries gave her the energy and perspective to keep coaching well.
For leaders: It’s easy to become absorbed in the business and carry every challenge personally. But boundaries matter. They protect wellbeing and allow leaders to stay effective over the long term.
Closing thoughts
Mel’s reflections highlight how much sport and business share when it comes to leadership. Success isn’t about sudden breakthroughs or extraordinary talent alone – it’s about preparation and authenticity, whilst still being flexible.
For CEOs and management teams, the lesson is simple: treat the journey like climbing a mountain. There will be storms, but with the right preparation, culture, and leadership, you can keep moving toward the summit.
