Five Business Lessons from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

While the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and my #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 are now history, there are many take-away business lessons from this exciting international event. I'd like to share five.

SHARE THIS: The Olympic Games have the power to unite us because we can all find something we can relate to in each athlete’s story, whether it’s a story of success or of disappointment. –Tatjana Schoenmaker #WinterOlympicGames #DebbieLaskeysBlog

PLANNING

According to Wikipedia, "The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially the XXV Winter Olympic Games and commonly known as Milano Cortina 2026, were an international multi-sport event that took place from 6 to 22 February 2026 at multiple sites across Lombardy and Northeast Italy, with competition in selected events beginning 4 February 2026. The 2026 Games featured the debut of ski mountaineering as a Winter Olympic event, and they were the first Olympic Games under the International Olympic Committee (IOC) presidency of Kirsty Coventry.

A joint bid by Milano and Cortina d'Ampezzo was awarded the 2026 Winter Olympics at the 134th IOC Session on 24 June 2019 (and planning began soon after). Milano Cortina 2026 was the first Olympic Games to be officially co-hosted by two cities. Milan primarily hosted the ice events, while the remaining events were hosted in clusters around Cortina, Livigno, and Fiemme. These marked the third Winter Olympics, and the fourth Olympics overall, hosted by Italy; Cortina d'Ampezzo previously hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics.

Norway finished at the top of the medal table for the fourth successive Winter Olympics with 18 gold and 41 medals overall, setting a new record for the largest number of gold and total medals won at a single Winter Olympics. The United States finished second with 12 gold and 33 medals overall. The Netherlands finished third with 10 gold and 20 medals overall, making this its most successful Winter Olympics in terms of gold medals. Host nation Italy finished fourth with 10 gold and 30 medals overall, setting a new record for number of medals won. Brazil won the first medal and first gold medal in their Winter Olympics history."

The Games had the highest percentage of women's participation in Winter Olympics history, although the Nordic combined event remained as the only Winter Olympic sport in which only men compete. There were 92 nations participating; 116 events in 8 sports; and 2,871 total athletes broken down into 1,533 men and 1,338 women.

A take-away for businesses is, when tasked with a large project, spend the time to learn all the facts, assemble a talented and enthusiastic team with many areas of expertise, and above all, don't be afraid to think outside the box to create an incredible result.

COURTESY

Athletes demonstrated courtesy toward one another. And IOC President Kirsty Coventry demonstrated courtesy when in discussion with Ukrainian skeleton pilot Vladyslav Heraskevych, who wished to wear a customized helmet during competition that commemorated fellow Ukrainian athletes who had lost their lives since the Russian invasion first began - despite the fact that a mutually-agreeable ending could not be reached and Heraskevych was eventually disqualified from competing.

A take-away for businesses is to always demonstrate courtesy toward employees and customers and to also acknowledge errors in judgment when they occur.

TEAMWORK

While athletes competed in both individual and team competitions, they all represented their countries, for example, TEAM USA represented the United States.

A take-away for businesses is to explain the importance of teamwork in onboarding activities, on-going training, and the creation and maintenance of a positive corporate culture.

And to quote American Olympian Chloé Dygert, an American professional racing cyclist who has won seven gold medals at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships and three medals (one silver and two bronze) at the Olympic Games, "The team BEHIND the team is everybody."

COMMUNICATION

Since 92 countries were represented, how did athletes and fans communicate? There are two official languages for all IOC proceedings, however, the host language, in this case, Italian, was used for local operations, signage, and announcements. Also, some sports have universally-understood words or phrases.

A take-away for businesses is to avoid industry lingo when possible. It's important to present information in as clear a manner as possible to employees, customers, and fans.

RECOGNITION

Exceptional athletes received medals (gold, silver, and bronze), and during the medal ceremonies, the three top winners stood on podiums and listened to the national Anthem of the gold medalist. While some athletes who were favored to win gold medals didn't win (although, what's wrong with winning silver or bronze medals at the Olympics?), no one will soon forget American (and fellow Californian) figure skater Alysa Liu's amazing Olympic gold medal performance!

A take-away for businesses is to recognize the quality work product of employees on a regular basis and also create unique ways to showcase special employees and/or their successes.

What other business lessons did you learn from the Olympics? Chime in and share.

Image Credits: International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Sharing Highlights as the Two Cauldrons Are Extinguished at the 2026 Winter Olympics!

The last two weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement in Italy and also around the world as fans of the Olympic Games watched on television (and other devices) and rooted for their countries' athletes. Yesterday, I shared a recap of my Olympics Leadership Series that took place each day during the last two weeks, and today, I'm sharing my recap of the actual event.

You may not recall everything that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry said during her Opening Ceremony speech, so here are the highlights:

"My fellow Olympians, over the next two weeks, you’re going to give us something truly special. You’ll show us what it means to be human. To dream. To overcome. To respect one another. To care for each other. This is why we all love the Olympic Games. Because through you, we see the very best of ourselves. You remind us that we can be brave. That we can be kind. And that we can get back up, no matter how hard we fall. When we see an athlete stumble and find the strength to rise, we are reminded that we can do the same. When we see rivals embrace at the end of a finish line, we are reminded that we can choose respect. When we see grace, courage and friendship – we remember the kind of people we all want to be. 

The spirit of the Olympic Games is about so much more than sport. It is about us – and what makes us human. In Africa, where I’m from, we have a word: ubuntu. It means: I am because we are. That we can only rise by lifting others. That our strength comes from caring for each other. No matter where you come from, we all know this spirit – it lives and breathes in every community. I see this spirit most clearly at the Olympic Games. Here, athletes from every corner of our world compete fiercely – but also respect, support and inspire one another. They remind us that we are all connected, that our strength comes from how we treat each other, and that the best of humanity is found in courage, compassion and kindness. 

So let these Games be a celebration of what unites us – of everything that makes us human. This is the magic of the Olympic Games: inspiring us all to be the best that we can be – together. We cannot wait to watch you, to cheer for you, to be inspired by you. To see your courage. Your strength. To see the best of humanity shine before the world. Let your flame spark hope, let it ignite joy and light the way for all of us."

SHARE THIS: Team USA featured 232 athletes, the largest Winter Olympics delegation in Team USA history. #FunFact #WinterOlympics #DebbieLaskeysBlog

And now, for my highlight reel...

OPENING CEREMONY

I thought no one could rival the magnificence of Celina Dion singing high atop the Eiffel Tower during the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, but Andrea Bocelli certainly did!

According to Liz Calvario of Today, "Andrea Bocelli, described as "a symbol of Italian excellence," inspired with an emotional performance at the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics. Following an inspiring video montage of the weeks leading to the opening ceremony as the Olympic flame made its way across the world and now to Italy, the iconic tenor and singer made his appearance on stage. He sang "Nessun Dorma" from Giacomo Puccini’s opera "Turandot." The performance was inspired by the concept of harmony and was produced by Balich Wonder Studio. As Bocelli sang, the torch arrived and the bearers made their way to light the cauldron in Milan."

And according to That Eric Alper, "The performance served as a powerful reminder of how music can be a shared language, echoing the athletes' journeys and stories...Bocelli made his Olympic debut at the Closing Ceremony of the Torino 2006 Winter Games, remaining a key figure for the Italian Olympic Games two-decades later. Music emerges as a universal language in this year's program, celebrating unity through diversity for a truly shared experience, becoming an integral part of the story that unites sport, art, and culture, in the spirit of the Olympic values of dialogue and sharing."

TWO HOST CITIES & TWO CAULDRONS

This was also the first Olympics with dual host cities, the northern city of Milan and the town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, about a five-hour drive to the northeast in the Alps. Therefore, there were two cauldrons. Their design was inspired by the sun as a source of light and energy, as well as knot patterns from the drawings of Leonardo da Vinci, who lived in Milan from 1483 to 1499. According to the Olympic website, "These are geometric interlacings that symbolize the harmony between nature and human ingenuity...bearing witness to the continuity of time and the natural alternation between day and night."

MASCOTS

According to the Olympic website, "Olympic mascots have been a key part of the Games since 1968. They’re tasked with giving concrete form to the Olympic spirit, spreading the values highlighted at each edition of the Games; promoting the history and culture of the host city; and giving the event a festive atmosphere."

So, who were the mascots from Milan and Cortina? According to NPR, "For decades, each Olympic and Paralympic Games has been represented by a mascot of some sort, with varying receptions from the public. Taking up the mantle for 2026 are Milo and Tina, a pair of scarf-wearing sibling stoats — or, as they're called in the United States, short-tailed weasels. The two are named after the Winter Games' two host cities, Milan (Milano) and Cortina d'Ampezzo, and are described by organizers as the "first openly Gen Z mascots." Tina, the Olympics mascot, is cream-colored with a brown-tipped tail. She is described as a "creative, down-to-earth type who lives in the city and loves to experience shows and concerts" and is "in awe of the power of beauty and its ability to transform." Milo, the Paralympics mascot, is brown with a white tummy. He lives in the mountains and loves to play practical jokes, frolic in the snow and invent musical instruments in his spare time, organizers say. He was born without a paw, but learned to walk using his tail.

