How women in franchising can be inspired by women at the Olympics. 

The Olympic Games showcases athletes’ dedication, resilience, and pursuit of excellence. None more so than female competitors, who stand as symbols for empowerment.  

The first games to allow women to compete, were the 1900 Games in Paris. Out of a total 997 athletes, only 22 were women! And they competed in just five sports: tennis, sailing, croquet, equestrianism, and golf. 

We’re often inspired by stories of those who overcome obstacles, break records, and compete on the global stage – especially if they’re also dealing with everyday challenges and barriers women often have. For women in franchising these amazing athletes can offer valuable lessons in leadership, perseverance, and ambition. 

Perseverance through challenges 

Women in franchising, like Olympic athletes, train for years in their fields to be successful, overcoming setbacks and making personal sacrifices to achieve their goals. Building a franchise business and becoming a franchisee or franchisor, comes with challenges like finding and securing funding, navigating industries which can be male-dominated, or juggling other commitments such as caring for a loved one, running a home, or parenting (we know these tasks fall disproportionately on women’s shoulders). So, when it comes to the women who push through their challenges, move forward and keep going even when the journey is tough, we can’t help but be inspired. 

Breaking Barriers 

In learning lessons from women like Simone Biles. She redefined gymnastic standards and publicly advocates for mental health, after she’d taken two years away the sport to work on hers. Egypt’s fencer Nada Hafez and Azerbaijani archer Yaylagul Ramazanova both competed pregnant, breaking barriers for women and pushing the boundaries of what is expected for women who are pregnant. Meanwhile, Rose Harvey, a Team GB marathon runner, completed the gruelling event at the Paris Olympics in under three hours –despite sustaining a broken leg in the race. “It was really tough, I’m not sure how I did it,” she said when she’d finished. In this, she highlighted how she’d gained “grit and resilience” from her training, and how both her friends and family who’d travelled to France combined with the “incredible crowds” helped her finish the race. 

Leadership and Teamwork 

In many Olympic sports teamwork, leadership, and collaboration are crucial for success. Leading a business is also about teamwork, leadership, and collaboration. Women in franchising apply these skills in their businesses and personal lives to manage their teams, create a positive environment within their business or networks, and to encourage and inspire others. The benefit of this, in your individual business, is a healthier team who are more engaged and motivated, and love what they do.  Just as we can be inspired by the amazing athletes who competed in the Olympics, we can all inspire the next generation of women and girls to pursue their dreams, whether it’s within sports, or in building a business.  

One thing about our EWiF community is we are all so encouraging of one another. By sharing our stories, mentoring and advocating for women, we can inspire the next generation – and each other – to break barriers and reach new heights.  

Learn more about free EWiF mentoring, or become a member by completing this form.