Melinda French Gates emphasized that participation in sports during high school is pivotal for girls aspiring to become CEOs, with research showing that 94% of women in C-suites were athletes. She believes that sports cultivate resilience and a healthy attitude towards failure, essential traits for leadership. Tennis legend Billie Jean King supported this assertion, adding that sports participation enhances self-confidence, even for those playing recreationally, and contributes positively to academic performance in math and science. Gates illustrated the journey of Sally Ride, highlighting the connection between sports and success in traditionally male fields.
"The only correlation they can find of women in the C-suite, the CEO spot, is that they all played sport—or the majority played sport."
"Girls who play sports growing up go on to have more self-confidence, more resilience and do better in math and science—even if they're just playing to participate, not win."
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