Consider the relentless years of training and unwavering dedication it takes to secure a spot in the Olympics.
Then consider the fact that these elite athletes often retire by their late 20s, leaving them with decades of their professional lives still ahead. At this unique crossroads, many Olympians channel their exceptional skills, leadership abilities, and tenacity into new ventures.
NU Advisory Partners compiled a list of 10+ remarkable Olympians turned business leaders who have seamlessly transitioned from the world of sports to the business arena. Their drive, ambition, and success — both in sports and business — serve as an inspiration.
Olympians Winning Gold as Business Leaders in 2024
Simon Arkell OLY, CEO & Co-Founder at Ryght
Simon Arkell is CEO & Co-Founder of Ryght, a venture-backed generative AI platform for the biopharma industry. He serves on the boards of Lucem Health and UneeQ and has co-founded several successful venture-backed companies. A two-time Olympic pole vaulter, Simon also founded “Olympians in Business,” which helps athletes transition from sports to the “real world” of business and career.
Jeremy Bloom, CEO & Co-Founder at Integrate
Jeremy Bloom is CEO & Co-Founder of Integrate, a private-equity-backed software company that powers demand marketing for brands like Microsoft, Adobe, and SFDC. He also founded Wish of a Lifetime, an organization that helps grant life-changing wishes to older adults. A two-time Winter Olympian and world champion freestyle skier, Jeremy is renowned for his dual-sport career in skiing and the NFL.
Caryn Davies, OLY, Founder at Podium Law
Caryn Davies is the founder of Podium Law, where she helps entrepreneurs and investors through critical business moments. She’s also a motivational speaker and corporate coach, working with teams to achieve peak performance. With experience representing VCs, fund managers, and major corporations, Caryn brings a wealth of legal expertise and strategic insight to her clients. She is also a three-time Olympic medalist in rowing.
Brendon Dedekind, Principal, Florida Market Leader at Trammell Crow Company
Brendon Dedekind is the Market Leader and Principal for Trammell Crow Company’s Orlando office, overseeing development throughout Florida. He was formerly a Vice President at Prologis, a logistics real estate company, where he managed $2 billion in real estate assets. A two-time Olympic swimmer for South Africa, Brendon is also an active board member for the Florida Chapter of NAIOP and served as its Central Florida Chapter President in 2019.
Dame Kelly Holmes, Founder at Military in Motion
Dame Kelly Holmes is the founder of Military in Motion, a fitness and motivation platform. She set and still holds British records in the 800m and 1000m. With seven Gold, eight Silver, and four Bronze medals, she won the 800m and 1500m at the 2004 Athens Olympics. A former British Army Physical Training Instructor, Dame also founded the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, helping disadvantaged youth.
Michael Johnson, Founder & CEO at Michael Johnson Performance
Michael Johnson is the Founder & CEO of Michael Johnson Performance, offering training for youth, college, and professional athletes. A 12-time Olympic and World Champion, he also serves as a television commentator and documentary presenter at the BBC. Michael is a Board Director at LA28, the organizing committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Shawn Johnson, Brand Strategy at Family Made
Shawn Johnson manages brand strategy at Family Made, an influential lifestyle brand. Alongside her husband, Andrew East, a former NFL player, she also creates content for their popular YouTube channel, Shawn & Andrew, which has 1.68 million subscribers and over 600 videos. Shawn is a celebrated gymnast, winning four Olympic medals, including a gold on the balance beam and three silvers at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Charles D Smith, OLY, CEO at Urban Icon International
Charles D Smith is the Founder and CEO of Urban Icon International, a company that works with selected governments and civic leaders around the world to design custom sports and entertainment communities. A former NBA player and US Olympian, Charles is also a partner at Black Pearl Investments. With 25 years of entrepreneurial success, he serves on the Family Office Association board and previously on St. Francis College’s Board of Trustees.
Lindsay Tarpley, Co-Founder at N-LITE
Lindsay Tarpley, Co-Founder of N-LITE, is a 2x Olympic Gold Medalist and former US Women’s National Team soccer player. She also co-founded Snow Tarpley Strategies and Hustle Beauty, and is an inspiring keynote speaker. Lindsay’s remarkable career includes scoring 32 goals in 125 international appearances and capturing Gold in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. Leveraging her extensive experience, Lindsay provides valuable insights into leadership, teamwork, and resilience through her speaking engagements and entrepreneurial ventures.
Lindsay Vonn, Founder & President of The Lindsey Vonn Foundation
Lindsey Vonn is the Founder and President of the Lindsey Vonn Foundation, which empowers underserved girls through scholarships and programs. She’s also the Founder and President of Après Productions, Co-Owner and Designer at Yniq Eyewear, an advisor at Avenue Capital Group, and an investor in multiple ventures. Lindsey competed in four Olympic Games (2002, 2006, 2010, and 2018), with her most notable success at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, winning gold in downhill and bronze in super-G.
Tyler Winklevoss, Co-Founder & CEO at Gemini
Tyler Winklevoss is the Co-Founder and CEO of Gemini, a leading cryptocurrency exchange. He’s also a Co-Founder and Partner at Winklevoss Capital, which has invested in companies like Kindbody, AngelList, and Betterview. Tyler competed as a rower for the US team in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He holds a BA from Harvard and an MBA from Oxford.
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