What do elite athletes and modern business leaders have in common?

More than you might think.

At this year’s ATD 2025 Conference, Simone Biles — the most decorated gymnast in history — shared her personal journey and mindset. Her keynote offered valuable insights for anyone striving to lead teams in today’s complex and fast-changing world.

In this article, we explore 5 leadership lessons from Simone Biles that every business leader can apply — whether you’re leading a team of 5 or 5,000.

1️⃣ Lead with Trust and Communication

“Communication was key with my coaches. They always knew when to push and when to pull back — because we trusted each other.” — Simone Biles

In high-pressure environments — whether it’s the Olympic stage or the business world — trust is the foundation of performance.

Leaders who build trust through open communication create teams where people can speak up, share ideas, and perform at their best.

Action tip:
Prioritize regular, open dialogue with your team. Listen actively and show that you value their input.

2️⃣ Create Joy and Engagement — Fun Drives Flow

“When I’m having fun, I perform at my best.” — Simone Biles

Too often, organizations treat work as a purely serious matter. But joy and intrinsic motivation are powerful drivers of creativity, resilience, and flow.

Simone’s experience reminds us: When people enjoy what they do, they excel.

Action tip:
Design moments of joy, curiosity, and meaningful connection into your team’s routines — even during busy periods.

3️⃣ Embrace Setbacks as Learning Opportunities

“I worked with a sports psychologist after a disastrous competition. It made me better. Setbacks shaped who I am today.” — Simone Biles

In leadership — just like in sports — failure is not the enemy. It’s an essential part of growth.

The difference? How we respond.

Simone’s mindset embodies the principles of resilience and growth mindset — skills that every leader needs today.

Action tip:
When setbacks occur, model curiosity and learning. Celebrate lessons learned as much as successes.

4️⃣ Prioritize Mental Health and Well-being

“In Tokyo, I chose to step back to protect my mental and physical health. It was the most courageous decision I’ve ever made.” — Simone Biles

Mental health is no longer a “nice to have” — it’s a business imperative.

Simone’s courage in prioritizing well-being during the Tokyo Olympics sparked a global conversation. Business leaders must do the same in their organizations.

Action tip:
Actively promote psychological safety. Ensure your team knows it’s okay to set boundaries and prioritize well-being.

5️⃣ Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

“We never aimed for gold medals. We aimed to show up better than yesterday.” — Simone Biles

In a world of constant change, perfection is an unrealistic goal. Continuous progress is the true path to excellence.

Simone’s approach — striving to be “better than yesterday” — offers a sustainable, motivating leadership mindset.

Action tip:
Encourage small, consistent improvements. Celebrate progress openly. Avoid perfectionism traps.

Why These Leadership Lessons Matter Now

Today’s business environment demands new leadership qualities:

✅ Trust-building
✅ Emotional intelligence & empathy
✅ Resilience & adaptability
✅ Human-centered well-being
✅ Growth mindset & learning culture

Simone Biles exemplifies these traits — not just as an athlete, but as a role model for modern leadership.

Next Steps — Bring These Qualities into Your Leadership Practice

If you want to cultivate these leadership capabilities in your organization, we can help.

simdustryGmbH offers:

✅ Leadership development programs
✅ Workshops & keynotes
✅ Executive coaching
✅ Custom leadership journeys for modern organizations

👉 Learn more about our leadership programs and offerings in a free strategy / consultancy call. Book it right now here.

 „Be the best version of yourself — that’s all you can do.” — Simone Biles