For these Games, it all started with Italian schoolkids. As part of the creation process, Italy's Ministry of Education invited primary and secondary school students to submit ideas for the mascots — and got over 1,600 entries. It polled the public on its two shortlisted ideas: a pair of flowers (an edelweiss and a snowdrop) on a journey from the mountain to the city, courtesy of students in Lombardy; and the sporty stoats with Olympic dreams, courtesy of students in the Calabria region. Milo and Tina were officially unveiled to the public in February 2024, nearly two years to the day before the Olympics opening ceremony in Milan."

MEDALS

According to CNN, "Athletes on the podium at the Winter Olympics in Italy were awarded the most expensive medals in the history of the Games, thanks to soaring precious metals prices. More than 700 gold, silver and bronze medals were presented to the world’s top winter sports athletes taking part in events from skiing and ice hockey to figure skating and curling. And while the sentimental value is immeasurable, in pure cash terms, those medals will be worth more than ever before. Since the Olympic Games in Paris in July 2024, the spot prices of gold and silver have skyrocketed some 107 percent and 200 percent, respectively, according to FactSet data. Those eye-popping gains mean that, based on the metals prices alone, gold medals are now worth around $2,300, more than double their value at the Paris Olympics. Second-place silver medals are worth almost $1,400, or three times their value two years ago."

Let's take a moment to congratulate NORWAY for finishing at the top of the medal table, the 11th time (in 25 Olympics). Norway has won over 148 gold medals and 405 total medals. The country's most successful sports are cross-country skiing and speed skating - which account for over half of their medals.

SHARE THIS: Olympic gold medals have not been made from pure gold since the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden. ~Baldwin's in London #FunFact #WinterOlympics #DebbieLaskeysBlog

BONUSES FOR WINNING MEDALS 

Forbes reported, "Ahead of the Winter Olympics, the Italian National Olympic Committee committed to paying a cash bonus to any of the country's athletes who won a medal: roughly $213,000 for gold, $106,000 for silver, and $71,000 for bronze (converted to U.S. dollars at the exchange rate at the start of the Olympics). Those rewards were generous—among the 37 delegations confirming the payout of a bonus, only Singapore, Hong Kong, Poland, and Kazakhstan had plans for larger prizes.

However, Singapore (offering roughly $787,000 for gold in an individual sport) and Hong Kong ($768,000) were shut out of the medal table, as they have been at every previous edition of the Winter Games, and Kazakhstan ($250,000) had a single top-three performance: Mikhail Shaidorov’s victory in men’s figure skating over the heavily favored American Ilia Malinin. Poland, pledging a combined $355,000 for individual gold from its Olympic committee and the national government, fared better, with a total of four medals in ski jumping and speedskating. And there are more perks promised to Polish gold medalists that include a Toyota Corolla, a furnished two-room apartment, a painting, a vacation voucher, and jewelry worth up to about $800.

The U.S. has the next-highest bill for any delegation that confirmed its financial awards to Forbes, at more than $3 million, even though the figures per medal are much lower, at $37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze. One new perk for Team USA: Thanks to a $100 million donation from Stone Ridge Holdings Group founder Ross Stevens, each U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athlete will receive $100,000 toward retirement, regardless of their results at the Games, and their families will receive an additional $100,000 after they die.

Norway, a perennial powerhouse at the Winter Games, will shell out $513,000, but that number actually undersells its Olympic commitment. The nation will continue to pay that sum each year, with each Norwegian medalist eligible for an annual stipend worth about $17,000.

New Zealand will award the smallest amount - $3,000 - to an individual athlete for a gold medal. In all, 13 countries and territories are pledging to fork over at least $100,000 to any individual gold medalist. (Three other delegations—Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Romania—said the exact amounts of one-time payments had yet to be determined, and Luxembourg said it was keeping its bonus arrangements confidential.)

Not every nation makes medal bonuses available. Ireland and Great Britain, for instance, provide grants and training stipends to their elite athletes but don't offer additional pay directly tied to their Olympic performance."

DRONE TECHNOLOGY

According to The New York Times, "Drones have been used at the Olympics since the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, but have become increasingly common as the technology improves and sports audiences grow more used to up-close action. In these Games, drones are being called on to do more than ever before. Ralph Hogenbirk, a founder of the company Dutch Drone Gods, which has a background in professional drone racing, said that pilots of the drones had made sure the athletes were comfortable with them before the Games began." And according to NBC, "The Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) is deploying a fleet of high-tech devices in Italy this year as first-person-view (FPV) drones have been incorporated into live coverage to offer unique angles to viewers watching these Games from home." 

IOC sports director Pierre Ducrey told Reuters. “We strive to offer the best viewing experience whether in the stadium or outside.”

OLYMPIC PIN TRADING

The Athletic reported, "The origins of pin trading go back to 1896, at the inaugural Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Credentials could not be printed with a photograph back then, so the pin was the official accreditation to identify officials and athletes. They began as wooden badges before evolving into pins at the London 1908 Games. The first pins were traded at the 1924 Paris Olympics, and the frenzy never died. For Greg Denardo, the Olympics have a personal connection. His grandfather, Renato Gardini, competed at the 1912 Stockholm Games for Italy in wrestling. Denardo, who is from Orlando, Florida, is attending his 13th Olympics; his first was the 1980 Winter Games in Lake Placid. His collection is close to 15,000. He has several luge pins because he was a luge judge at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games...According to a press release by Warner Bros., over 15,000 fans will have entered the pin trading center by the time the Olympics conclude, with over 1,200 pins sold each day. Trading pins embodies the Olympic spirit of bringing people from around the world together, and Nicholas Wolaver, a board member of the International Society of Olympic Historians and one of the collectors at the trading center, believes the success of Milan’s trading center will lead to even bigger operations for Los Angeles 2028, the first Summer Olympics in the U.S. since Atlanta."

UKRAINIAN ATHLETE'S DISQUALIFICATION

According to the Oakland Post, "The Ukrainian skeleton pilot Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the Games, for he wished to compete wearing a custom helmet that commemorated fellow Ukrainian athletes who had lost their lives since the Russian invasion first began. The request for a reprieve from political opinions during the Olympic Games has been a famous argument as to whether or not it is correct for athletes to use the stage that they earn as a moment to protest or not." Heraskevych was told that he could wear a black armband while competing and then wear the helmet, but he would not budge. If he could not wear the custom helmet, he did not want to compete. So, despite a one-on-one meeting with IOC President Kirsty Coventry, Heraskevych did not compete.

MORE DISQUALIFICATIONS

Did you see that three skiers were disqualified, two athletes from South Korea and one from Japan? They are the first known offenders of a new rule that bans the use of ski wax that contains "forever chemicals," that while, they have moisture-wicking properties that can help skis and snowboards go faster in the snow, they also can cause damage to the environment and the human body, especially the liver and immune system.

According to The New York Times, "PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of chemicals that have a special bond of carbon and fluorine atoms, making them strong and resistant to water, dirt, heat, and oil. For that reason, they're used in everyday items as varied as microwave popcorn bags, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant carpets, cosmetics, dental floss, nonstick frying pans - and ski wax."

ABSENCE OF WOMEN'S NORDIC COMBINED

According to BBC, "Nordic combined - a combination of cross-country skiing and ski jumping - is the only Olympic discipline in which women cannot compete. The event has been a feature of the Winter Olympics since the first edition in Chamonix in 1924 but has only ever been open to men, despite there being women's World Cup and World Championship events. The IOC says the event is "in question overall" and that it is not a discussion about women but about the sport as a whole, citing low participation across different countries and a lack of viewership. This year 36 athletes are taking part in the men's event in Italy, down from 55 at Beijing 2022. The IOC also says Milan-Cortina is the most gender-equal Winter Games with 47 percent of the athletes women, while 50 of the 116 events are for females."

Billy Demong, a five-time Olympian in Nordic combined told the Associated Press the decision not to include the women's event in Italy is a "travesty and one of the biggest moves against gender equity in the Olympic movement in history."

CURLING CONTROVERSY

NPR explained, "In curling, players slide heavy granite rocks down sheets of ice. They must release the rock before a line drawn in the ice, the "hog line," or the stone is disqualified and taken out of play." While not as popular as ice dancing or speed skating, it draws fans due to its oddity.

The BBC reported, "A scandal at the Winter Olympics has left the Canadian curling teams on the defensive and Canadians reeling over the crack in their country's polite persona. Canadian curler Marc Kennedy had an expletive-filled outburst after Sweden accused him of cheating during a match, and later said his team might be the target of a "premeditated" attack by their rivals. Kennedy was accused of double-touching the curling stone, by making contact with the granite part of the stone with his finger after releasing it down the ice. The next day, Canadian women's captain Rachel Homan was accused of the same thing. Both have denied the accusations, but Canada's curling teams, who historically have dominated the sport, now face questions over their tactics. However, one of the curling instructors, Ankara Leonard, said the publicity could be good for the sport by generating interest."

NPR added, "Curling officials, who are stationed at either end of the sheet, say they didn't see the violations so they couldn't call it...After meeting with curling officials from different countries, World Curling said umpires would remain available to observe throws, but would only do so "at the request of the competing teams." It may have been disruptive to curlers to change the rules in the midst of the Olympics. Curlers anticipate debates and rule changes to come, such as whether video replays should be used to assist rulings, and what penalties curlers who break the rules incur."

