By James Brady Washburn
When I look back on my journey—from strapping on a helmet and running out of the tunnel on game day, to sitting at the head of a boardroom table—the connection between the two might not seem obvious to everyone. But to me, the link is crystal clear. Playing college football at three different universities taught me more about leadership, discipline, and resilience than any textbook ever could. Now, as a CEO, I see every day how those lessons from the field give former athletes a real advantage in the business world.
Discipline Becomes a Daily Habit
The first lesson you learn as a college athlete is discipline. You’re up before dawn for workouts, you sit through long classes, you grind through practices, and then you study late at night. There’s no skipping steps. You learn to show up consistently—even on the days when your body aches or your mind is tired.
That discipline doesn’t go away once the cleats are hung up. In business leadership, the same principle applies. Deadlines need to be met, clients demand attention, and growth doesn’t happen without consistency. The ability to stay focused and push forward, day in and day out, separates those who make it from those who stall.
Pressure Builds Poise
One of the biggest advantages former athletes carry into leadership roles is the ability to perform under pressure. College sports constantly test you—whether it’s a fourth-and-goal situation in the final minutes, or fighting to earn your spot on the roster.
That pressure is the perfect training ground for the high-stakes moments in business. Closing a deal, presenting to investors, or making tough decisions about the direction of a company all require the same kind of composure you need when the game is on the line. I’ve found that the pressure doesn’t paralyze you once you’ve been through it on the field—it sharpens you.
Teamwork is the Foundation of Leadership
No athlete makes it far alone. Every win and every loss belongs to the entire team. That reality ingrains in you a deep respect for collaboration. You learn how to lead, how to follow, and how to trust those around you to do their part.
As a business leader, the concept is the same. Success isn’t about one person calling all the shots—it’s about building a team where everyone’s strengths are maximized. My time in locker rooms taught me to recognize talent, motivate people, and keep the culture strong. That’s exactly what’s needed when you’re building a company from the ground up or leading one through change.
Resilience: Learning to Get Back Up
Sports teach you how to handle setbacks. You get injured, you lose games, or maybe you don’t get as much playing time as you’d hoped. You learn that failure isn’t the end—it’s a chance to regroup, adjust, and come back stronger.
That same resilience is priceless in business. Deals fall through. Competitors outpace you. Plans don’t work out. The leaders who succeed aren’t the ones who never fail—they’re the ones who refuse to stay down. For me, the ability to keep going after disappointment has been one of the biggest factors in both my career and my personal growth.
Work Ethic Outlasts Talent
One of the truths that athletes learn early is that talent only takes you so far. What really counts is how hard you’re willing to work. You can be the most gifted player on the field, but if you don’t put in the time, you won’t last.
That lesson transfers directly into business. Natural ability helps, but success in leadership is built on hours of preparation, constant learning, and relentless effort. When others stop, you keep going. That willingness to outwork the competition is something I carried from the football field into every boardroom conversation.
Identity Beyond the Game
For many athletes, the toughest part comes after graduation—when the lights dim and the game is no longer the center of your identity. That transition can be difficult. But what I’ve learned is that the qualities that made you a great athlete don’t disappear when you leave the field. They evolve into new strengths.
As a CEO, I still think like an athlete. I prepare for challenges like I prepared for games. I motivate my team like I once motivated my teammates. I keep my eye on the long-term goal, and I never forget that success requires sacrifice. My identity didn’t end with football—it grew into something even bigger.
Why Former Athletes Make Great Leaders
I believe former athletes bring a unique edge to the business world. They’re trained in discipline, resilience, and teamwork from a young age. They know what it feels like to win, but more importantly, they know how to handle losing. They’ve been tested, and they’ve proven they can rise under pressure.
In my own journey, I’ve seen how those same lessons shaped me into a better executive, a better teammate, and a better father. Sports were never just about the games—they were about building a foundation for life.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you were an athlete yourself or you’re leading a team of people who’ve never set foot on a field, the lessons still apply. Business, like sports, is about discipline, resilience, teamwork, and heart. If you can carry those values into your career, you’ll be prepared for the wins, the losses, and everything in between.
From athlete to executive, I’ve learned one simple truth: the game may change, but the grit stays the same.