When I first got into swimming, I was a late bloomer. While most kids started at 8, I started at 13. That five-year gap meant I was the slowest and least skilled member of my team.

But that didn’t matter to my coaches, Andrew Currie and Rob Moretto. They didn’t see a late bloomer. They recognized my work ethic and saw how I could mold what skills I did have. Coach Andrew had me practice with the Elite Group despite the fact their training was far beyond my competency: he knew it would stretch my current capabilities.

As a Corporate Athlete, I see the parallels with my swimming career. Early on, I recognized I needed a coach to push me to a new level of discomfort in pursuit of my goals. I met Judy Brooks in January 2014, and as a mentor and coach, she helped me create a set of tools and the framework that became the key to defining and staying in my purpose. Before I had those tools, I felt like I was operating in the blind.

Any task can be accomplished with the right support, so as a Corporate Athlete, be open to coaching. When I started swimming, I might have been a late bloomer, but with my coaches pushing me, I was able to realize my full potential as an elite swimmer.

What could a good coach help you uncover?

Artwork by: Andrew Currie