CHALLENGES FOR MOM ATHLETES

According to The 19th, "Women have been competing in the Olympics since 1900 when they were first granted access to participate, but it’s taken decades for pregnancy and parenthood to be acknowledged as a natural part of an elite athlete’s path — and policy still hasn’t caught up...The children and families of athletes have historically not been allowed in the Olympic Village. Athletes who stay in the Olympic Village typically have their room and board covered; those who want to bring their kids along need to make — and pay for — other arrangements for housing accommodations and child care.

During the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, for the first time in history, a nursery arrangement was set up where parent athletes could visit with their children in the “nappy/diaper-wearing age.” There was also dedicated private space for breastfeeding.

For the 2026 Winter Olympics, there will be even fewer options for athlete parents. There will be no designated family space during The Games. A spokesperson from the International Olympic Committee confirmed that there will also be no permanent breastfeeding facilities within the Olympic Villages, but “a certain number of bookable spaces will be made available in each Village, which may be used for breastfeeding, among other purposes.” 

These spaces matter a great deal for Olympic athletes because many are inclined to bring children along, rather than be separated for weeks, or in some cases, months. For breastfeeding mothers in particular, these spaces are not a luxury but a necessity.

Women’s participation in the Olympics has been steadily increasing over the decades, but it wasn’t until the 2024 Paris Olympics that it achieved gender parity among athletes.

While it’s not uncommon for men to have both professional athletic careers and children, it is a much harder road for women who must pause their training and competition schedule to have children. According to an ongoing survey about the motherhood penalty in sports, conducted by For All Mothers+ and Carleton University’s Health & Wellness Equity Research Group, 73 percent of mom athletes experienced a decrease, termination, or pause in funding related to pregnancy or motherhood, and 72 percent of respondents reported needing additional income or employment outside of their sport to support their family. The key goal for gathering this data is to influence policy changes more broadly across the sports industry. There are biases with the motherhood penalty that all are looking to shift."

It’s bigger than sports though, according to Olympic medalist and mother of three, Alysia Montano, who'd like to see the narrative change for all mothers in all industries, "The podium moments for athlete mothers are podium moments for all mothers."

SUSTAINABILITY

According to CNN, "Already in the Dolomites, thousands of tourists regularly gather for selfies at lakes and viewpoints made famous by social media. Roads are choked up with cars...With our mountains already under stress from tourism and the rising temperatures of climate change, now is not the time for more construction, more development, more artificial snow, more hotels that these Winter Olympics bring."

CURLING STONES HAIL FROM SCOTLAND

According to the National Museums Scotland, "Curling is a sport native to Scotland, that can be traced back to medieval times. Today, the game involves two teams taking turns to slide heavy, polished granite rocks (called stones) across ice toward a circular target. But where do the stones used in the game come from? Curling involves sliding stones that weigh around 18 kilograms across the ice towards a target, with the aim of getting your team's stones closer to the centre than your opponents'...All of the curling stones used throughout the Olympic competition are quarried on a small, uninhabited island in the Firth of Clyde called Ailsa Craig. The rock on Ailsa Craig, 16 kilometres west of Girvan, is a kind of granite. It has been recognised as an excellent material for making curling stones since the nineteenth century."

FUTURE OF ATHLETES' VILLAGE

According to Google, "The 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Village in Porta Romana is designed as a sustainable, permanent legacy, set to be converted into Italy's largest student housing complex for 1,700+ students after the Games, which will address a critical shortage of student beds in Milan. The site, featuring six new buildings and renovated historic structures, will include public green spaces, shops, cafes, and restaurants, transforming a former railway yard into a new, eco-friendly residential neighborhood. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the Village is a LEED Gold certified development that uses mass timber, low-carbon facades, and solar-powered energy, functioning as a "Nearly Zero Energy" neighborhood. And in Cortina, temporary modular homes will be repurposed for tourism (specifically a hockey club)."

PIEROGI PLUSH FROM TEAM POLAND

MSN reported, "Move over, Tina and Milo. Team Poland's pierogi plushie may have stolen the show at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The dumpling plush has been held up by many of Team Poland's Olympians, which they call "pieroguszki." That translates to "little pierogi" in English, according to NBC Olympics.

It's often been spotted in figure skating's Kiss and Cry zone. Figure skater Ioulia Chtchetinina has seen holding up the dumpling and beaming in several instances throughout the Games. The stuffie of stuffed pasta has gotten so popular among Olympics viewers that a Michelin Guide pierogi restaurant in Brooklyn, New York, that sells the plushies has been inundated with requests. Plushie versions of Tina and Milo, the official mascots of the Milan Cortina Olympics, were given to medalists at the Games. Perhaps stuffed pasta plushies could be considered next time."

COBRANDING, SPONSORS, AND PARTNERS

Did you notice all the brands at the Olympics? Companies who sponsored the Olympics included NBC, Hershey, Coca-Cola, Airbnb, Alibaba, Samsung, VISA, Deloitte, P&G, and Allianz. Other partners included Michelob ULTRA (alcohol-free), Lilly (health), and Technogym. Luxury brands Prada, Gucci, and Fendi were also heavily involved in the 2026 Games. As far as apparel and uniforms, the following brands were featured Ralph Lauren (USA), Lululemon (Canada), EA7 Emporio Armani (Italy), Uniqlo (Sweden), and Skims. And the official tech brand was Omega (for timing).

MEMORABLE SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

So many brands shared memorable graphics and messages during the Olympics, here are some from Twitter/X:

* Hershey's, an official sponsor of Team USA, shared a post featuring its Hershey's Kisses dressed in red, white, and blue with gold medals

* Sesame Street featured many of its characters with the message, "Ciao from Milano! We are so excited to be here at the #WinterOlympics!

* Sesame Street also featured Cookie Monster with the message, "Cookie Monster's living his best dolce vita in Milan with his friends."

* American Bird Conservancy shared a photo of Olympic gold medalist ice skater Alysa Liu plus a photo of a bird with the message, "We aren't saying Alysa Liu "stole the look" from the White-crowned sparrow, but we aren't not saying it either, Congrats on an epic win! Learn how to help birds on and off the ice on our blog." (Liu's outfit matched the color of the bird)

* Major League Baseball (MLB) shared a post featuring Alysa Liu throwing out a first pitch by first doing a move from her skating routine with the message, "This first pitch, good as gold."

* BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) shared a post with the message, "Congrats to BART rider and Oakland legend Alysa Liu on winning a gold medal at the Olympics and making the Bay Area proud."

* Empire State Building shared a post featuring Alysa Liu jumping on the medal platform with the message, "This is how I wake up every morning."

* Encyclopaedia Britannica shared an infographic entitled, "Guide to Curling" with the message, "Here's everything you need to know to become an expert in the wild and wonderful world of curling."

And have you heard about the Olympic Truce? This ancient Greek tradition of halting all conflicts for the duration of the Games was revived in 1992. Member states of the United Nations are asked to observe a truce from seven days before the Opening Ceremony to seven days after the Paralympic Closing Ceremony.

And how about the "Photographer's Bite?" While it appears athletes are checking if their medals are solid gold, the tradition of biting medals is primarily driven by photographers. Historically, biting gold was a way to test its authenticity, as pure gold is soft enough to show indentations. The last solid gold medals were awarded in 1904; today’s gold medals are mostly silver with a thin gold plating.

With the 2026 Winter Olympics now in the history book, it's time to look ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics. How will LA compete with the last two unique Opening Ceremonies (Paris - parade of athletes in boats along the Seine and Milan/Cortina with two cities simultaneously featuring the parade of athletes)? And let's not forget the surprising arrival of James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Queen Elizabeth at the 2012 Summer London Olympics! 

What will Los Angeles do differently since it will be the third time as host (previously hosted in 1932 and 1984)? How will Los Angeles amaze with the lighting of the Olympic flame (that can rival the balloon atop Paris)? How will Los Angeles keep the world's attention when events will take place in other cities around the United States? Note, softball and canoe slalom will take place 1,300 miles from Los Angeles in Oklahoma - and other cities were recently added to the venue list. And will there be famous celebrities as Olympics brand ambassadors similar to Snoop Dogg and Stanley Tucci? Perhaps, impersonators of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe will attend events. The countdown has officially begun.

SHARE THIS: The "Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci was painted between 1494 and 1498 and today hangs in the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. #Olympics #FunFact #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: Only one person ever won a gold medal at both the Winter and Summer Olympics: American Eddie Eagan won in boxing at the 1920 Summer Olympics and at the 1932 Winter Olympics as part of a four-man bobsled team. #Olympics #FunFact #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: Since 1924, 12 countries have participated in every Winter Olympics: Austria, Canada, Finland, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, and the USA. #Olympics #FunFact #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: In the first Winter Olympics in 1924, women were ONLY allowed to compete in figure skating. This continued until 1948, when skiing also became a competitive women's sport. #WinterOlympics #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credits: Olympics via Twitter/X and Forbes.

