Winning Strategies: How the Olympics' emphasis on expertise, integrity can transform business

As the 2024 Olympic Games drew to a close last week, the world celebrated the athletic feats and stunning performances that defined the global showpiece in the French capital. 

Yet, amid the glamour and spectacle, a Ghanaian medical professional made his remarkable contribution behind the scenes.

His journey offers critical lessons for the business world, illustrating that the principles of success extend far beyond the track and field.

Dr Eric Tetteh Ayertey, a distinguished physician with a deep-rooted passion for sports medicine, played a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the athletes and the integrity of the Paris Games. 

His involvement in the 2024 Olympics was more than a personal achievement; it represented a significant milestone for Ghana and the broader sports medicine industry.

Chosen by both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the French Local Organising Committee, Dr Ayertey was appointed as one of the few international athlete support delegates, and his role involved crucial responsibilities ranging from team liaison and medical services to overseeing anti-doping measures. 

His appointment not only marked a significant achievement for Ghana but also highlighted the rising influence of African professionals in high-stakes global events and the increasing importance of integrating comprehensive medical expertise into major sporting spectacles.

Roles in Paris

Dr Ayertey's responsibilities were multifaceted—ranging from team liaison and medical services to stringent anti-doping procedures at key venues like the Paris South Arena and the Trocadéro Terraces. 

His work at the Olympic Games involved upholding stringent anti-doping measures, aligning with a broader industry trend towards greater transparency and fairness in sports. 

The role was essential in maintaining the safety and integrity of the event, reflecting a growing trend towards prioritising athlete health at major international competitions.

His specialised training in anti-doping from Clearidium, Denmark, underscored a broader commitment to fairness and integrity in sports, reflecting a movement towards greater transparency.

Currently advancing his expertise at the esteemed Loughborough University, Dr Ayertey shared with the Graphic Business how his Olympic experience has been transformative and a career-defining moment. 

He offered seven key lessons from his journey that resonate beyond the sports arena:

Precision is Power: Whether it’s an athlete crossing the finish line and beating his closest rivals by milliseconds, or a medical test detecting the finest details, the Olympics taught me that in high-stakes environments, precision isn’t just important—it is everything. 

Whether in sports or business, success often hinges on meticulous attention to detail.

Resilience is Universal: From the athletes on the track to the teams behind the scenes, resilience was a constant.

I saw firsthand how people push through pain, adversity and setbacks, proving that the Olympic spirit is not about winning medals, but about overcoming obstacles, both seen and unseen. 

Overcoming challenges and setbacks is a common thread in both sports and business, demonstrating that perseverance is a key ingredient for success.

Collaboration is Key: The opening ceremony was a symphony of coordinated efforts — thousands of people moving as one to create something breathtaking. 

The seamless coordination I observed illustrated the power of teamwork. In business, collaborative efforts can create extraordinary outcomes, proving that collective strength often surpasses individual prowess.

Investment in expertise yields results: Behind every Olympic medallist was a team of experts in the science behind the sport. I witnessed how understanding body morphology, personality types, and niche orientations won medals in specific sports. 

Cutting-edge technology, injury management, and recovery strategies also play crucial roles. Investment in sports science is as vital as investment in talent — talent alone is not enough to win at the Olympics. 

Investing in specialised knowledge and cutting-edge technology are critical elements for achieving success in any field.
 
Multilingual Skills a Game-Changer: At a global event like the Olympic Games, being able to communicate in multiple languages is invaluable. 

Having fluency in French, English and Italian came in handy on many occasions, allowing me to connect with athletes, officials and teams from diverse backgrounds, breaking down barriers and fostering great camaraderie. 

In the global business landscape, multilingual capabilities can foster better relationships and open doors to new opportunities.

Integrity is non-negotiable: Serving in anti-doping roles reinforced the value of fairness and transparency. 

In a world that often glorifies shortcuts, the Olympic Games stand as a powerful reminder that true greatness is achieved with integrity. 

Maintaining integrity is essential in business, as it builds trust and credibility with stakeholders. 

Dream Big, Execute Bigger: Watching the world’s top athletes perform at their peak espoused the idea that sporting dreams are only as powerful as the actions behind them; and when preparation meets opportunity, the extraordinary happens. 

This principle applies directly to business, where turning aspirations into achievements requires both vision and execution. 

Reflecting on his transformative experience, Dr Ayertey expressed his heartfelt gratitude to God, the IOC, the French Organising Committee and his mentors. 

His involvement in the Olympics was not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the boundless potential within each of us, demonstrating that the lessons learned from such a global event can inspire and also serve as a guide for success in the business world.

His Olympic journey offers valuable lessons for the business world. Precision, resilience, collaboration, investment in expertise, multilingualism, integrity and bold execution are principles that resonate across both sports and business.