Advice From an Inspiring Athlete

I recently spoke to Mary Kate Callahan, an elite paratriathlete and six time marathoner whose inspirational journey and message was immortalized in a moving commercial produced by Gatorade. Mary Kate has experienced more than she knew was possible for a 24-year-old. Her life was forever changed on the night of December 19, 1995, when she was just 5 ½ months old. During the night, a virus called Transverse Myelitis attacked her spinal cord and left her a T8-T10 paraplegic. She began swimming as part of aqua therapy, joined her local swim club, and never looked back. A Chicago native, Mary Kate has been around the world racing triathlons, advocating for what she believes in, and mentoring people of all abilities. Mary Kate has crossed numerous finish lines, from 5ks to breaking the course record at Ironman Louisville, and has stood on top of countless podiums around the world. As a graduate of the University of Arizona, Mary Kate Callahan had returned to Chicago to proudly work at Motorola Solutions and where she now continues to train towards reaching her next goal of making the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Team.

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your best advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. What is something about you that would surprise people? 

Mary Kate: One of my favorite things to do is write. While at the moment, my time to write is very limited. However, when I look into the next 5-10 years, I would love to come out with two books. One is a children's book and the other is a book for adults. I know I have experienced the last 24 years with a unique sense, and through it all, I have tried to pull out lessons that can be applied to anyone. My hope is that some of the lessons I have learned or experiences I have had can be used to help someone else grow.

Adam: When did you realize that you had the potential to be an elite athlete? 

Mary Kate: Rewind to the age of 6. I joined my first competitive swim team. At the time, I joined it for mostly the social aspects: being at practice with my friends, hanging out at the pool post-practice or swim meet, and meeting new friends. However, within the first few weeks of joining the team - I found my inner athlete - this competitive drive that was wanting to see just how much I could push myself. It was then that I knew I wanted to be an athlete, but little did I know what that journey would turn into... 18 years later. A pretty amazing journey.

Adam: What are your greatest takeaways from your experience training for and competing in national events? 

Mary Kate: Two things come to mind. The first being nothing happens overnight. I think as a competitive person; you want to see results overnight. I quickly learned that it is not a realistic expectation to set for myself. When competing at this level - it can take weeks, months, and sometimes longer to see progress after consistent training and discipline. Patience is something I've now quickly learned to value. The second is the power of people. As I look back on the last 18 years of racing, I can confidently say I'm the athlete I am today because it's the people I have surrounded myself with. Whether they are coaches, physical therapists, family, friends, or other athletes - each person you bring into your space allows for another step of growth. One of the qualities I value most about myself is my independence; however, along this athletic journey, I've learned you can't do this alone. The community of athletes we have built around the world is pretty amazing. We are competitors on the course, but we are learning from each other in the course. We are working together to help grow the sport for future generations to come.

Adam: You helped the Illinois Attorney General bring about meaningful change. What are the best lessons you learned from that experience? 

Mary Kate: During that three year experience, I learned not to be afraid to stand up and advocate for things you believe in. I was young... 15/16 years old at the time and was in meeting rooms with older adults that didn't necessarily agree with me. While I could have sat back and listened to them tell me why myself and others should not have the same opportunities as other athletes, I chose to stand tall and speak up. Never be afraid to speak about things you believe in so strongly. Your voice has the power to make a difference in the world. 

Adam: I was very taken with how uplifting your message is. Were you always a highly positive person? How and when did you embrace the mentality that clearly defines what you do with all of your work? 

Mary Kate: I think my sense of positivity has always been my 'superpower' for as long as I can remember. However, as I have grown older - I realize just how important attitude is. Whether it is in training, racing, or in the workplace - the attitude you walk into a place sets the tone for not only yourself but how others perceive any given situation. The one thing we have control of in this life is the attitude we take into anything we do. Why not make it great?

Adam: How can anyone develop a winning mindset? 

Mary Kate: It didn't happen overnight, but for me, it was learning not to fear failure. I've grown to learn that some of your best lessons are learned through failure. I've learned to embrace both the good and the bad. By doing so, this has taught me to appreciate the failures since 99% there is a lesson in those that can be applied for the next time. If you approach everything with the mindset that you want to be constantly learning, it doesn't turn into winning vs. losing; it turns into continually growing into a better athlete and a better person.

Adam: In your experience, what are the defining qualities of an effective leader? How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level? 

Mary Kate: Own your story- the good, the bad, and the unknown. We all have a narrative that has made us into the person we are today. Channel your own story to be the best version of yourself and to help others find the best version of themselves. 

Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives and civic leaders?

Mary Kate: 1. Listen. Sometimes sitting back and listening can be just as powerful as speaking. 

2. Give back. Don't get too caught up in the day to day and forget to give back to the community that helped shaped you into who you are today. 

3. There is always enough time in the day. Everyone only gets 24 hours in a day; however, what you do with those 24 hours is up to you. If something is important to you, you will find the time. This is how you can figure out the best way to prioritize. 

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received? 

Mary Kate: Never never never give up. There are a lot of things in life that will be thrown your way that is completely out of your control - good and bad - that may try to steer you off the path you’re on. However, if you hold true to yourself, your beliefs, and keep a community of people around you - no dream or goal is ever too big. It won't be easy. It will take a lot of hard work and perseverance - but it will always be worth it.