Read IOC President Kirsty Coventry's full speech from the Opening Ceremony (February 6, 2026):

https://www.olympics.com/ioc/news/ioc-president-s-speech-milano-cortina-2026-olympic-winter-games-opening-ceremony

Watch Andrea Bocelli's performance:

https://youtu.be/zngND21knzc?si=yVKNyp0fTaKOtwDD

Check out all the mascots from the Olympics:

https://www.olympics.com/en/olympic-games/olympic-mascots

Read about the "Last Supper" at its home in Milan:

https://www.milan-museum.com/leonardo-last-supper-cenacolo.php

Read: "In just 25 years, dozens of places will be too warm to host the Winter Olympics"

https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/10/climate/climate-change-snow-warming-winter-olympics-disaster

Read: More about the bonuses for winning Olympic gold from Forbes:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettknight/2026/02/06/these-13-countries-will-pay-winter-olympic-gold-medalists-100000-or-more/

Read: "A Recap of the #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 on #DebbieLaskeysBlog" (February 2026)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2026/02/a-recap-of-inspiring.html

Read "Sharing Memories from the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics" (August 2024):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/08/sharing-some-memories-from-paris2024.html

Read "Five Business Lessons from the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics" (August 2024):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/08/five-business-lessons-from-paris-2024.html

Watch Celine Dion's mesmerizing performance at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics:

https://youtu.be/9wQ-GYnKPYM?si=t-SgJiPOP37uMcYn

Watch James Bond's surprising arrival at the London 2012 Summer Olympics:

https://youtu.be/1AS-dCdYZbo?si=FkDWGkWI_cdyqPuH

A Recap of the Inspiring #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 on #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Each day during the recent 2026 Winter Olympics, officially the XXV Winter Olympic Games, and commonly referred to as Milano Cortina 2026, 14 thought leaders in leadership, marketing, and technology shared insights as to how leadership and personal branding aligned with the Olympics, the competitions, and the overall Olympic spirit. A common theme throughout was an appreciation for the bobsleigh, curling, figure skating, and hockey. Since the event is now history, it’s time for a recap of my #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026.

SHARE THIS: The Olympic Games have the power to unite us because we can all find something we can relate to in each athlete’s story, whether it’s a story of success or of disappointment. –Tatjana Schoenmaker #DebbieLaskeysBlog #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026

GIOVANNI CECCHINI (ARGENTINA/ITALY)

FAVORITE WINTER OLYMPICS SPORT: Alpine skiing,

OLYMPIC SPORT THAT VISUALLY DEMONSTRATES TEAMWORK: Bobsleigh.

OLYMPIC EVENT THAT STANDS OUT AS AN EXAMPLE OF RUNNING YOUR OWN RACE/DEFINE WHAT VICTORY MEANS TO YOU: One Winter Olympics moment that stands out for me is the remarkable success of Alberto Tomba, Italy’s legendary alpine skier and one of the most charismatic and successful athletes in Winter Olympic history. Tomba won multiple gold medals across the late 1980s and early 1990s, notably taking gold in the giant slalom and slalom events at the 1988 Calgary Olympics and again at the 1992 Albertville Games. His achievements went far beyond the medals — Tomba redefined what it meant to be a champion, combining raw talent with an infectious passion and showmanship that captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Tomba’s Olympic legacy is more than a sports story: it’s a powerful emblem of running your own race, embracing your unique strengths, and relentlessly striving for excellence — principles that continue to inspire me both personally and professionally.

INVITED PERSON/PERSONS TO ATTRACT A NEW AUDIENCE: I would invite a mix of popular digital content creators and social media influencers, especially those passionate about outdoor adventure, sustainability, and lifestyle, alongside prominent figures from the gaming and technology sectors, such as e-sports champions and VR innovators. These influencers bring authentic storytelling and vast global followings on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, which would help connect the excitement and values of the Winter Olympics with younger audiences who might not traditionally follow winter sports. By combining the engaging power of influencers with cutting-edge technology and gaming culture, the Olympics could offer fresh, immersive experiences that resonate with tech-savvy viewers. This approach would not only expand the Games’ reach but also inspire a new generation to appreciate winter sports through innovative digital engagement and interactive content.

IMPACT OF NEW IOC PRESIDENT KIRSTY COVENTRY: This milestone not only breaks a long-standing glass ceiling but also signals a meaningful move toward greater inclusivity and representation within the Olympic movement. It reflects the evolving spirit of the Games — uniting people worldwide while embracing diversity in leadership. Looking ahead, I am optimistic that under Coventry’s leadership, the IOC will continue to promote equality, innovation, and sustainability within sports. Her story will inspire countless young athletes and leaders, especially from underrepresented regions, demonstrating that leadership knows no boundaries. This fresh perspective positions the Olympics to evolve in ways that are more global, inclusive, and forward-thinking than ever before.

IAN GOLDING (UNITED KINGDOM)

FAVORITE WINTER OLYMPICS SPORT: Bobsleigh and skeleton.

OLYMPIC SPORT THAT VISUALLY DEMONSTRATES TEAMWORK: Pairs figure skating,

OLYMPIC EVENT THAT STANDS OUT AS AN EXAMPLE OF RUNNING YOUR OWN RACE/DEFINE WHAT VICTORY MEANS TO YOU: As a Brit, I am always reminded of the determination shown by Eddie ‘the eagle’ Edwards who competed in ski jumping at the 1988 Winter Olympics. The first person to ever do so from Great Britain – with no support and no funding, whilst he came last (by some way), the courage and determination he showed to achieve his dream is the perfect demonstration to me of what victory is all about.

INVITED PERSON/PERSONS TO ATTRACT A NEW AUDIENCE: I am tempted to say Olaf – the snowman from the Movie "Frozen" – to attract a new audience. I think it is important to inspire potential athletes as early as possible, and I think Olaf would be the perfect character to do so with children all around the world.

IMPACT OF NEW IOC PRESIDENT KIRSTY COVENTRY: To me, leadership has nothing to do with gender or race. Leadership is demonstrated through the ability of a person to inspire others to follow. At its core, leadership is the ability to inspire, influence, and guide others toward a shared vision, goal, or purpose. It isn’t just about authority or position - it’s about creating conditions where people can succeed and feel motivated to contribute their best.

ELIA GUARDIOLA (SPAIN)

FAVORITE WINTER OLYMPICS SPORT: Figure skating.

OLYMPIC SPORT THAT VISUALLY DEMONSTRATES TEAMWORK: Curling.

OLYMPIC EVENT THAT STANDS OUT AS AN EXAMPLE OF RUNNING YOUR OWN RACE/DEFINE WHAT VICTORY MEANS TO YOU: I remember the victory of the French ice dance pair Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron. They didn’t just win medals; they achieved something bigger: the respect of the audience and the feeling of transcendence. Their story is proof that true success isn’t only on the podium — it’s in coherence with yourself, in the ability to turn effort into legacy.

INVITED PERSON/PERSONS TO ATTRACT A NEW AUDIENCE: I’d invite someone unexpected: an educational content creator who can translate what’s happening in each discipline into simple, emotional language. Today we don’t just need celebrities creating spectacle; we need storytellers creating meaning. Someone like Neil deGrasse Tyson, who turns science into poetry, could bring the Games closer to people who have never watched a skeleton or biathlon event.

IMPACT OF NEW IOC PRESIDENT KIRSTY COVENTRY: It’s about time. And I don’t say this only from a gender perspective, but because sports need voices that truly represent diversity. Coventry is a woman, an African, and an Olympic athlete. Her arrival at the IOC breaks inertia and opens the door to a more plural future. The real challenge will be ensuring that this diversity doesn’t remain symbolic, but translates into decisions that make the Games more inclusive, accessible, and human.

DAN GINGISS (USA)

FAVORITE WINTER OLYMPICS SPORT: Downhill skiing.

OLYMPIC SPORT THAT VISUALLY DEMONSTRATES TEAMWORK: Synchronized skating.

OLYMPIC EVENT THAT STANDS OUT AS AN EXAMPLE OF RUNNING YOUR OWN RACE/DEFINE WHAT VICTORY MEANS TO YOU: The one that sticks with me is the U.S. men’s curling team winning gold in 2018. Nobody expected them to win — they weren’t the favorites, they just kept showing up, learning from every mistake, and staying focused on their own race. That perfectly reflects Suzanne’s point: you define your own version of victory For them, victory wasn’t about beating Canada or Sweden — it was about constant progress and trust in their process. That mindset is gold for business leaders too.

INVITED PERSON/PERSONS TO ATTRACT A NEW AUDIENCE: Ryan Reynolds.

IMPACT OF NEW IOC PRESIDENT KIRSTY COVENTRY: I think it’s wonderful — and a long-overdue change in perspective. Kirsty Coventry brings lived experience from regions and communities that haven’t always had a voice on the global sports stage. That’s going to reshape the Olympic experience itself — how athletes are supported, how fans are engaged, and how the Games evolve for future generations. Just like in business, when leaders understand that every customer base is diverse in almost any way you can define diversity, then companies develop better products and marketing. Not everyone uses the same products, or even the same product the same way (I often think about how every single Apple iPhone home screen is unique). Smart companies realize this and adapt to expand their audience; I'm sure Kirsty will do the same for the Olympics.

SUSAN FRIESEN (CANADA)

FAVORITE WINTER OLYMPICS SPORT: Figure skating - especially ice dancing.

OLYMPIC SPORT THAT VISUALLY DEMONSTRATES TEAMWORK: Bobsleigh.

OLYMPIC EVENT THAT STANDS OUT AS AN XAMPLE OF RUNNING YOUR OWN RACE/DEFINE WHAT VICTORY MEANS TO YOU: The 2010 “Golden Goal” still stands out for me. I remember sitting glued to the TV as overtime played out in Vancouver. Suddenly, Sidney Crosby buried it, winning the coveted gold. The team was able to do this because they stayed patient and played their game, knowing the win was well within their grasp. That one shot may have looked like magic, but it’s the product of thousands of hours of refining their craft using a shared collective standard. In business, that’s the win you earn by staying with your plan, even when the pressure is high.

