What the Lionesses Taught Us About Leadership

Benji and I at Stamford Bridge

As a big fan of the Chelsea Women’s team, my son Benji and I have had the incredible opportunity on several occasions to visit Stamford Bridge and see them play. It’s always been a fantastic experience, both in terms of the football we got to watch and the atmosphere at the ground. This summer, we didn’t make it out to Switzerland to see the Lionesses play in person, but we did cheer them on from the sofa at home.

There are often parallels to be drawn between the sporting world and the corporate one, so I thought I’d share a few thoughts about the leadership lessons I took from the Lionesses’ journey to another spectacular Euro victory.  When they lifted that trophy, they sparked a national moment that resonated deeply with all of us – fans and non-fans alike. They inspired a generation, and they reminded all of us what powerful, values-led leadership really looks like.

This journey hasn’t just been about the football; it’s been one of grit, purpose and teamwork, wrapped up in a sense of calm confidence an

d composure in the face of massive pressure. In both sport and business, we often witness moments of victory that seem effortlessly achieved, but most big success stories are also marked by setbacks and hard-fought challenges that have been overcome along the way. The route to Euro triumph was no exception. The courage and resilience the Lionesses showed us throughout the tournament was a fantastic lesson in the importance of digging deep and leaning into our values, especially when the odds are stacked against us.

Under the guidance of Coach Sarina Wiegman, the team exemplified not just exceptional skill but also vision. The focus was never on individual egos but rather on the collective effort, the shared goal, and the steadfast belief that together they could do it.

Under the guidance of Coach Sarina Wiegman, the team exemplified not just exceptional skill but also vision. The focus was never on individual egos but rather on the collective effort, the shared goal, and the steadfast belief that together they could do it.

Many of the Lionesses faced years of being told “no.” They trained in boys' teams, played in half-empty stadiums (amazingly this is often still the case), and often juggled second jobs to fund their passion for the game. Yet, despite these challenges, they persevered. When they finally seized their moment, they rose to the occasion, embodying resilience that many women in leadership roles can relate to. Their story reflects the struggles of all those who push through resistance, break societal norms, and show what’s possible when we lead with integrity and determination.

So, what lessons can we take from their journey? Whatever role we’re in, whatever stage we’re at in our career, this victory serves as a great reminder that leadership is fundamentally a mindset. 

We lead most effectively when we:

✅ Focus on the collective rather than the individual  

✅ Use adversity as a source of fuel  

✅ Lead with a balance of strength and empathy  

✅ Create space for others to rise alongside us  

The Lionesses modelled the kind of leadership that we all need more of, both on and off the pitch. For every girl and woman watching them play, they conveyed a powerful message: You belong here, you are capable, and you have the potential to lead in your very own unique way.