Chasing Greatness: Decoding the Mind of a 5x World Champion
Lesley Paterson on how she shares her view of success - initially equating success with external validation, such as winning medals and achieving accolades. Over time, she shifted her focus to the things she could control: effort and attitude. She learned that mastery of one's craft, step by step, leads to both internal fulfilment and external recognition. Lesley’s defining moment came when her second world championship win aligned her internal "why" with external success, creating a powerful convergence of the two.
Toughness and Balance
She acknowledges that achieving greatness in sports and art often comes at the cost of balance. While athletes and high achievers typically lack balance due to their intense drive, she finds that her involvement in both sports and art helps counteract the potential burnout from one field. The key, for her, is self-awareness—recognising strengths and weaknesses—and finding balance through gratitude and support from loved ones.
Mental Strategies for Success
Lesley discusses her use of mental techniques to enhance performance, particularly the concept of creating an alter ego. She is inspired by MMA fighter Conor McGregor and adopts his physical traits and confidence to boost her own self-assurance. This practice of adopting physical behaviour to influence thoughts and emotions helps her perform better under pressure.
Failure and Growth
Failure is seen as an essential part of growth. Lesley explains how facing adversity and failure leads to personal development, citing the concept of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to grow stronger through challenges. She encourages reframing failure as an opportunity to learn and improve, emphasising that true success is born from overcoming setbacks.
Leadership and Pivoting
Lesley advises leaders facing change or fear to centre their actions around purpose and meaning. She believes that having a mission drives progress and enables individuals to navigate obstacles. For Lesley, growth and adaptability are fundamental to embracing change and pivoting in the face of uncertainty.
Celebrating Simon’s Legacy
Lesley reflects on her late husband Simon’s profound influence on her life and career. She plans to honor his legacy by creating a documentary that shows the impact of cancer on their lives, focusing on finding meaning in suffering. Lesley is also establishing a foundation to help others and to celebrate the human connection that helped her through difficult times.
Final Thoughts
She urges the audience to embrace failure as part of their growth journey and to connect with others in meaningful ways.
Watch Full Session
Speaker:
- Lesley Paterson, Film Writer & Producer and Professional Triathlete, Brave Art Entertainment
Moderator:
- Navin Suri, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Percipient & Advisor, Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN)