High Performance Lessons for Modern Leaders

High Performance Lessons for Modern Leaders

At DB Results we believe that leadership is not defined by a title. It is shaped by daily actions, personal accountability and the way we show up for the people around us. That philosophy came to life recently when we had the privilege of hearing from Lucy McEvoy, AFLW player and valued DB Results employee, who shared powerful lessons from her career in elite sport.

Lucy offered a window into what high performance looks like behind the scenes and how the principles that drive success on the field translate directly to consulting, teamwork and organisational culture.

Lead by example

One of the strongest messages from Lucy’s talk was simple but profound. Leaders must model the behaviour they expect from others. Great leadership starts with doing what you say you will do. It reflects the culture at the Sydney Swans where actions matter more than words.

This principle applies equally in professional environments. Accountability, reliability and integrity set the tone for the team.

There is no single style of leadership

Lucy highlighted that leadership is deeply personal. Every individual leads differently, and the most effective leaders honour their own strengths rather than copying someone else’s approach. She and her co-captain have very different leadership styles, yet both lead successfully because they stay true to themselves and focus on what their teammates need.

This is an important reminder that diversity in leadership styles strengthens teams. Authenticity builds trust.

Be part of the solution, not the commentary

Lucy shared a memorable story known as the “cow in the ditch.” Many people walk past a problem and comment that someone else should fix it. When something eventually goes wrong, those same people point fingers and complain that others did not act sooner. A true leader is the person who steps forward, organises help, solves the immediate issue and prevents it from happening again.

The lesson is clear. Do not stand on the sidelines, step in, take responsibility, help move things forward.

Preparation builds confidence and resilience

When Lucy spoke about performance, she emphasised that winning starts long before game day. Preparation, planning and deliberate practice allow athletes to respond quickly and calmly under pressure. Similar lessons are echoed in the experiences of other high performing individuals such as Michael Phelps, who recently spoke at the World of Business conference in Sydney.

In consulting and technology, preparation plays the same role. The more scenarios we anticipate and the more thoroughly we prepare, the better positioned we are to deliver excellence.

This mindset extends beyond technical delivery. It also shapes how we support our own health and wellbeing. Initiatives like MiOK, DB Results’ early-intervention mental health app, reinforces the same principle: preparation and awareness allow us to respond sooner, support one another better and build stronger, healthier teams.

Uphold the standards you set

Lucy described her role as captain not as managing team harmony but as upholding the standards the team agreed upon. When teammates brought interpersonal issues to her, her first question was, “Have you spoken to the person directly?” Clear, respectful and honest communication is central to strong team culture.

This encourages personal accountability and prevents unresolved issues from becoming systemic problems.

Culture is tested when things get tough

When the team was winning, morale was high. When they started losing, challenges surfaced. Belief weakened, blaming increased and standards slipped. In hindsight, Lucy reflected that they lost more than momentum. They lost connection to their agreed behaviours.

This is a powerful reminder that culture is demonstrated in difficult moments, not easy ones. Consistency matters.

Belief changes the outcome

Lucy never goes into a game believing she will lose. Her mindset is grounded in the belief that success is possible. That confidence flows into her actions, her leadership and the energy she brings to her team.

Belief drives behaviour, behaviour drives performance.

Lucy’s insights remind us that high performance is not accidental. It is built through consistency, self-awareness and care for the team around us. Whether on the field or inside DB Results, leadership is strengthened when we support our wellbeing, look out for each other and use tools like MiOK to stay connected and thriving.

We are incredibly grateful to Lucy for sharing her experience and for the leadership she brings both on and off the field.