What’s The Biggest Factor in Success?

Stef Reid competing in the long jump at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games

What’s the biggest factor in success?

My heart 💗 wants to say talent, grit, and resilience.

But my head says it's how well you're resourced 💰 .

It's no coincidence that the two favourites for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup - England and New Zealand - offer their players full-time contracts with salaries.

Canada, the "dark moose" of the tournament (yes, Canadian media really went there!) breaks the mold. The second ranked team in the world does not have central contracts. But thanks to crowd funding, they raised $1 million to support their bid to win - they knew that no matter how strong their skill set, money would impact their ability to prepare.

It wouldn't have mattered if I was the grittiest, hardest working, most talented amputee athlete in the world. Without a blade, world-class coaching, facilities to train, or the money to buy a plane ticket to the World Championships, I wouldn’t have stood a chance.

The lesson:

Opportunity requires investment.

So be brave and take a look at your time ⏳ and your spending 💳 . Is there a way to increase the investment in yourself and the people you lead?