Winning Again: Business Strategy Inspired by Real Life, Not Just Sport

When we talk about business strategy, it’s tempting to reach for the nearest sports metaphor. And yes, there’s plenty we can learn from the pitch, the court, or the track. But the truth is, the best lessons for business owners often come from everyday life—moments of collaboration, resilience, and creativity.

Recently, I spoke with Pete Moore, founder of Integrity Square and author of Time to Win Again. Pete’s background is rich with sporting experience, but what struck me most was how he draws on a much wider lens to help businesses thrive.

Beyond the Scoreboard: Building a Community That Wins Together

Pete challenges us to look past the old “wellness” label and embrace a broader vision—what he calls the HALO sector: Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors. It’s not just about avoiding illness; it’s about helping people and businesses flourish.

Think of your business as a community hub. Success isn’t just measured by sales or profit margins, but by the connections you foster and the positive impact you create. Pete’s advice? Don’t compete for a shrinking pie—expand the table. Collaborate with others, share resources, and create abundance. When businesses work together, everyone benefits.

From Scarcity to Abundance: The Power of Collaboration

Too often, business owners worry about losing customers if they share them with another provider. Pete flips this thinking on its head. Instead of guarding your patch, imagine what’s possible when you join forces. It’s like hosting a neighbourhood festival—each stall brings something unique, but together you create an experience no single business could offer.

This approach isn’t just theory. Pete shares stories of fitness clubs partnering with local sports teams, wellness brands, and even food companies to create richer experiences for their members. The result? More value for customers, more opportunities for growth, and a stronger, more resilient business community.

Roles, Identity, and Belonging: More Than Just a Uniform

One of Pete’s favourite illustrations is the team jersey. In sport, putting on a jersey means you belong; you know your role, and you’re part of something bigger. In business, the equivalent might be a shared mission, a clear set of values, or even a simple ritual that brings your team together.

But identity isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about how you show up. Pete suggests hiring people who have demonstrated grit, discipline, and teamwork in any area of life, not just sport. Look for those who know how to commit, collaborate, and persevere.

Taking Timeouts: The Value of Pausing and Resetting

In sport, timeouts are a chance to regroup, adjust tactics, and refocus. In business, we rarely take these moments. Pete encourages owners to pause, reflect, and make changes when things aren’t working. Whether it’s updating your systems, refreshing your team’s approach, or simply taking a day to train and develop, these pauses can be the difference between stagnation and growth.

Know Your Competition—And Your Own Strengths

Preparation isn’t just for athletes. Pete reminds us that knowing your market, understanding your competitors, and having a clear strategy are essential. But don’t just focus on what others are doing—celebrate your own wins, learn from setbacks, and keep refining your approach.

Pressure Is a Privilege

One of the most powerful ideas Pete shares comes from tennis legend Billie Jean King: “Pressure is a privilege.” In business, feeling the pressure means you’re in the game. Embrace it, use it as motivation, and remember that every challenge is an opportunity to grow.

Practical Takeaways for Business Owners

• Build a community, not just a customer base – Focus on relationships, collaboration, and shared success
• Embrace abundance – Look for ways to partner, share, and create new opportunities
• Foster identity and belonging – Make sure your team knows their role and feels valued
• Take timeouts – Don’t be afraid to pause, reflect, and reset when needed
• Prepare and adapt – Know your market, learn from others, and keep improving
• See pressure as a sign you’re playing at a higher level – Use it to fuel your growth

Business isn’t just a game—it’s a journey. Whether you draw inspiration from sport, community, or creativity, the key is to keep learning, keep collaborating, and keep striving for your own version of success. As Pete Moore says, “Figure out what’s behind your business, and then put a playbook on it.”