Traits That Define a Successful Leader, According to a Field Hockey Captain Turned Entrepreneur

Boris Burkhardt is fueled by a passion for both field hockey and business entrepreneurship.

At a young age, Burkhardt was already representing the Netherlands, playing for national youth squads in field hockey, before stepping up to the professional realm with Amsterdam's team. Now, at the age of 28, he leads the Amsterdam team and has played on behalf of the Netherlands in international matches.

His entrepreneurial spirit sparked early; one of his initial businesses involved retrieving and selling used golf balls from water hazards at night.

"That's when my knack for business really began to take form," Burkhardt reflected to Business Insider.

He has since ventured into the boating industry and established Game Hero, a retail brand specializing in gaming accessories. Moreover, he gained experience as a venture capitalist with a seed fund called CapitalT.

While none of his ventures have been sold yet, Burkhardt is embarking on a new business journey with Guzco, a B2B enterprise aimed at cybersecurity and fraud deterrence.

This startup is supported by experts in the logistics and software sectors, those who have been instrumental in assembling the technology backbone of leading e-commerce platforms.

Building a Team That Wins

Those who pursue athletics from a young age are groomed in the values of discipline and collaboration, Burkhardt explained.

He stressed the necessity of understanding team dynamics — both strengths and vulnerabilities. This awareness is sharpened early for athletes.

When the stakes are high, whether in sports or business, some individuals shine, while others withdraw.

It’s vital to discern people's behaviors and identify reliable team players, Burkhardt emphasized.

Comfort with Defeat

In Burkhardt’s field hockey career, losing games was a frequent experience, offering deeper lessons than victories ever could.

However, the essence of growth lies in recovery from setbacks.

He posed questions such as: How do you rebound stronger? In what ways do you counter challenges?

The parallel is evident in business, where initial success may merely be luck, thus imparting no real wisdom. Genuine learning comes from analyzing failures.

When contracts fall through, reflecting on missteps is crucial, he advised, advocating for embracing failures to enhance skills, much like in sports.

Adapting When Plans Derail

A mindset oriented towards growth is crucial in both athletic and business environments, noted Burkhardt.

It becomes particularly valuable when plans don't unfold as expected, necessitating adjustments.

Focusing solely on immediate objectives, such as joining a team or clinching a deal, can be limiting, he explained.

Instead, it's about working hard, enjoying the process, and maintaining faith in the eventual progression toward overarching goals.

Cultivating Team Commitment

According to Burkhardt, team dissolution can be a primary reason for business failure.

Ensuring alignment in ambition and perseverance within the team is imperative.

Team members should be as committed to the desired outcomes as the leader, given the risk of losing top talent unexpectedly.

Burkhardt stressed the importance of finding team members who share belief in the mission and vision, fostering a collaborative pursuit of objectives.