Barty Inspiration | What are your board dreams?

The 25-year-old Australian tennis star urged fans to “believe in their dreams” after claiming her first Wimbledon singles title at the weekend, becoming just the second Indigenous woman to win what is regarded as the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world.

There were cheers all-round as Barty and fellow tennis star Dylan Alcott both lifted the silverware at the UK tennis tournament. Alcott won his third grand slam title of the year in the wheelchair singles final, before Barty spectacularly seized the women’s title.

Speaking after her win, Barty said “Australians have such a rich history in sport and I think being able to be a very small part of that is something that I have always dreamt of, to try and create a legacy, try and create a path for young girls and boys to believe in their dreams.

“To be able to be successful here at Wimbledon, to achieve my biggest dream, has been absolutely incredible.”

Quad wheelchair singles champion Alcott said "People think that my purpose in life is winning Grand Slams and tennis tournaments ….But my real purpose in life is trying to change perceptions so people with disability can do whatever they want to do.”

Barty’s incredible win shows the importance of setting and articulating dreams and reminds us of the value of having both a coach and lofty goals. What are your board goals?

To help make your board dreams/goals come to fruition here are a few pointers:

1. Visualise your dream board / board portfolio and make it your goal.

2. Write your goal down – with a timeframe. This can be specific or more general, such as targeting a specific board; type of board, portfolio of roles. For example, to be on the Board XYZ within xx years; to be appointed to a NFP board by xxx;  to achieve a paid board role by  xx; to build a board portfolio consisting of xxx roles by xxx.

3. Take action - outline the five key things you plan to do to achieve your goal, e.g. make contact with someone specific; apply for x amount of board roles per month; update your board CV; spend one hour per week working towards your goal etc…

4. Make the actions a habit – add them to your calendar and stick to them.

5. Review your goal every month to stay focussed.

6. Share your goal with a trusted colleague for advice and support (sharing it makes it real).

7. Get help, support and guidance – Ash had help, including a coach and her mind coach, Ben Crowe, who she credits as instrumental in getting to World Number 1.   

Further reading