INVITED PERSON/PERSONS TO ATTRACT A NEW AUDIENCE: Ryan Reynolds.

IMPACT OF NEW IOC PRESIDENT KIRSTY COVENTRY: Representation at the top changes what gets measured. With former athlete Kirsty Coventry now leading the IOC, decisions can tilt more toward athlete safety, clean sport, and wider access. Pair that with real transparency and trust in the Olympic brand will rise, because trust follows governance, not slogans. I’d love to see her better measure athlete welfare, publish the budgets, and report openly. That’s how you protect the brand and grow it. The Winter Games remind me why great brands win: masterfully combining precision, courage, and teamwork, all performed under pressure. Build the foundation, trust your roles, and stay with your line. That’s how you earn your own "golden goal."

ERIC JACOBSON (USA)

FAVORITE WINTER OLYMPICS SPORT: Alpine (downhill) skiing and the luge.

OLYMPIC SPORT THAT VISUALLY DEMONSTRATES TEAMWORK: Ice hockey.

OLYMPIC EVENT THAT STANDS OUT AS AN EXAMPLE OF RUNNING YOUR OWN RACE/DEFINE WHAT VICTORY MEANS TO YOU: The most memorable is the U.S. ice hockey team’s earning the men’s gold medal when they competed against the Soviet Union team during the Lake Placid 1980 Olympics. Even though the Soviets were the overwhelming favorites to win, the U.S. team comprised almost entirely of collegiate players, won the game 4 to 3. This dramatic upset and “Miracle on Ice,” as it became known, transcended into legend, and in 2000, the Associated Press named the win as "the top sports moment of the 20th century."

INVITED PERSON/PERSONS TO ATTRACT A NEW AUDIENCE: I believe that even though the Winter Olympics reach a diverse audience, a significant portion of viewers are older adults and those from higher income and educated backgrounds. Therefore, to attract a new audience, finding a person admired, inspired, and followed by younger individuals – early in their education journey and careers – could be a good strategy. Possibly Drew Barymoe, Jennifer Hudson, Ed Sheeran, Ariana Grande, or Bruno Mars. 

IMPACT OF NEW IOC PRESIDENT KIRSTY COVENTRY: Like my support for when more women enter top leadership positions at companies around the globe, it’s encouraging to see Kristy Coventry break through the glass ceiling as she assumes her new role with the Olympic Games. As with any new leader, my hope is she will bring fresh perspectives and strong leadership skills, and that she will advocate for inclusiveness and unity within the Olympics.

JOSEPH LALONDE (USA)

FAVORITE WINTER OLYMPICS SPORT: Snowboarding.

OLYMPIC SPORT THAT VISUALLY DEMONSTRATES TEAMWORK: Ice hockey.

OLYMPIC EVENT THAT STANDS OUT AS AN EXAMPLE OF RUNNING YOUR OWN RACE/DEFINE WHAT VICTORY MEANS TO YOU: Clara Hughes' achievements in the Summer and Winter Olympics come to mind. She's a Canadian Olympian who has achieved something truly remarkable. She is the only Canadian Olympian to win medals at the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. She's a cyclist and speed skater. She's run her own race by standing out in a small crowd of extraordinary athletes.

INVITED PERSON/PERSONS TO ATTRACT A NEW AUDIENCE: One of the biggest cultural phenomena is the emergence and embrace of K-pop (Korean pop music). It's not only lit up the charts in Korea but it's bridging cultural gaps and gaining traction in other countries. I'd look at bringing in the band BTS. It holds cultural relevance, could bring in new audiences, and creates a memorable experience.

IMPACT OF NEW IOC PRESIDENT KIRSTY COVENTRY: This is a special moment in Olympic history. Seeing Coventry rise to the rank of President of the IOC is spectacular. Her qualifications are stellar. She's implementing important changes. And she's a great example to millions of young girls and women around the world.

KARIN NORGAARD (DENMARK)

FAVORITE WINTER OLYMPICS SPORT: Ski jumping.

OLYMPIC SPORT THAT VISUALLY DEMONSTRATES TEAMWORK: Curling.

OLYMPIC EVENT THAT STANDS OUT AS AN EXAMPLE OF RUNNING YOUR OWN RACE/DEFINE WHAT VICTORY MEANS TO YOU: It has to be Steven Bradbury’s gold in Salt Lake City 2002. He was nowhere near the favorite in short track speed skating, but then, in a twist worthy of Netflix, every other skater in the final crashed. Bradbury just glided through the chaos to Olympic gold. It’s the ultimate reminder that sometimes victory is about persistence and being ready when opportunity knocks (or when everyone else falls over). And if I bring it closer to home: Denmark isn’t exactly known for dominating the Winter Games, but when our women’s curling team took silver in 1998, it felt like a fairy tale. Proof that even underdogs with brooms can sweep their way into history!

INVITED PERSON/PERSONS TO ATTRACT A NEW AUDIENCE: I’d call in the cast of "Succession" to do live commentary on ice hockey. And for ice dancing? Meryl Streep in full "Devil Wears Prada" mode; pursing her lips, raising an eyebrow, and delivering icy one-liners after every routine. The judges’ scores would suddenly feel like high fashion verdicts. Instant viral Olympics.

IMPACT OF NEW IOC PRESIDENT KIRSTY COVENTRY: Her presidency is a milestone. First woman, first African, first Zimbabwean — that’s not just history, that’s momentum. The Olympics thrive on stories of barriers broken, and Coventry embodies that spirit off the field. My hope is that she uses her athlete’s mindset to make the IOC braver, faster, and more open to change.

REBECCA HEROLD (USA)

FAVORITE WINTER OLYMPICS SPORT: My favorite sports usually change with each Olympics.

OLYMPIC SPORT THAT VISUALLY DEMONSTRATES TEAMWORK: Hockey.

OLYMPIC EVENT THAT STANDS OUT AS AN EXAMPLE OF RUNNING YOUR OWN RACE/DEFINE WHAT VICTORY MEANS TO YOU: Victory means different things based upon the context of each situation. A competitive event in the short track speed skating competition that I happened to see is actually what made me a devoted fan of that sport in the 2002 Olympics. The gold medalist, Steven Bradbury from Australia won by taking a calculated risk regarding what his competitors would do. Reportedly (at the time), he had studied his competitors closely. He knew that several of them had faster times than his fastest time to that date in history. Bradbury purposefully stayed at the back of the pack for most of the race. In the final lap of the final race, the four leading skaters all crashed into each other, and Bradbury zoomed by the resulting pile-up and crossed the finish line first and won a gold medal! 

INVITED PERSON/PERSONS TO ATTRACT A NEW AUDIENCE: Taylor Swift.

IMPACT OF NEW IOC PRESIDENT KIRSTY COVENTRY: I think it is great to see a former athlete, world record holder, and demonstrably successful leader in multiple facets of her life, to have been elected as IOC President. Her election win demonstrates substantial international support for her leadership capabilities.

MICHELLE REDFERN (AUSTRALIA)

FAVORITE WINTER OLYMPICS SPORT: Luge and freestyle snowboarding.

OLYMPIC SPORT THAT VISUALLY DEMONSTRATES TEAMWORK: No matter whether it's an individual sport or a team sport. There's always a team in the playing arena and outside of it. So I think any Olympic sport, whether it's winter or summer, demonstrates that there's always a team that makes things happen.

OLYMPIC EVENT THAT STANDS OUT AS AN EXAMPLE OF RUNNING YOUR OWN RACE/DEFINE WHAT VICTORY MEANS TO YOU: Well, I'm Australian, so you know the dude who won the gold medal in the speed skating because everyone else fell over? Steven Bradbury is his name. That is part of our history and our folklore - so much so that Australians say, "If you hang in there long enough, you'll do a Bradbury." He ran his own race and kept running it even when everyone else fell over - then he won the gold medal. That's got to be a lesson in sticking to the plan, perseverance, and not getting distracted. 

INVITED PERSON/PERSONS TO ATTRACT A NEW AUDIENCE: Whoever I chose, I'd make sure that they were representative of and inclusive of all humans. 

IMPACT OF NEW IOC PRESIDENT KIRSTY COVENTRY: Thoughts are: "It's about time" and "Why has it taken this long?" My advice to Kirsty Coventry is: "What is she doing as the first to make sure that she's not the last?" 

MELANIE BELL (USA)

FAVORITE WINTER OLYMPICS SPORT: Ice hockey.

OLYMPIC SPORT THAT VISUALLY DEMONSTRATES TEAMWORK: Hockey and pairs figure skating.

OLYMPIC EVENT THAT STANDS OUT AS AN EXAMPLE OF RUNNING YOUR OWN RACE/DEFINE WHAT VICTORY MEANS TO YOU: I remember watching Surya Bonaly compete in figure skating in the 90's. She was such a powerful skater, and I think the judges penalized her for her strength. Not that I’m a figure skating expert. I remember watching her last performance and wanting to cry right along with her. And let’s not forget everyone’s favorite Jamaican bobsled team from the 1988 Olympic Games in Calgary!

