The George Washington University’s Post

What is YOUR quirk? What’s an unusual character trait, (in)experience, or hobby you’re a little sheepish about, because you think it might hold you back? That quirk might just be a gold mine. Because everyone’s road map to success is distinct. Valorie Kondos Field was voted the Pac-12 Gymnastics Coach of the Century. The pioneering head coach for UCLA’s women’s gymnastics won seven national titles with the Bruins. Here’s the thing: she never competed a day in her life at gymnastics. She was a dancer. And it certainly raised eyebrows when she got hired as head coach. She felt inspired but underqualified. What she DID know was the art of connecting with audiences — and judges — through performance. And she brought the art of performing, smiling, and all-around poise to the UCLA team. In return, they started winning. Pong Principle #9: Embrace Your Quirks is all about leveraging what makes you unique.    Those traits you feel inadequate about might just propel you above the competition. #pingpongleadership #pongprinciples #leadershipstyle

Lessons from Las Vegas: Gymnastics, Grit, and Good Times Spent an unforgettable weekend in Vegas at my daughter’s gymnastics meet, and it was more than just flips and jumps. Here’s what stuck with me: 🤸♀️ Beyond the Warm-Up Wobble - There was a moment during the bars warm-up where my daughter doubted herself, almost scratching the event. But she pushed through and won first place! It’s a reminder that a rocky start doesn’t have to predict the final outcome. Leadership, much like gymnastics, often involves pushing through the wobbles and doubts to reach our true potential. 🏫✈️ Work, School, or Vegas? - Choosing to attend meant both parents and kids missing work and school. It was a chance to model the importance of following our passions and making room for fun amidst our busy lives. Balance isn’t just juggling responsibilities; it’s also about seizing moments of joy and learning. 🎰 Play for the Royal Flush - A brief stint at video poker made me think: Why play for the small wins when you can play for the Royal Flush? In life and leadership, it’s often the bigger risks that yield the greatest rewards. Playing it safe is fine, but sometimes, you have to bet big to win big. This weekend wasn’t just about gymnastics; it was a series of life lessons wrapped in a Vegas adventure. And here’s to my daughter, reminding us all to aim high and play for the Royal in everything we do. #LeadershipLessons #GymnasticsMeet #Vegas #WorkLifeBalance

  Mia, my eldest, is in competitive gymnastics and I am so proud of her commitment. After 2 months of training this season – last night she received her tiering. Tier 1 – of 3 (1 being the lowest). Enamored by her always, I couldn’t contain my pride - while in between her tears she shared her disappointment…   As we worked through her feelings together – I saw the window to share what felt like the greatest lesson from it all. Gymnastics, grade 4, work – it all holds…While essential to always try our best – we don’t need to be “the best”… Why? I shared my top 3 reflections: - Learning from others at the top of THEIR game – helps me elevate mine. How cool for Mia to be around tier 3s!! What a gift to learn from those around her… - At work and in life – my greatest growth has come from things that didn’t pan out. The team I didn’t make, the role I didn’t get, the idea that didn’t materialize… what I appreciate from each of those moments – the reflection it brought me. Mia’s reaction? She wants to keep improving - Of all the things I value today – resilience (after empathy) would be high on my list. Bouncing back from a tough situation only makes us stronger. How will she show up at practice on Tuesday?   What do I hope she took from it? An appreciation for progress over perfection – and the resilience to come back from something that didn’t land her way. Two lessons that serve us everyday – whether 9, 39 or 79.  

