With a spinal tumor 17 years ago that paralyzed her from the waist down, Deepa Malik’s passion kept her spirits high. Three surgeries on her back could not dampen her energy. Today she is a proud silver medalist, creating history to become the first Indian woman to bag a medal at the Paralympics. The media is not only talking about her achievement as a Paralympian, but also about her journey to achieve her dreams. It’s a story of living your passion beyond challenges.

Here are the three powerful lessons we can draw out from the iron woman Deepa Malik on living beyond your fears –

1. Learn to take tough calls:
Deepa Malik experienced her first paralytic shock at the age of 8 and then once again at the age of 26. The doctors diagnosed a tumor in her spinal column and she was left with limited options – either she could get the tumor removed and suffer paralysis or let the tumor grow and face certain death. She chose life over death. Leaders too will face such situations in business and life. In the book Decide and Deliver by Marcia W. Blenko, Michael C. Mankins, and Paul Rogers, the authors mention that leaders must identify critical decisions which make or break the business. This is because each critical decision affects the profitability and growth of the organization. Instead of living in ignorance, it’s time leaders face tough moments and take the right call.

2. Keep a positive attitude:
Deepa prepared for the tough times post-surgery because her lifestyle was about to change. She made changes to her home for her needs and also sought help from others to support her. These preparations provided some, if not complete, relief to her life post-surgery. She didn’t stop at that; she took up swimming after her surgery to find a way to cope with change. In business, leaders too need to plan for tough times. Nokia failed to plan for the future, and they failed miserably. During the press conference to announce Nokia’s smartphone division being acquired by Microsoft, the Nokia CEO ended his speech by saying, “we didn’t do anything wrong, but somehow, we lost.” Failing to plan is planning to fail. Be ready with your plan, but if life throws a curveball, simply learn to adapt.

3. Lead by example:
Deepa didn’t let her disability stop her from learning new things. You will be surprised to know what she did even after she suffered from spastic paraplegia (paralysis below chest level) early in her life. She has achieved success as an athlete, a businesswoman, a rally car driver, and a swimmer! She believes in spreading her message of hope all throughout the country. I am sure that after seeing or hearing her, many people will find the inspiration to do more than what they thought they could do. She reflects authenticity because she is leading by example. In business circles, leaders are called authentic when they live their message. Lip service is not enough. Leaders must not expect a development plan from the organization; they must set up their own learning agenda on living their message. Just like artists who work on their craft day in and day out, leaders must work on themselves to find their own authenticity.

There are several Deepas in the world who are just waiting for the right word to realize their potential. Let FOCUS Adventure carry the message of leadership to your team. We would love to serve you and your team and help you reach the next level in your business through our leadership offerings.

Keep reading, keep sharing!

Source: Deepa Malik: Mettle path to a silver medal

–Article by Nishit Lal, Facilitator and Author, Dance to the 7 Tunes of Success.

Originally published on Focus Adventure : Deepa Malik: Leadership Lessons from the Paralympian.

Son of one of the Olympic torch bearers Jim Redmond at the London 2012 games, Derek Redmond has no Olympic medal to his name but is still is one of the most remembered athletes in Olympics history. Despite never winning an Olympic  medal, his performance at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona won him a standing ovation from the crowd. He embodies the Olympic spirit at its best, and hence, has been featured in the ‘Celebrate Humanity’ videos of the International Olympic Committee.

Who is Derek Redmond and what is his success story?

Derek Anthony Redmond is a British runner who has won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, European Championships, and the World Championships. Redmond broke two British 400 meter records before taking part at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Although injuries constantly pestered him in his career, he was declared to be in a good form during the 1992 Olympics event. In the previous  Games in Seoul, in 1988, Derek had to pull out at the last minute due to an injury in his Achilles. However, this time, he was determined to win a medal.

Nevertheless, destiny had planned something else for him. The first round went well; in fact, he recorded the fastest time to reach his quarter-final. The semifinals began and Derek had a great start until 250 meters from the finish when his hamstring snapped. He slowed and fell on the ground in pain for a brief moment. Soon, stretchers came to help, but Redmond continued to hop shoving them away. He was determined to finish his 400-meter race and nothing could stop him.

Jim Redmond, his dad, barged through security and came on the track to his son. Derek made it clear that he was determined to reach the finishing line. Jim like a doting father supported his son  through the last 100m up to the finishing line. They both completed the last lap together to a standing ovation of 65,000 spectators.

Although Derek was disqualified officially and recorded the slowest finish in the 400 m in Olympics history, he is more remembered than the gold medalist that year. He braved the odds with his determination.