Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
Did you know that the majority of women CEOs have this one thing in common?
Melinda French Gates reveals their unexpected link to success: participation in sports.
"The only correlation we can find for female CEOs...they all played sports,” Melinda explains. It’s that quick failing, and then the game moves on."
In sports, you learn to fail fast, get back up, and keep going. This mindset fuels the success of female leaders and encourages ambition. As Melinda puts it, "Of course women should be ambitious. Otherwise, they’re setting their sights too low."
Did you know that the majority of women CEOs have this one thing in common?
Melinda French Gates reveals their unexpected link to success: participation in sports.
"The only correlation we can find for female CEOs...they all played sports,” Melinda explains. It’s that quick failing, and then the game moves on."
In sports, you learn to fail fast, get back up, and keep going. This mindset fuels the success of female leaders and encourages ambition. As Melinda puts it, "Of course women should be ambitious. Otherwise, they’re setting their sights too low."
