Throughout the pandemic we know that uncertainty and anxiety increased in workplaces all over the country and mirrored the difficult circumstances our athletes were facing. Their performance prompts the question – how did our sporting teams perform so remarkably well despite the uncertainties they were facing? What lessons can we as business leaders take from our Olympians in how to deliver world-class performance under the most trying circumstances?

No-one knows more about pressure than this year’s Olympics athletes.

Between postponed dates and a global atmosphere of uncertainty, Australia’s Olympic and Paralympic teams faced more challenges the months leading up to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics than most of us could imagine. And yet, they showed up – and achieved one of the most successful Games in our country’s history. So, how did they do it? How did they perform to the standard they did, while also taking care of their own mental health? And what can leaders in the business community learn from those who coach our sporting heroes to glory?

To find out, CMHAA board member Melinda Upton sat down with Ian Robson, CEO of Rowing Australia; Josephine Sukkar AM, Chairman of the Australian Sports Commission, President of Australian Women’s Rugby and Principal of Buildcorp; and Steven Worrall, Managing Director of Microsoft Australia and New Zealand and CMHAA Chair.

Watch The Catch: Balancing Mental Health, Wellbeing and Performance below. Or, read on for some highlights from this fascinating discussion.