When Bronte Campbell stepped as much as the blocks at her first Olympics in 2012, she was simply 18. What adopted was greater than a decade on the world stage: a four-time Olympian, triple Olympic gold medallist, and World Champion within the 50m and 100m freestyle.
However essentially the most exceptional a part of her story isn’t what occurred in entrance of the cameras – it’s the sheer tenacity, self-discipline, and quiet work that occurred when nobody was watching.
“It takes two million minutes of preparation for a one minute race,” she says.
Take into consideration that: the hours. The repetition. The unglamorous grind.
That is the type of work that doesn’t search recognition – solely outcomes.
It’s the identical basis Bronte attracts on in the present day – to not chase medals, however to construct what’s subsequent: model, enterprise, and environmental impression.
Alongside co-founders, Libby Babet and Chris Raleigh, Bronte has launched Earthletica – a daring activewear model constructed for the shopper and the planet.
“Earthletica is right here to boost the bar for high quality, innovation and sustainability in activewear,” Bronte tells us.
And whereas the world is probably not watching each early-stage of her enterprise transfer, Bronte is aware of precisely what it takes to go the gap:
“Success is determined by grinding every single day and finding creative solutions to problems. The real work happens behind the scenes.”
Similar grit, totally different sport
Bronte Campbell sporting Earthletica
After the Olympics, Bronte wasn’t on the lookout for relaxation. She was on the lookout for her subsequent problem.
“I’ve always been interested in taking on big challenges. The bigger the problem, the bigger the motivation.”
Her post-sport pivot started with one thing seemingly unrelated: a job at EY. However contained in the world of company technique, she discovered gasoline for a unique type of ambition.
“I really enjoyed working at EY and solving complex problems. It actually introduced me to the problem of sustainability at scale,” she explains. “I saw how difficult it was to retrofit sustainability onto a supply chain and how much better it would be to build sustainability practices from the ground up.”
That single perception would later develop into the core DNA of Earthletica: an organization that prioritises efficiency and sustainability from day one – with out compromise.
“Our vision is a world where quality, innovation and sustainability exist together without compromise,” she says.
The choice to depart EY for Earthletica wasn’t secure. It was daring. However for Bronte, so was stepping onto an Olympic stage.
“Joining the founding team of Earthletica was definitely risky. I had a great and stable job … but I’m still here 18 months later pursuing something I have a passion for, changing how activewear is made and learning so much every single day.”
Not simply one other activewear model
In a saturated trade filled with traits and empty sustainability guarantees, Earthletica is doing issues in another way – and unapologetically effectively.
“We do not compromise on quality or honesty,” Bronte says. “There is no excuse for saggy leggings in a workout, or crops that don’t wick your sweat away.”
Each Earthletica product is made with recycled supplies, engineered to carry out, and designed to evolve.
“As soon as we clear one bar, we raise it and focus on the next bar to clear. This mindset of constant innovation sets us apart from other brands and is why our customers love us,” she says.
Bronte’s values – curiosity, excellence, kindness – reside within the model’s tradition. They’re embedded within the Earthletica pillars:
Elevate the bar. Bought your again. Future match.
This isn’t about launching one other activewear label. It’s about reshaping what high quality means – and proving you’ll be able to construct higher with out chopping corners.
The mindset that powers all of it
Success in swimming is crystal clear. It’s a time on a clock. A spot on the rostrum.
Bronte Campbell sporting Earthletica
In enterprise, it’s murkier. Extra fluid. Much less definitive.
“The biggest difference stepping out of my athlete life is the ambiguity of success in business,” Bronte displays. “In my swimming world, I know down to the millisecond what success looks like. But in the business world, success is sometimes harder to define and looks different every day.”
As a substitute of chasing another person’s model of success, Bronte outlined her personal.
“The better I can set direction and determine my success parameters in business, the better I can perform in business.”
And when setbacks come – as a result of they all the time do – she brings a quiet, methodical rhythm to transferring by them.
“Setbacks in business are a lot less personal than in swimming. I always just ask myself: what worked, what didn’t work, and what can I fix? Once I start moving forward, I can put a setback behind me.”
Management with out the noise
In a world obsessive about hustle and hyper-growth, Bronte’s method to management looks like a reset button. It’s not about having all of the solutions. It’s about main out of your centre.
“Find your core values and non-negotiables and lean into your strengths,” she says. “No one has your voice. No one can lead the way you do. And you can’t do it as well if you’re following someone else’s script.”
Her non-negotiable? House.
“Schedule time for life away from your business. For me this is surfing, tennis or yoga. If I start my day moving, I’m way more effective.”
Her guiding perception? Progress over perfection.
“Motivation is more of an action than a feeling. Even if I don’t feel like starting, any small action or beginning can help to get the inertia moving in the right direction.”
And her golden rule? At all times hold testing.
“Test ideas and messages constantly. Never think this work is done or you’re finished innovating.”
What success means now
Bronte’s definition of success has developed – dramatically.
“Success to me is more about what kind of person I want to be,” she says. “If I can have the courage to pursue the things I’m passionate about in my personal, professional and creative life, then I believe I’m successful.”
So many ladies are taught to construct an identification in a single lane and keep in it. To worry beginning over.
However Bronte proves that all the things from earlier than – each win, each setback – might be reclaimed and reinvested within the subsequent chapter.
“The first step is the hardest. It is a terrifying place just before you make a big decision – it should be scary. When I step out behind the blocks in an Olympic, big success and big failure are both possible. That’s where the magic exists.”
Earthletica’s phrase for the 12 months? Progress.
Not development in any respect prices – however development with intention.
“We are committed to doing the groundwork at the start to make this successful.”
“Every business will eventually need sustainable supply chains and products – we’re just doing the work from the start.”
Bronte’s constructing one thing that’s as enduring as it’s elevated. One thing that doesn’t chase traits – it resets the benchmark.
What Bronte Campbell proves is that this:
You might be good in multiple enviornment.
You don’t must have all of it mapped out – simply the braveness to start with what you already know to be true.
As a result of the power you inbuilt one pursuit? That self-discipline? That coronary heart? That vitality? It nonetheless counts. It interprets.
So when you’re standing on the sting, questioning when you’re prepared to begin or to pivot – don’t wait.
Take a breath. Belief your self and your coaching. And dive in.
Tracey Warren is CEO & Bree Kirkham, COO, of enterprise capital agency F5 Collective.
Bronte Campbell sporting Earthletica
