Impact that matters

Deloitte's decade-long partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is more than a business alliance. It's a commitment to excellence, transformation, and positive global impact. Deloitte is supporting the IOC to digitally transform the Olympic and Paralympic Movements, amplifying the power of sport as a force for good.

Deloitte's partnership with the IOC embodies shared values of passion, commitment, and excellence. Our impact extends to the IOC's diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) and sustainability initiatives, and support for athletes' post-Games career transitions and mental health.

At the heart of this partnership is our people. Our Reach Higher: Leadership Development Program brought together 522 Deloitte employees for a six-month journey of personal and professional growth. Two of our colleagues from Sweden, Thelma and Aleksandar, were selected for this programme and had the unique opportunity to travel to Paris during the Olympic Games. Their experiences, which they share in this article, highlight the unique opportunities and experiences that Deloitte offers.

What were your key takeaways from the management training in Paris?

Thelma: “The leadership training uniquely intertwined the worlds of sports and business, a perspective I hadn't experienced before. It highlighted the commonalities between elite athletes and high-performing work teams, particularly their shared challenges. A significant insight for me was the emphasis on nurturing curiosity, creativity, and divergent thinking within ourselves and our teams. The training underscored that just as sports have continually evolved to break records, we too should embrace innovation and push our limits to achieve remarkable success.”

Aleksandar: “Emotions are a critical component for effective leadership. They distinguish us from technology and are central to human-centred leadership. This approach involves harnessing emotional data to better manage our teams and work environments. Just as athletes display varying emotions to the same result, so do members of a business team. Everyone reacts differently, and these reactions are part of the daily experiences we navigate. As a leader, understanding and effectively managing these emotional responses is key to fostering a positive and productive work environment.”

What attributes and accomplishments do you believe contributed to your selection for the Paris programme?

Aleksandar: “In my spare time, I play basketball and 3x3 at a national level. Since 3x3 became an Olympic sport, I've been inspired to give back to the sport that has enriched my life. I started by creating informal environments where young adults can gather, play, and compete, focusing on areas and individuals facing social inequalities or high sports drop-out rates. One such initiative led me to a suburban area in Brazil, a project that received endorsement from Deloitte and likely contributed to my selection. The happiness these events bring to the young adults is what drives me, from local streets to the Olympic Games.

Thelma: “I feel incredibly fortunate to have been nominated for this programme. Throughout my tenure at Deloitte, I've had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse range of individuals on various projects and initiatives. These experiences have elevated my project management skills and shaped my leadership approach, where I aim to foster a positive and productive team environment. I believe these factors played a significant role in my selection for the programme.

What were your thoughts on the program and the activities in Paris, and how did you feel about those experiences?

Thelma: “The Reach Higher Program offered a unique blend of leadership training at Deloitte University, networking opportunities, access the Olympic Games, and a deeper understanding of Deloitte’s contributions to the Deloitte’s partnership with the IOC and IPC.

Attending the swimming event in Paris was truly captivating, with the arena buzzing with vibrant energy. Meeting fellow Deloitte employees from around the globe was a great highlight and it was special to share this experience with them. Together we had the opportunity to learn about Deloitte's work to support the Olympic Movement too, like ‘like our role in helping the IOC to enhance their digital ecosystem - this was really interesting.”

Aleksandar: “I participated in a 2-day management training focused on human-oriented leadership at Deloitte University, culminating in an unforgettable experience at the Olympic Games. The leadership programme was refreshingly modern, delving into the evolving leadership styles and trends influenced by digital disruption, with a strong emphasis on prioritising human-centric approaches.

Following the training, I had the opportunity to witness the beach volleyball and 3x3 basketball events. The atmosphere at the beach volleyball venue was truly exceptional, particularly with the Swedish men’s gold victory, creating a true once-in-a-lifetime moment. Ending the experience by witnessing the sport to which I am deeply committed on the Olympic Games, in front of a live audience for the first time, felt like a dream come true.

In summary, Deloitte's partnership with the IOC represents a commitment to excellence, transformation, and positive global impact. The company's involvement in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 showcased its crucial role in delivering the Olympic Games and advancing the Olympic Movement. The Reach Higher: Leadership Development Program brought together employees for a six-month journey of personal and professional growth, with Thelma and Aleksandar's experiences highlighting the unique opportunities and experiences that Deloitte offers.

If you are interested in reading more about the Deloitte’s partnership with IOC & IPC, please go to the Deloitte - IOC hub.