Bringing Olympic Discipline to the Boardroom: Why Diverse Perspectives Drive Better Governance

In my journey from Olympic rowing to corporate boardrooms, I've observed that the principles that create winning teams transcend environments. For example, at Western Asset Management, I've seen firsthand how boardroom diversity isn't merely about representation—it's about performance.

The most effective boards I've served on embrace what I call "constructive tension." When directors bring varied expertise, backgrounds, and thinking styles, governance decisions become more robust. This isn't always comfortable—much like athletic training—but discomfort often precedes breakthrough.

Three governance principles from my athletic career transfer directly to board service:

1. Preparation trumps improvisation. Just as Olympic athletes study competitors meticulously, effective directors must deeply understand industry landscapes before making decisions. Superficial knowledge leads to superficial governance.
2. Process matters as much as outcomes. In rowing, perfect technique consistently outperforms raw power. Similarly, boards that maintain disciplined decision-making processes navigate challenges more effectively than those relying on instinct alone.
3. Calculated risk-taking drives innovation. Athletes who never push boundaries rarely stand on podiums. Boards must similarly distinguish between reckless gambles and strategic risks that propel organizations forward.

The best boards, like the best athletic teams, create environments where challenging questions are welcomed, not discouraged. Directors should feel empowered to respectfully question assumptions without fear of being labeled difficult.
As organizations navigate increasingly complex regulatory environments and stakeholder expectations, the old model of homogeneous boardrooms is proving inadequate. Forward-thinking companies recognize that perspective diversity—including Olympic-level competitive experience—creates governance advantage.

I'm passionate about bringing my unique lens to boardrooms seeking fresh perspectives on excellence, resilience, and strategic discipline. The medal-winning mindset translates remarkably well to corporate governance challenges, particularly in times requiring both steadiness and adaptability.
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Anita DeFrantz is an Olympic medalist, attorney, author, and board member at Western Asset Management, bringing her unique perspective on leadership and governance to corporate boards.​