Masters of Scale Rapid Response: Overcoming institutional hurdles, w/ U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland
Oct 14, 2021
Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, discusses her leadership during challenging times, including COVID-19 mandates for vaccinations and navigating athlete activism. She tackles tough issues like sexual misconduct and mental health in sports, aiming to foster a culture of accountability. Hirshland also emphasizes the need for inclusivity as the organization prepares for the 2028 Summer Olympics, reflecting on the evolving mission of American athletics amidst societal changes.
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Balancing Health and Excellence
- Prioritize health and safety while also striving for competitive excellence.
- Vaccinations minimize risks and create a safe environment for everyone involved.
Navigating Social Justice and Rules
- Hirschland faced a challenging decision regarding athletes' social justice stands at the Pan Am Games.
- While upholding rules, she recognized the importance of athletes' voices and initiated a review of existing regulations.
Addressing Sexual Misconduct in Sports
- Sexual misconduct is a societal issue, exacerbated in sports by power dynamics between coaches, medical staff, and athletes.
- Organizations must establish checks and balances, empower individuals to speak up, and enforce zero tolerance policies.