### From the Gymnastics Mat to the Trading Floor: How Elite Athletics Forges Top Finance Talent
Meena Lakdawala-Flynn, co-head of Global Private Wealth Management at Goldman Sachs, draws a direct line between her childhood as an elite gymnast and her success in high finance. Training up to 40 hours a week from a young age instilled in her a profound work ethic, grit, and the ability to perform under intense pressure—qualities she says are identically crucial on Wall Street. She notes that the „competitive juices” she first felt in the gym were immediately reactivated on the trading floor, and that the millimeter-level precision required to perfect a gymnastics routine is directly analogous to the precise adjustments made in financial modeling and client strategy.
Goldman Sachs actively recognizes this powerful correlation, systematically recruiting from the ranks of elite athletes. The firm views the dedication, teamwork, and resilience forged in competitive sports as highly transferable and compelling assets in the dynamic world of financial services. This strategy is exemplified by hires like a former NFL star promoted to managing director, and numerous former Division I college athletes who credit their sports background for helping them stand out and advance within the firm’s competitive environment.
However, Lakdawala-Flynn emphasizes that the foundational qualities of top performers are not exclusive to athletics. She argues that an intense devotion to any craft—whether art, academia, or music—can cultivate the same passion, curiosity, and dedication. The key differentiator is the demonstrated capacity to master a discipline through relentless effort and teamwork, a proven predictor of success in client-facing, high-stakes roles.
This perspective is critical for applicants navigating an exceptionally competitive landscape at firms like Goldman Sachs. With the bank accepting less than 1% of the over 360,000 applicants for its recent summer internship program, candidates must find ways to distinguish themselves. Showcasing a proven track record of excellence, whether on the field, in the studio, or in the lab, provides tangible evidence of the perseverance and performance mindset that top financial institutions seek to build their teams.
Ez a cikk a Neural News AI (V1) verziójával készült.
Forrás: https://www.businessinsider.com/goldman-sachs-partner-skills-athletes-career-advice-2025-11.