port is a language everyone understands. It doesn’t care about your title, your job, or where you’re from. It levels the playing field, literally and metaphorically. On the court, the pitch, or the golf course, often barriers dissolve. You’re no longer a CEO or an intern, a seasoned professional or a newbie. You’re just people focused on the game. Even as an intern I had the opportunity to play with heads of companies, owners, celebrities and athletes because of my ability to play golf.
That’s the magic of sport. It provides an instant connection and a shared experience that eliminates the awkwardness of initial introductions. You don’t need a perfect elevator pitch when you’re celebrating a point in doubles tennis or padel or strategising a golf shot or hole. Conversations flow more naturally when the focus is on the sport rather than business.
Even more powerful is sport’s ability to transcend cultural and linguistic differences. In sport often all you need is teamwork, effort, and respect. That shared energy builds bonds faster than some networking events or cold emails ever could.
Think about it: when you play a round of golf with someone, the connection isn’t based on titles or LinkedIn profiles. It’s built on playing the sport together and supporting each other, shared stories, and a common goal. And those experiences, they turn into trust, and trust can turn into opportunity.
So next time you’re invited to play any sport or just watch, consider this: sport can be a gateway to building relationships that matter in business.
