Olympic Gold Medalist Kristen Faulker: ‘Shorten The Cycle To Success’

Kristen Faulkner knows what it means to achieve success quickly. A rising star in venture capital, Faulkner took an introductory cycling class in 2017, sparking a passion for the sport. While many professional cyclists told her it would take years to succeed, Faulkner defied the odds by applying the research and analytical skills she honed in venture capital and at Harvard. Just seven years after that first class, she brought home two gold medals at the Paris Olympics this summer.

“A lot of professional cyclists learn by doing,” Faulkner shared on the Corporate Competitor Podcast. “When I started, they said, ‘Oh, you just need to practice more. You need to do more races. You need more experience.’”

Refusing to accept the conventional wisdom, Faulkner turned to research to accelerate her learning curve. Drawing on her venture capital background, she created flashcards for each rider after every race and analyzed her moves with her coach. “I would go through everything with my coach, and analyze the moves I made, and what I was thinking,” she recalled. 

Faulkner didn’t stop there—she asked her coach endless questions about her rides, the cyclists who beat her, and the tactics others used to pull ahead. She also studied other races and examined what made top cyclists successful.

Her rigorous, data-driven approach paid off. By treating cycling like research for an investment memo, Faulkner quickly transformed herself into one of the world’s best cyclists. “I felt like I was a student of the sport,” she said. “I was really studying as if I was studying for a college math exam.”

In this episode, Faulkner shares lessons from her cycling journey that apply directly to business, including:

• How she balances her need to achieve with the patience to bounce back from setbacks and disappointments.

• How identifying and respecting unique qualities in each team member helps foster a positive and supportive environment.

• The importance of having role models and how they can impact your motivation and aspirations.

At the heart of Faulkner’s success is her relentless preparation and dedication to learning. Faulkner’s story is a testament to what’s possible when preparation, curiosity and determination intersect. Listen to this inspiring episode to discover how you can apply her insights to your company’s success and your own personal development.