Let’s be real—finance isn’t just about spreadsheets, models, and market predictions. It’s a high-stakes game of strategy, endurance, and mental agility. And sometimes, the best training for it doesn’t happen in a classroom or an internship—it happens on a field or in a dance studio.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how unconventional backgrounds shape success in finance. Take the stories floating around about execs from Goldman and KKR who credit soccer and ballet for their rise. At first, it sounds like a stretch. But the more you break it down, the more it makes sense.
**Soccer: The Ultimate Team Sport**
Soccer isn’t just about scoring goals. It’s about reading the field, anticipating moves, and working seamlessly with your team—even when you’re exhausted. Sound familiar? In finance, you’re constantly analyzing patterns, predicting market shifts, and collaborating under pressure. There’s no room for ego when the clock is ticking. Soccer teaches you that the win is a collective effort, not an individual trophy. It’s no surprise that former players thrive in environments like trading floors or M&A teams, where split-second decisions and trust in your colleagues are everything.
**Ballet: Discipline, Precision, and Poise**
On the surface, ballet might seem like the polar opposite of high finance. But dig deeper. Ballet demands relentless discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to perform flawlessly under intense scrutiny. Every movement is calculated; every step is part of a larger strategy. In finance, that translates to meticulous analysis, risk management, and staying composed when deals get messy. Ballet dancers are used to pushing through physical and mental fatigue—something anyone who’s pulled an all-nighter during earnings season can relate to.
**The Common Thread: Grit**
Whether it’s pushing through extra time on the field or holding a perfect arabesque until your muscles shake, both soccer and ballet build resilience. In finance, setbacks are inevitable. Markets crash, deals fall through, and clients demand the impossible. The mental toughness you develop in sports or arts—coping with failure, adapting quickly, and staying focused—is a huge advantage.
So, next time you’re updating your resume, don’t downplay that time you spent as a midfielder or a dancer. It might just be what sets you apart. Finance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about how you handle the game.
