4 minute read 23 Sep 2020
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How an Olympic fencer embraces new challenges at EY

4 minute read 23 Sep 2020
Related topics Gender equality Diversity, equity and inclusiveness
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Two-time Olympic fencer and World Champion Nzingha Prescod offers lessons on her move into the business world.

In brief
  • Nzingha is one of more than 30 elite athletes that have launched a career at EY through our EY Athlete Programs.
  • EY recognizes athletes as a diverse talent pipeline and has developed these programs to support athletes as they step off the sporting field.

Talk about leaning in.  When I first met Nzingha Prescod, a two-time US Olympian and World Champion in fencing, I knew right away why she is so dominant at her craft. We were at an awards ceremony honoring elite female athletes, and she was in her element; I was in awe of the talent in the room and was caught, well … off guard. 

Nzingha is among about 30 elite athletes who have launched a career at EY in the last several years through our Athlete Programs. The program is designed to provide opportunities for accomplished athletes looking to leverage their considerable skills in the business arena — in many cases, while still actively competing. In return, EY gains colleagues with the determination, discipline, leadership and high-performance teaming that are second nature to elite-level athletes.

When I asked Nzingha what it felt like to transition from sports to professional services, her response reflected her approach to any new challenge or opponent.  

“The transition was exciting because it was a new type of stimulating experience; a completely new arena for skill learning — new tasks, new routines, new relationships to manage, new goals, new discipline,” she said. “I am in data analytics and was a political science major, so it was all completely new to me.”

This illustrates a growth mindset: seeing a new challenge as an opportunity instead of a threat. Nzingha believes it is how champions in sports are built, and it’s made all the difference in her new career. As I’ve often noted, attitude determines altitude, and taking a “can do” approach is a great way to stand out in any arena.  

Our conversation quickly turned to how to squeeze everything in and be successful in all facets of your life. As the father of two active children and the husband of a successful attorney, I admitted that balance can be hard to achieve. I mentioned that finding time for all my passions – family, work, community service and more – required flexibility and some creative scheduling. Nzingha agreed.

“For my first year at EY, I took a hiatus from fencing and was able to travel to the client site and fully commit to the traditional client-facing schedule,” she said. “The Olympic qualification year started this past May, so I requested more flexibility to accommodate the additional training and travel.

“Since then, I’ve been on a flexible work arrangement that allows for working remotely and often with nonconsecutive hours,” she said. “The key was communicating with my team and understanding what was possible.

“This is another key lesson that took me much longer to learn than I care to admit: don’t assume what is and isn’t feasible in any part of your life,” Nzingha said. “If you work hard and communicate with those around you, you’ll have a much better chance at being successful both individually and collectively.

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Leadership, culture and DE&I services

Our Leadership, Culture and DE&I professionals can help your organization drive value by aligning your relevant initiatives to your strategic goals.

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This is another key lesson that took me much longer to learn than I care to admit: don’t assume what is and isn’t feasible in any part of your life. If you work hard and communicate with those around you, you’ll have a much better chance at being successful, both individually and collectively.
Nzingha Prescod
Two-time US Olympian and World Champion fencer and EY Consultant

As a recruiter, I’m often asked by candidates how they can best leverage their non-technical abilities and bring them to bear in a new job or career. Again, Nzingha had some prescient advice.  

“I think the most helpful skill is listening,” she said. “For me, listening involves jotting notes down to revisit when I’m executing. It also allows for the second most important skill: being thoughtful. My motivation in being thoughtful is driving a great finished product for my team. Quality is always my priority – even when there is pressure to get something done on a deadline. It also helps to be part of a very inclusive culture. EY promotes an environment that encourages engagement and places value on differences; this has made a huge difference in my ability to be successful here.”

The EY Athlete Programs

EY recognizes the value of athletes and the unique skillset they bring to our teams and our clients, and is committed to supporting this diverse talent pool.

Learn more

Summary

Athletes bring a unique combination of diverse mindsets and skills sets to the business world, embracing challenges, channeling critical skills learned from the sporting community. 

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Related topics Gender equality Diversity, equity and inclusiveness
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