KEYNOTE.

Any athlete will tell you that his or her skills on the field have translated into the real world, as well. The competitive spirit is an innate factor in the success of most entrepreneurs and executives. Communication skills, failure management, and patience are all cogs in the ever-churning machine of professional life. These imperative skills can be taught and strengthened through sports.

Inclusion is the gateway to excellence, whether on the field or in the professional world. Growing up in a diverse community and competing professionally in Japan for 8 years taught Watley that working together toward a common goal helped break down barriers. This, in turn, motivated teammates to pursue their passions and succeed. Contributing to the team provided a strong sense of belonging and acceptance. Skill, passion, drive, and expertise lived within each athlete; such attributes crossed boundaries and did not correlate to ethnicity, background, or status.

Entrepreneurs and business managers to salespeople and athletes. Time and time again, collaboration proves a key factor in completing tasks more efficiently. When a group works toward a common goal, it succeeds much more quickly than individuals; utilizing a “hive mind” generates more innovative solutions, opinions, and perspectives. However, working as a team can prove difficult, as each individual must be committed to and connected with their fellow team members. Learn how sharpening your group’s vision, establishing a culture that breeds success, and defining roles can help your team reach its collective goals.

Reinvention: Life After Olympic Gold is a powerful story about starting over. After a lifetime focused on the singular goal of winning an Olympic Gold Medal, Natasha was lost when it was all over and she realized that the Olympic Committee provided no guidance or support and she had no idea what her "next" would be. A powerful and inspirational story about starting over and doing good.

Women are innate leaders, from heads of households to heads of massive corporations. However, in a world driven by the male gaze, it can prove difficult to shift perspectives and garner the same respect and opportunities afforded men. How do we, as a gender, rise up against inequalities, break through barriers and glass ceilings, and work to become authentic, inspiring leaders?