INVITED PERSON/PERSONS TO ATTRACT A NEW AUDIENCE: I’m very excited that Stanley Tucci will be involved this time around. Other interesting personalities that could be fun - someone who’s popular with kids to get the next generation interested in the events and sports that comprise the Olympics. I also think the Kelce brothers are having a moment, and with their sense of humor and banter, they’d make a great addition as well, at least for the US audience. 

IMPACT OF NEW IOC PRESIDENT KIRSTY COVENTRY: We should celebrate any time someone with that kind of credible background and who is from a historically underrepresented group achieves a new position. I’m a believer that diversity makes organizations stronger and perform better, and data backs that up. Kirsty sounds like she’ll bring a lot to the table, and with the past controversies and rumors surrounding the corruption of international sporting events, I hope that this marks a new chapter for the IOC.

IAN BUCKINGHAM (UNITED KINGDOM)

FAVORITE WINTER OLYMPICS SPORT: Downhill snowboard racing.

OLYMPIC SPORT THAT VISUALLY DEMONSTRATES TEAMWORK: Hockey or the bobsleigh.

OLYMPIC EVENT THAT STANDS OUT AS AN EXAMPLE OF RUNNING YOUR OWN RACE/DEFINE WHAT VICTORY MEANS TO YOU: I love that quote ("In business as in life, you’ve got to run your own race.") so much as it applies to business and aiming to lead a balanced life. There are so many examples of Olympians who match this quote from Great Britain's Eddie the Eagle through to the Jamaican bobsleigh team. But the first that came to mind was Steven Bradbury - the Australian athlete who won the 1,000m speed skating event at the 2002 Winter Olympics against all odds.

INVITED PERSON/PERSONS TO ATTRACT A NEW AUDIENCE: Perhaps, the Obamas for the adults - encouraging a very different demographic. Or Taylor Swift and her fiancee Travis Kelce who seem, between them, to have bolstered interest in NFL exponentially, gaining legions of female and teenage fans. It would be a massive win/win - they could even collaborate to write the soundtrack.

IMPACT OF NEW IOC PRESIDENT KIRSTY COVENTRY: Let's hope that she brings the wisdom, insights, emotional intelligence, resilience, objectivity, and tenacity to put a really positive stamp on the premium Winter sports tournament during her tenure and that she has the support of a great team to back her up. I'm excited to see what she will add to the Olympic legacy, cultivating the values we all should hold dear at such a complex and trying time for the global community.

ERIC STONE (USA)

FAVORITE WINTER OLYMPICS SPORT: Freestyle skiing.

OLYMPIC SPORT THAT VISUALLY DEMONSTRATES TEAMWORK: Hockey.

OLYMPIC EVENT THAT STANDS OUT AS AN EXAMPLE OF RUNNING YOUR OWN RACE/DEFINE WHAT VICTORY MEANS TO YOU: The 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team stands out in my memory more than any other Winter Olympic moment. This was a team of amateurs and college players who, on paper, had no business beating the powerhouse Soviet Union. Yet they defied the odds, won one of the most famous upsets in sports history, and eventually captured the gold medal. What made it so powerful wasn’t just the win, it was the context. The Cold War was at its peak, tensions were high, and this victory became a symbol of hope and resilience. I can still hear sports broadcaster Al Michaels’ call: “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” That moment wasn’t only about hockey, it was about what happens when you define victory on your own terms, keep believing in your vision, and celebrate the progress you’ve made.

INVITED PERSON/PERSONS TO ATTRACT A NEW AUDIENCE: MrBeast and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

IMPACT OF NEW IOC PRESIDENT KIRSTY COVENTRY: Kirsty Coventry’s versatility and remarkable journey from Olympian to politician to global sports leader make her someone everyone should be inspired by. This appointment shows that the IOC is committed to living its values rather than just listing them. In doing so, it proves that the organization promotes what it truly permits. The committee clearly isn’t afraid to break barriers to bring in the best leader for the future of the Games.

AILEEN DAY (AUSTRALIA)

FAVORITE WINTER OLYMPICS SPORT: Bobsleigh.

OLYMPIC SPORT THAT VISUALLY DEMONSTRATES TEAMWORK: Curling.

OLYMPIC EVENT THAT STANDS OUT AS AN EXAMPLE OF RUNNING YOUR OWN RACE/DEFINE WHAT VICTORY MEANS TO YOU: In the sport ski mountaineering, there is no prize for doing it one way or another. It is left to the participant to set their course, taking obstacles into account, and defining solutions on the run. Every participant’s path is slightly different. No two athletes will have the same experience the whole way through, and with that, it is imperative to celebrate the successes of your own challenges and work as strategically as possible to finish your own race, with integrity and humility.

INVITED PERSON/PERSONS TO ATTRACT A NEW AUDIENCE: Labubu dolls.

IMPACT OF NEW IOC PRESIDENT KIRSTY COVENTRY: Glass ceilings are meant to be shattered, and yet we still see it occur so infrequently. However, her appointment in this case was won on her extensive experience in sports and sports leadership, not just the administration or business acumens of many of the other candidates. I think it is important to have a leader who has come from the trenches and can empathise and listen to all manner of stakeholders, including and most importantly, the athletes - for without them, we would have no Olympics. 

DEBBIE LASKEY (USA)

FAVORITE WINTER OLYMPICS SPORT: A tie between curling and moguls.

OLYMPIC SPORT THAT VISUALLY DEMONSTRATES TEAMWORK: Bobsledding.

OLYMPIC EVENT THAT STANDS OUT AS AN EXAMPLE OF RUNNING YOUR OWN RACE/DEFINE WHAT VICTORY MEANS TO YOU: In 1980, when American figure skating pair Tai and Randy had to pull out of the competition at the last minute due to an injury - they were still heroes.

INVITED PERSON/PERSONS TO ATTRACT A NEW AUDIENCE: Taylor Swift.

IMPACT OF NEW IOC PRESIDENT KIRSTY COVENTRY: I hope she works to eliminate gender discrimination and gender bias on the international sports stage as well as addresses financial compensation for athletes (Hong Kong rewards gold medalists up to $768,000), equal athlete participation (for the first time in the history of the Olympics, an equal number of men and women athletes competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics), and continued sustainability efforts.

During this series, I hope you gained new ways to think about leadership, personal branding, and the Olympics. Much applause for the series participants! And now, get ready...the official countdown begins for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in my hometown, Los Angeles!

Image Credits: Olympics and Adobe.

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Aileen Day

With the eyes of the world on Italy for the 25th edition of the Winter Olympics, which events are you looking forward to? In the spirit of previous leadership series here on my blog, I've asked a dozen leadership and marketing experts to respond to five questions with the hope that both the questions and answers lead you to think about leadership, personal branding, and the Olympics in new and interesting ways.

For today's post, I'd like to introduce Aileen Day, Australia’s premier customer, employee, and human experience thought leader, advisor, and author. She is a sought-after speaker, consultant, mentor, and also, clinical therapist. She works with medium to large enterprises who are scaling or transitioning the way they operate to ensure their customer, employee, and human experiences (CEHX) are foundationally and sustainably strong. Aileen is one of Australia’s few, formally qualified and globally recognised certified CX Professionals (CCXP) through the international CX governing body, CXPA. 

SHARE THIS: The Olympic Games have the power to unite us because we can all find something inspirational or something we can relate to in each athlete’s story, whether it’s a story of success or of disappointment. –Tatjana Schoenmaker (South Africa’s most decorated Olympian) #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: What is your favorite WINTER Olympics sport, and why?

AILEEN DAY: My favourite Winter Olympics sport is the bobsleigh as it reminds me of one of my all-time favourite childhood movies, "Cool Runnings." It was also one of the first movies I saw that I recall taking a life lesson away from in that resilience, purpose, and synchronicity can really get you to places you only dreamed of.

SHARE THIS: Resilience, purpose, and synchronicity can really get you to places you only dreamed of. ~Aileen Day #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: What WINTER Olympics sport most “visually” demonstrates teamwork, and why?

AILEEN DAY: I think visually you can’t go past curling as a sport that details the power of teamwork. Every brush stroke decides the direction and not one player can outperform the other without everyone losing.

QUESTION: According to Suzanne Robb, COO of Alloy, “Define what victory means to you, and keep that vision in mind. You’re the one who gets to determine when you’re making progress, what success means, and what your focus should be. When you get a win, take time to celebrate. In business as if life, you’ve got to run your own race.” With this quote in mind, which Winter Olympics event or result stands out in your memory, and why?

AILEEN DAY: This quote reminds me of the sport, Ski mountaineering. There is no prize for doing it one way or another. It is left to the participant to set their course, taking obstacles into account, and defining solutions on the run. Every participant’s path is slightly different. No two athletes will have the same experience the whole way through, and with that, it is imperative to celebrate the successes of your own challenges and work as strategically as possible to finish your own race, with integrity and humility.

QUESTION: During the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, entertainer and businessman Snoop Dogg used the hashtag #FollowTheDogg and shared his Olympic experiences on social media. My favorite story and related photos were when he and friend Martha Stewart dressed in equestrian clothing and attended the dressage competition. According to reports, Snoop’s involvement was intended to attract a new audience to the Olympics. If you were in charge of the Winter Olympics, who would you invite to attract a new audience, and why?

