Later, when asked to give motivational speeches to younger athletes, I created the 5D framework: Disruption, Desire, Discipline, Determination, and Development, based on my experience. This model then formed the basis of the award-winning book, Choosing Change. Each ‘D’ represents not just a phase in the pursuit of excellence but a mindset that can elevate individuals and teams in any domain.

Disruption: embracing conscious choice

Every Olympic journey begins with a moment of disruption – a conscious choice to set aside comfort and stability in pursuit of something extraordinary. It’s the same for entrepreneurs who must take the decision to break away from the status quo, challenge existing paradigms, and step into uncertainty.

As a swimmer, one disruption came when a failure led me to recommit myself to training in a much more intense and focused manner. Disruption often begins with asking: What conscious choice will I make? What bold decision am I avoiding?

Disruption requires courage. It’s about recognising that growth and innovation often demand stepping outside of your comfort zone. Leaders who embrace conscious disruption foster a culture where questioning the norm is not just tolerated but celebrated. It creates space for creativity, innovation, and transformation.

Desire: how badly do you want it?

Desire reflects the passion and energy that you feel: it’s about a deep, intrinsic motivation to commit yourself to your goal, day in and day out. Desire involves asking yourself “How much am I committed to this goal? What sacrifices am I will to make to achieve it?”

Entrepreneurial leaders, too, must connect deeply with their "why." Why does achieving this goal matter? Why should investors or the team buy into this vision? This clarity of purpose drives action, sustains momentum, and inspires others to rally behind a shared vision. Desire isn’t passive – it’s active. It’s about emotional investment. This means not just articulating goals but painting a vivid picture of success that compels people to act.

Discipline: the power of small daily steps

Discipline is where desire meets action. In the world of sports, medals aren’t won on the day of competition – they’re won in the countless early mornings, gruelling sessions, and deliberate choices made when no one is watching. The same holds true for leaders.

Leadership is less about grand gestures and more about small, consistent actions that build trust, shape culture, and drive progress. It involves asking, “What are the daily steps and habits I can put in place that will move me closer to my goal?” When I was competing, this meant constant incremental improvements – shaving milliseconds off my time, perfecting my technique, and maintaining a relentless focus on execution. It is also essential to be disciplined in looking after one’s own wellbeing with rest and recovery vital for high performance.

For entrepreneurs, discipline may mean ensuring adequate rest and recovery so that they can perform at their best under pressure. It’s also about consistently showing up for your colleagues, holding regular check-ins, asking for and giving feedback, and modelling the behaviours you want to see in others. The small, intentional actions taken each day compound over time, creating a ripple effect that propels the culture forward.

Determination: reframing failure and celebrating wins

The road to the Olympics is paved with setbacks– injuries, missed qualifications, and moments of crushing doubt. But the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is determination: the ability to reframe failure and find motivation in small wins. Determination involves asking: How will I deal with setback and recognise small wins?

Entrepreneurial leaders, too, face challenges that can derail progress – failed projects, lack of investment, or unmet targets. Determination lies in the ability to view these as opportunities for learning and growth. Instead of seeing failure as the end of the road, it becomes a stepping stone towards success.

One of the most effective ways to sustain determination is through celebrating small wins. It’s about acknowledging progress – whether it’s hitting a minor milestone, overcoming a challenge, or simply persevering through a tough day. These celebrations reinforce a culture of resilience and keep everyone motivated for the long haul.

Development: learning, growing, and building secure bases

No Olympic finalist reaches the podium alone. Behind every great athlete is a network of secure bases – coaches, teammates, mentors, and family members who provide support, stretch them beyond their limits, and hold them accountable. In business endeavours, these secure bases are equally critical.

Development is about asking, “How can I continually learn and grow and who can help me to be at my best?” This means staying curious, seeking feedback, and embracing challenges as opportunities to improve. It also means surrounding yourself with people who believe in your potential and push you to be better. Secure bases are constructive critics who challenge your thinking, expand your perspective, and help you to unleash your fullest potential.

By modelling a growth mind-shift, entrepreneurs embrace learning and innovation. They foster an environment where feedback is valued, challenges are met with curiosity, and growth is celebrated.

Lessons for entrepreneurial leaders: applying the 5D framework

The 5D framework offers a roadmap for entrepreneurs seeking to elevate their performance and inspire those around them. Here’s how to bring these principles to life in your own leadership journey:

• Embrace disruption: identify the areas where you’ve grown complacent and commit to making conscious choices that challenge the status quo. Ask yourself: What bold action can I take today to spark change?
• Clarify your desire: reflect on your "why" and ensure your goals align with your values and vision. Share this clarity with those around you to inspire collective action.
• Commit to discipline: establish small, daily habits, including rest and recovery, that move you closer to your goals. Consistency is key – leadership isn’t about occasional big gestures; it’s about showing up every day.
• Reframe failure: view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Celebrate small wins to sustain motivation and build momentum.
• Invest in development: prioritise your own growth and seek out secure bases who will both support and challenge you to continuously learn and grow.

The legacy of leadership

The founder of the modern Olympic Movement, Pierre De Coubertin, once said:

“The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part;

the important thing in Life is not triumph, but the struggle;

the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.

To spread these principles is to build up a strong and more valiant

and, above all, more scrupulous and more generous humanity.”

As an Olympic finalist, I learned that the most profound victories aren’t the medals or titles – it’s the transformation that occurs along the way. The journey through disruption, desire, discipline, determination, and development shapes not only the outcomes you achieve but, more importantly, the person you become.

By embracing the 5D framework, you can unleash your own potential and empower those around you to reach new heights. Whether in business, in the pool, or in life, the principles that drive Olympic success are the same principles that create extraordinary growth, learning and development. How might you use this 5D framework in your entrepreneurial journey?