Game plans and growth: How sports build leaders for the C-suite 

“I’m about to go into my 17th year, and from the beginning, work ethic was my superpower,” Curry told comedian Roy Wood Jr. at a fireside chat I attended this month at Brooklyn Paramount Theatre.

As the Golden State Warriors’ star guard, Curry is the NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers, a two-time MVP, and a four-time champion. He spoke about how work ethic shapes not only his basketball legacy but also his approach to business and life.

Curry’s new book, “Shot Ready,” provides an intimate look at his journey from childhood to his NBA career, sharing lessons on preparation and growth. He told the audience that a strong work ethic is universally relatable: “It’s a philosophy and a mindset for getting the most out of life, and enjoying every experience and opportunity.”

Off the court, as the founder and CEO of Thirty Ink, Curry oversees a house-of-brands conglomerate including Unanimous Media, Underrated Golf and Basketball, and Gentleman’s Cut bourbon. Thirty Ink generated $173.5 million in revenue in 2024, according to CNBC. You can read more of my take on Curry’s fireside chat here.

‘Prepare for every scenario’

Research studies show that participation in sports is strongly correlated with the development of leadership skills. A 2023 Deloitte study found that 85% of women surveyed who played competitive sports say the skills they developed were important to their professional success.

I spoke with Elena Gomez, president and CFO of Toast, who shared how sports have influenced her career. She played pick-up basketball with her brothers, then competed in high school, later coaching in her 20s and for her daughter’s team.

“There are so many lessons you can take from coaching basketball,” Gomez said. “Prepare for every scenario. If there are 5 seconds left and we’re down by 2 points—this is the play. That’s scenario planning.” She added, “A game can turn on a dime; the other team has a great second quarter, and suddenly what seemed like a great game is a different one. The ability to adapt quickly and course correct applies in leadership.”

Often in business, the competitive landscape changes, expected outcomes shift, or the geopolitical climate evolves, Gomez explained.

“Being able to course correct is always valuable,” Gomez said. “You also need to know when to take your last shot or pass the ball.” She uses this analogy in her CFO role: “Many want to be in the spotlight or presenting, but sometimes it’s important to pass the ball—because the win is greater as a team than as a hero.”

Sheryl Estrada
[email protected]

Leaderboard

Steve Kinsey, CFO of Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE: FLO), plans to retire at the end of 2025 after 36 years of service, including the last 18 as chief financial officer. The company has initiated a search for Kinsey’s successor. Following his retirement, Mr. Kinsey is expected to continue to serve in an advisory role for a period of time.  Flowers operates bakeries across the country. Among the company’s top brands are Nature’s Own, Dave’s Killer Bread, Wonder, Canyon Bakehouse, and Tastykake. 

Bonnie Boyer was appointed CFO of Guident Corp., an autonomous vehicle teleoperation, effective immediately. Boyer brings over 15 years of financial leadership experience. Most recently, she served as chief accounting officer at Sagent M&C, a SaaS provider in the mortgage technology sector. 

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