AILEEN DAY: I would invite the Labubu dolls, they are known worldwide and are a favourite amongst tweens thanks to famous K-pop star, Lisa from Blackpink. They are not only in a longstanding trend but they have become collectibles (think an updated version of Beanie Babies). I would have them collab with athletes and encourage a new and younger generation to become educated and enthralled by the heights of which competitive sport can take them.

QUESTION: The 2026 Winter Olympics will be the first Olympic Games under the leadership of International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry. She is a former Zimbabwean politician, sports administrator, and former Olympic swimmer and world record holder. She is also the first woman, first Zimbabwean, and the first African to serve as IOC President. According to Reuters, “Kirsty Coventry smashed through the IOC’s glass ceiling in March 2025 to become the organization’s first female President in its 130-year history.” What are your thoughts about this development for the world’s biggest multi-sport organization – and its future?

AILEEN DAY: I would say that glass ceilings are meant to be shattered, and yet we still see it occur so infrequently. However, her appointment in this case was won on her extensive experience in sports and sports leadership, not just the administration or business acumens of many of the other candidates. I think it is important to have a leader who has come from the trenches and can empathise and listen to all manner of stakeholders, including and most importantly, the athletes - for without them, we would have no Olympics. 

A final reminder, a series recap will be featured tomorrow, on February 22nd. Until then, the countdown begins until this Winter Olympics' Closing Ceremony.

Image Credit: Olympics.

Meet Aileen at this link:

https://aileenday.com.au/#aboutus

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Eric Stone

With the eyes of the world on Italy for the 25th edition of the Winter Olympics, which events are you looking forward to? In the spirit of previous leadership series here on my blog, I've asked a dozen leadership and marketing experts to respond to five questions with the hope that both the questions and answers lead you to think about leadership, personal branding, and the Olympics in new and interesting ways.

For today's post, I'd like to introduce Eric Stone, based in New York. Eric is a dynamic leader whose passion for business fueled a remarkable 26-year career at Enterprise Holdings, where he rose to become one of the most celebrated Regional Vice Presidents in the company's history. Leveraging his expertise in cultivating high-performance cultures, Eric authored the award-winning book Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture, which has inspired leaders around the world. As an international speaker, Eric captivates audiences with practical strategies and real-world insights, empowering organizations to drive engagement and achieve exceptional results. Through his company, Clear Path Ventures, he provides hands-on consulting to help leaders and teams develop tailored engagement strategies that foster transformation and measurable growth.

SHARE THIS: The Olympic Games have the power to unite us because we can all find something inspirational or something we can relate to in each athlete’s story, whether it’s a story of success or of disappointment. –Tatjana Schoenmaker (South Africa’s most decorated Olympian) #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: What is your favorite WINTER Olympics sport, and why?

ERIC STONE: The truth is, my favorite part of the Olympics is hearing the stories about the athletes’ journeys and backgrounds. But if I had to pick an event, it would be freestyle skiing. Watching skiers navigate moguls the size of a VW Beetle, all while racing down a steep slope and launching themselves off two strategically placed jumps, is a perfect mix of skill, precision, and pure adrenaline.

QUESTION: What WINTER Olympics sport most “visually” demonstrates teamwork, and why?

ERIC STONE: Hockey is the Winter Olympic sport that most visually demonstrates teamwork. It removes the spotlight from the individual and shines it on the team. With a roster of up to 25 players, success isn’t just about raw talent: it’s about chemistry, strategy, and leadership that comes from coaches, players, and even the support staff. What makes Olympic hockey especially powerful is that these athletes come from different professional teams and must quickly set aside rivalries to represent something bigger than themselves. As Herb Brooks famously said, “The name on the front of the jersey is more important than the name on the back.” You can literally see teamwork on the ice in every shift, every line change, and every goal.

SHARE THIS: The name on the front of the jersey is more important than the name on the back. ~Herb Brooks via Eric Stone #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: According to Suzanne Robb, COO of Alloy, “Define what victory means to you, and keep that vision in mind. You’re the one who gets to determine when you’re making progress, what success means, and what your focus should be. When you get a win, take time to celebrate. In business as if life, you’ve got to run your own race.” With this quote in mind, which Winter Olympics event or result stands out in your memory, and why?

ERIC STONE: The 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team stands out in my memory more than any other Winter Olympic moment. This was a team of amateurs and college players who, on paper, had no business beating the powerhouse Soviet Union. Yet they defied the odds, won one of the most famous upsets in sports history, and eventually captured the gold medal.

What made it so powerful wasn’t just the win, it was the context. The Cold War was at its peak, tensions were high, and this victory became a symbol of hope and resilience. I can still hear sports broadcaster Al Michaels’ call: “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” That moment wasn’t only about hockey, it was about what happens when you define victory on your own terms, keep believing in your vision, and celebrate the progress you’ve made.

QUESTION: During the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, entertainer and businessman Snoop Dogg used the hashtag #FollowTheDogg and shared his Olympic experiences on social media. My favorite story and related photos were when he and friend Martha Stewart dressed in equestrian clothing and attended the dressage competition. According to reports, Snoop’s involvement was intended to attract a new audience to the Olympics. If you were in charge of the Winter Olympics, who would you invite to attract a new audience, and why?

ERIC STONE: If I were in charge of the Winter Olympics, I’d invite MrBeast and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Both have massive global influence but connect with audiences in very different ways. MrBeast could bring younger viewers into the Olympic story through creative digital challenges and philanthropy-driven content, while The Rock embodies resilience, inspiration, and unity; the core of the Olympic ethos. Together, they could bridge generations, cultures, and platforms. Not to mention, I’m sure they’d come up with a few hilarious skits of their own along the way.

QUESTION: The 2026 Winter Olympics will be the first Olympic Games under the leadership of International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry. She is a former Zimbabwean politician, sports administrator, and former Olympic swimmer and world record holder. She is also the first woman, first Zimbabwean, and the first African to serve as IOC President. According to Reuters, “Kirsty Coventry smashed through the IOC’s glass ceiling in March 2025 to become the organization’s first female President in its 130-year history.” What are your thoughts about this development for the world’s biggest multi-sport organization – and its future?

ERIC STONE: I’m excited about this decision. Kirsty Coventry’s versatility and remarkable journey from Olympian to politician to global sports leader make her someone everyone should be inspired by. This appointment shows that the IOC is committed to living its values rather than just listing them. In doing so, it proves that the organization promotes what it truly permits. The committee clearly isn’t afraid to break barriers to bring in the best leader for the future of the Games.

Please note, a small interruption to the series will take place tomorrow, on February 20th to celebrate "National Leadership Day," and then the Olympics series returns on February 21st. A series recap will be featured on February 22nd. Enjoy the Olympics!

Image Credit: Olympics.

Read Eric's previous appearance here on my blog:

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES 2025 – Featuring Eric Stone (April 14, 2025)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/04/spring-leadership-series-2025-featuring_01306532703.html

Meet Eric at this link:

https://www.ericdstone.com/

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Ian Buckingham

With the eyes of the world on Italy for the 25th edition of the Winter Olympics, which events are you looking forward to? In the spirit of previous leadership series here on my blog, I've asked a dozen leadership and marketing experts to respond to five questions with the hope that both the questions and answers lead you to think about leadership, personal branding, and the Olympics in new and interesting ways.

For today's post, I'd like to introduce Ian Buckingham. Ian is the author of what has become known as the brand trilogy: Brand Engagement, Brand Champions, and now Sustainable Brand Leadership, three books that explore the influence that employees have on the brands they represent, at the interface of marketing, communication, and human resources. The last in the series was published in December 2025 and was co-authored with Kate Hargreaves, his partner and co-owner of Mosaic Partners, a multiple award-winning leadership development and change agency based in the North of England.

SHARE THIS: The Olympic Games have the power to unite us because we can all find something inspirational or something we can relate to in each athlete’s story, whether it’s a story of success or of disappointment. –Tatjana Schoenmaker (South Africa’s most decorated Olympian) #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: What is your favorite WINTER Olympics sport, and why?

IAN BUCKINGHAM: I enjoy watching most sports and have a particular respect and awe for Winter Olympic sports as I grew up in Africa where the conditions hardly favour those disciplines, and the UK, where I was born and have lived most of my life, doesn't have quite the climate or infrastructure to encourage many Winter Olympics Champions. I would love to have played ice hockey, as a former rugby player, and greatly admire the downhill skiers and Nordic and Biathlon Olympians. But on balance, my favourite is a relatively recent addition, downhill snowboard racing, which combines speed, strength, agility, acrobatics, and luck, and is seldom determined until the final line is crossed. I don't snowboard, I ski, but I do look forward to watching the snowboarding.

QUESTION: What WINTER Olympics sport most “visually” demonstrates teamwork, and why?

IAN BUCKINGHAM: It has to be either hockey or the Bobsleigh, where there are clearly differentiated roles, yet each member of the team is needed, and all have to act with one mind, competing largely against their own PB (personal best) first, in perfect synchronisation in pursuit of a joint vision with a large dose of jeopardy introduced for good measure.

SHARE THIS: In hockey (like in business), there are clearly differentiated roles, yet each member of the team is needed, and all have to act in pursuit of a joint vision. ~Ian Buckingham #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: According to Suzanne Robb, COO of Alloy, “Define what victory means to you, and keep that vision in mind. You’re the one who gets to determine when you’re making progress, what success means, and what your focus should be. When you get a win, take time to celebrate. In business as if life, you’ve got to run your own race.” With this quote in mind, which Winter Olympics event or result stands out in your memory, and why?

