Image Credit: Huw Devonald 2024

As the world turns its attention to the 2024 Olympics, Huw Devonald, an entrepreneur with a background in semi-professional rugby, finds himself reflecting on the striking similarities between the life of an athlete and that of an entrepreneur. For Huw, both realms require a unique blend of dedication, resilience, and strategic thinking. Drawing on his experiences in both sports and business, Huw offers his insights into how the lessons learned on the field can be applied to the boardroom.

The Discipline of Training and Preparation

One of the most significant parallels Huw sees between athletes and entrepreneurs is the importance of discipline in training and preparation. For athletes, the journey to the Olympics is marked by years of rigorous training, careful planning, and constant refinement of their skills. Similarly, entrepreneurship demands a relentless commitment to learning, improvement, and preparation.

Huw recalls his days as a semi-professional rugby player, where early mornings and gruelling training sessions were the norm. “Success in sports doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of consistent effort and a willingness to push your limits,” he explains. “The same is true in business. Entrepreneurs need to be prepared to put in the hard work, day in and day out, to build something truly great.”

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Both athletes and entrepreneurs face their fair share of setbacks and challenges. Whether it’s a serious injury that sidelines an athlete or a business crisis that threatens a company’s survival, resilience is a crucial trait that determines success.

Huw emphasises that his time on the rugby field taught him how to handle adversity with grace and determination. “In rugby, you learn to pick yourself up after a tough loss and come back stronger,” he says. “Entrepreneurship is no different. There will be failures, but how you respond to them—whether you let them defeat you or use them as fuel to drive forward—will define your success.”

The Importance of Teamwork

While entrepreneurship is often viewed as a solo endeavour, Huw believes that, much like in sports, teamwork is essential to achieving great results. The Olympics showcase the power of collaboration, with athletes working together to achieve a common goal, whether in team sports or as part of a larger support network.

Huw’s rugby background instilled in him a deep appreciation for the power of a strong team. “In rugby, you can’t win a game on your own—you need to rely on your teammates,” he notes. “In business, surrounding yourself with a capable and motivated team is just as important. A great team can help you overcome obstacles, execute your vision, and ultimately succeed.”

The Drive to Compete and Succeed

The competitive spirit that drives athletes to excel on the world stage is also a defining characteristic of successful entrepreneurs. Huw sees this drive as a fundamental force that propels both athletes and business leaders to push boundaries and strive for excellence.

“For me, the thrill of competition was always a big part of what I loved about rugby,” Huw reflects. “As an entrepreneur, that same drive to compete and win is what keeps me motivated. Whether it’s launching a new product or entering a new market, the desire to succeed pushes me to constantly innovate and improve.”

Setting and Achieving Goals

Finally, Huw draws a parallel between the goal-setting process in athletics and in business. Olympians set their sights on specific goals—winning medals, breaking records—and work tirelessly to achieve them. Entrepreneurs, too, must set clear, ambitious goals and pursue them with focus and determination.

“Goal-setting is critical in both sports and business,” Huw asserts. “You need to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and then create a plan to get there. And just like in sports, you need to be willing to adjust your strategy as circumstances change, but never lose sight of the ultimate objective.”

About Huw Devonald

Huw Devonald is an accomplished entrepreneur with a diverse background that includes a career as a semi-professional rugby player. His experiences in sports have profoundly influenced his approach to business, instilling in him the values of discipline, resilience, teamwork, and goal-setting. Today, Huw applies these principles to his ventures, guiding them to success in a competitive marketplace. Outside of his business endeavours, Huw remains passionate about sports and continues to draw inspiration from the world of athletics.