🤸♀️ Gymnastics and Positive Change in Today's Political Landscape 🌍 I'm deeply invested in the world of gymnastics, and I'm excited to chat about how our industry can adapt and thrive amidst the ever-changing political climate. 🌟 I've spent a solid ten years in the gymnastics scene, wearing various hats from coaching to management and admin roles. Through these experiences, I've seen how gymnastics can shape lives and create a powerful impact. And now, I believe it's our moment to respond proactively to the challenges and opportunities brought by our political environment. 🌐 Navigating Politics in Gymnastics: Just like any other field, gymnastics is influenced by politics – from regulations to cultural shifts. I'm passionate about ensuring our industry not only keeps up but also becomes a driving force for positive change. Let's make sure gymnastics aligns with the evolving political landscape and continues to be a source of inspiration. 🔗 What I'm Working On: 1️⃣ Inclusion for All: I'm deeply committed to making gymnastics a sport where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their background. Who cares where you're from, your background, orientation or ability?! Let's create an environment where everyone can thrive. 2️⃣ Safety Always: Safety comes first. I'm all about establishing and maintaining safe spaces for training, implementing necessary policies to protect our athletes both physically and mentally. 3️⃣ Policy Advocacy: Staying informed and being part of political discussions that impact gymnastics is crucial. I'm actively engaging with policymakers to make sure our industry's voice is heard. 4️⃣ Mental Health Matters: Recognizing the importance of mental health in gymnastics, I'm supporting initiatives to provide athletes, coaches, and staff with the support they need. 🌟 Make a Difference Together: Gymnastics holds incredible potential to bring about positive change in society. Join me on this journey as we adapt, evolve, and collaborate to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by today's political climate. Together, we can shape a brighter future for gymnastics and the incredible athletes it nurtures. 📬 Feel free to connect with me, and chat about how we can transform the gymnastics industry, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful in our ever-changing world. 🤝 #GymnasticsForChange #AdaptTogether #InclusivityMatters #MorningtonPeninsulaGymnastics #MorningtonGymnastics #MorningtonNinjaParkour #MorningtonPeninsulaNinja #GymnasticsLife #NinjaParkourLife #GymnasticsClub #NinjaParkourClub #GymnasticsSkills #ParkourTricks #GymnasticsFun #NinjaWarrior #GymnasticsTraining #ParkourChallenge #GymnasticsGoals #NinjaFitness #GymnasticsInspiration #ParkourMoves #GymnasticsCommunity #NinjaWarriorTraining #BonoraSport #Bonora

What is the Return on Investment (ROI) on the fees for gymnastics? Last weekend my daughter competed in the State Gymnastics competition. While cheering her on, I got a notification on my phone. My credit card was charged $372. It was her gymnastics dues. Gymnastics is not a low-cost sport. This fee doesn’t include the cost for the booster club, leotards, warm up outfits, fuel, hotels, and food cost for competitions. Gymnastics is expensive! As a financially minded person, my brain can’t help but always be thinking… What are we getting in return for all this money? She practices 3 days, 9 hours a week so she is learning to balance her schedule. She is learning about the time investment it takes to improve and perfect a craft. By conditioning she is learning to take care of her body. The workload is hard, she occasionally comes home teary eyed. She is building resiliency by leaning into hard things. She is learning to struggle with others, a sisterhood of gymnasts, a bond and deepening of relationships. All teammates cheer for each other. She is learning to cultivate a positive attitude and be supportive. So, I ask again what does all this money return in the long run? Character Identity Health Work Ethics Friendships Positive attitude Resiliency Discipline We as parents provide the environment our kids grow up in. There is nothing better to spend money on than the positive development of your kids.   There is no way to truly quantify the ROI on this investment, but if I were somehow able to, I’m pretty sure it would break the calculator. Love is infinite. How have you, or how do you plan on shaping your kid’s future?

Use your success to help others live up to their potential.

When Maile O'Keefe scored a perfect 10 on beam to clinch the NCAA gymnastics all-around title, her working space was just 10 centimetres wide. That's smaller than an iPhone turned to landscape mode.   It's a scary thing landing a backward summersault on such a small area, no matter how experienced you are.   For Maile to stick her routines successfully, avoiding the 'what ifs' is critical. What if I fall? What if I hurt myself? What if I let the team down? They're the same what ifs felt by every athlete, regardless of age and playing level.   The way to stay focused and avoid negative thinking is through process. One step in front of the other, as specific and detailed as possible. What are you paying attention to? What are the words you're saying to yourself? What does it feel like in your body?   In turns out that focusing on the process doesn't just happen. It takes forethought, practice, and refinement.   The good thing is, anyone can do it.

Racism in Sports ...Gymnastics Ireland has said it was "deeply sorry", that it knew it needed to do more to ensure "nothing like this will happen again" and it condemned "any form of racism". But the mother of the girl said the sports body only publicly apologised after 18 months "because the world wanted them to". #SafeParenting, #OnlineSafety, #PrivacyMatters, #safeguarding, #Petersafeguarding, #childsafeguarding, #linkedin, #thoughtleadership, #Storytelling, #Expertise #IndustryInsights,, #SafeSports, #SafeWorkplaces, #AthleteSafety, #ChildProtection, #SportIntegrity, #SportsEthics, #SafeSport, #ChildSafety, #AthleteWelfare, #SafeSportingEnvironment, #ZeroTolerance,#TheInsider #EthicalSport, #iamnotblackiamafro

This message carries significant weight, emphasizing the importance of understanding the principle of "lift as you climb." This selfless act profoundly impacted Jordan Chiles's life. One of the key takeaways is that while skills are important, confidence and professionalism are even more crucial. These qualities can propel you further, and with self-belief, skills can be more easily acquired and refined. Of course, remember to never give up; there is always something great waiting on the other side.