IAN BUCKINGHAM: I love that quote ("In business as in life, you’ve got to run your own race.") so much as it applies to business and aiming to lead a balanced life. There are so many examples of Olympians who match this quote from GB's Eddie the Eagle through to the Jamaican bobsleigh team.

But the first that came to mind was Steven Bradbury - the Australian athlete who won the 1,000m speed skating event at the 2002 Winter Olympics against all odds. Despite being behind his competitors in the quarter-finals, he strategically chose to sit back and wait for others to make mistakes under pressure, which they did, allowing him to advance to the end. Bradbury's victory was marked by another dramatic pile-up in the race, where he was the only one left standing at the finish line, earning him the nickname "the accidental hero." This remarkable achievement not only secured Australia its first Winter Olympic gold medal but also became a symbol of perseverance and determination in sports.

QUESTION: During the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, entertainer and businessman Snoop Dogg used the hashtag #FollowTheDogg and shared his Olympic experiences on social media. My favorite story and related photos were when he and friend Martha Stewart dressed in equestrian clothing and attended the dressage competition. According to reports, Snoop’s involvement was intended to attract a new audience to the Olympics. If you were in charge of the Winter Olympics, who would you invite to attract a new audience, and why?

IAN BUCKINGHAM: This is a tough question, as the obvious answer would be a so-called Gen Z "influencer," like one of the Pauls who have used their online presence to attract millions of young people to boxing. But to my mind, it has ruined the ethos of the sporting context and has rendered it a pantomime like the WWF, where outcomes are choreographed for buzz. I would prefer someone with true authenticity, someone who backs up the words and has genuine respect for their craft. Perhaps, the Obamas for the adults - encouraging a very different demographic. Or Taylor Swift and her fiancee Travis Kelce who seem, between them, to have bolstered interest in NFL exponentially, gaining legions of female and teenage fans. It would be a massive win/win - they could even collaborate to write the soundtrack.

QUESTION: The 2026 Winter Olympics will be the first Olympic Games under the leadership of International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry. She is a former Zimbabwean politician, sports administrator, and former Olympic swimmer and world record holder. She is also the first woman, first Zimbabwean, and the first African to serve as IOC President. According to Reuters, “Kirsty Coventry smashed through the IOC’s glass ceiling in March 2025 to become the organization’s first female President in its 130-year history.” What are your thoughts about this development for the world’s biggest multi-sport organization – and its future?

IAN BUCKINGHAM: It's fair to say that the leadership of the governing bodies of many of the world's richest sports have suffered in recent decades, including the Olympic movement. This leadership malaise isn't confined to sport, it's blighting politics the world over as well, but for some reason, sport has suffered more than its share of corrupt and unsavoury scandals. With this in mind, radical change will be something many of the viewing and paying public will favour, provided, of course, Kirsty is up to the job. She certainly hails from a country that has had more than its fair share of difficulty in this regard. Let's hope that she brings the wisdom, insights, emotional intelligence, resilience, objectivity, and tenacity to put a really positive stamp on the premium Winter sports tournament during her tenure and that she has the support of a great team to back her up. I'm excited to see what she will add to the Olympic legacy, cultivating the values we all should hold dear at such a complex and trying time for the global community.

A final reminder, as you watch the competitions, make a note on your calendar to swing by #DebbieLaskeysBlog each day through February 22nd for leadership and marketing inspiration. A small interruption to the series will take place on February 20th to celebrate "National Leadership Day," then  the Olympics series returns on February 21st. A series recap will be featured on February 22nd. Enjoy the Olympics!

Image Credit: Olympics.

Meet Ian at this link:

http://www.mosaicpartners.co.uk

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Melanie Bell

With the eyes of the world on Italy for the 25th edition of the Winter Olympics, which events are you looking forward to? In the spirit of previous leadership series here on my blog, I've asked a dozen leadership and marketing experts to respond to five questions with the hope that both the questions and answers lead you to think about leadership, personal branding, and the Olympics in new and interesting ways.

For today's post, I'd like to introduce Melanie Bell, based in Northern California. Melanie is the Co-Founder of Strategic Piece, a company that helps B2B businesses generate outstanding revenue growth by bringing together their marketing, sales, and service teams around an information-driven customer experience. However, Melanie is not only about marketing. She founded Leaders Who Fiction, a virtual monthly book club (where we met in November 2023), while running Strategic Piece. Through Leaders Who Fiction, Melanie helps people develop leadership skills by reading fiction and participating in intellectual, business-oriented conversations centered around a selected novel. Prior to Strategic Piece, Melanie was President of Marketing Interface, which she founded in 2014, after serving as Director of Marketing at SURGE Accelerator/SURGE Ventures. Melanie earned a BA in International Development from McGill University in Montreal and an MBA from Rice University in Houston.

SHARE THIS: The Olympic Games have the power to unite us because we can all find something inspirational or something we can relate to in each athlete’s story, whether it’s a story of success or of disappointment. –Tatjana Schoenmaker (South Africa’s most decorated Olympian) #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: What is your favorite WINTER Olympics sport, and why?

MELANIE BELL: I want to start by saying that I’m unbelievably excited it’s time for another Olympics. And there are so many fun winter sports to watch – from the glamorous figure skating and grace of skiing to the terror of things like the skeleton. We’re undoubtedly in for a treat. 

I’m most excited to watch ice hockey this year. I follow the NHL closely because hockey is such a fun sport that requires high levels of athleticism. What can I say? Seven years of living in Canada converted me into a mega-fan! It’ll be fun to watch players represent their country and play on different teams than we see during regular hockey season.

QUESTION: What WINTER Olympics sport most “visually” demonstrates teamwork, and why?

MELANIE BELL: Well, hockey does require large teams, so that’s an obvious one. The other sport that comes to mind is pairs figure skating. Let me just say, if I was ever going to let a guy pick me up and spin me around on ice like that, it would absolutely (a) scare the pants off me and (b) require insane amounts of trust and teamwork in the partnership.

QUESTION: According to Suzanne Robb, COO of Alloy, “Define what victory means to you, and keep that vision in mind. You’re the one who gets to determine when you’re making progress, what success means, and what your focus should be. When you get a win, take time to celebrate. In business as if life, you’ve got to run your own race.” With this quote in mind, which Winter Olympics event or result stands out in your memory, and why?

MELANIE BELL: I remember watching Surya Bonaly compete in figure skating in the 90's. She was such a powerful skater, and I think the judges penalized her for her strength. Not that I’m a figure skating expert. I remember watching her last performance and wanting to cry right along with her. And let’s not forget everyone’s favorite Jamaican bobsled team from the 1988 Olympic Games in Calgary!

QUESTION: During the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, entertainer and businessman Snoop Dogg used the hashtag #FollowTheDogg and shared his Olympic experiences on social media. My favorite story and related photos were when he and friend Martha Stewart dressed in equestrian clothing and attended the dressage competition. According to reports, Snoop’s involvement was intended to attract a new audience to the Olympics. If you were in charge of the Winter Olympics, who would you invite to attract a new audience, and why?

MELANIE BELL: I also loved when Snoop and Martha did that, and I’m very excited that Stanley Tucci will be involved this time around. Other interesting personalities that could be fun — someone who’s popular with kids to get the next generation interested in the events and sports that comprise the Olympics. I also think the Kelce brothers are having a moment, and with their sense of humor and banter, they’d make a great addition as well, at least for the US audience. 

QUESTION: The 2026 Winter Olympics will be the first Olympic Games under the leadership of International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry. She is a former Zimbabwean politician, sports administrator, and former Olympic swimmer and world record holder. She is also the first woman, first Zimbabwean, and the first African to serve as IOC President. According to Reuters, “Kirsty Coventry smashed through the IOC’s glass ceiling in March 2025 to become the organization’s first female President in its 130-year history.” What are your thoughts about this development for the world’s biggest multi-sport organization – and its future?

MELANIE BELL: We should celebrate any time someone with that kind of credible background and who is from a historically underrepresented group achieves a new position. I’m a believer that diversity makes organizations stronger and perform better, and data backs that up. Kirsty sounds like she’ll bring a lot to the table, and with the past controversies and rumors surrounding the corruption of international sporting events, I hope that this marks a new chapter for the IOC.

SHARE THIS: Diversity makes organizations stronger and perform better. ~Melanie Bell #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

A final reminder, as you watch the competitions, make a note on your calendar to swing by #DebbieLaskeysBlog each day through February 22nd for leadership and marketing inspiration. A small interruption to the series will take place on February 20th to celebrate "National Leadership Day," then  the Olympics series returns on February 21st. A series recap will be featured on February 22nd. Enjoy the Olympics!

Image Credit: Olympics.

During the Winter Olympics, actor Stanley Tucci will report on the food, culture, and lifestyle of Northern Italy for NBC and Peacock:

https://www.today.com/food/stanley-tucci-nbcuniversal-milan-winter-olympics-2026-rcna231303

Read Melanie's previous appearance here on my blog:

FALL BACK TO READING SERIES 2025 – Featuring Melanie Bell (October 27, 2025)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/10/fall-back-to-reading-series-2025_01483223008.html

Meet Melanie at these links:

https://www.strategicpiece.com/

Leaders Who Fiction: 

https://www.leaderswhofiction.com/upcoming-books