From the Softball Diamond to the Office: How Sports Shape My Role as a Product Owner
Ellen Venker
But the lessons I learned on (and off) the diamond go far beyond physical performance. Softball taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience, all of which I carry into my professional life. But perhaps the most important lesson is this: having fun while doing what you love matters! Success is far more sustainable when fueled by joy and passion.
“Let’s build something together, and let’s have fun doing it. One step (or pitch!) at a time.”
On the softball field, I wasn’t the most naturally talented player. My achievements came from hard work, a hunger to learn, and a relentless focus on progress over perfection. This mindset translates directly to my role as a product owner. You don’t need to be the most (technically) skilled person in the room; you need to be the one willing to put in the effort to understand challenges, motivate the team, and continuously improve.
Whether striving for Olympic glory or working on a product launch, success is not a straight line. It’s a series of small wins, setbacks, and moments of reflection. I believe in celebrating progress, no matter how small, because those milestones remind us why we started in the first place.
Softball taught me that success is a collective effort. Just as a winning game relies on every player - pitchers, outfielders, batters - a successful product depends on the contributions of developers, designers, stakeholders, and customers. My role as a product owner is to create an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to do their best work.
There’s a misconception that being a top performer requires ruthlessness. My journey has proven the opposite. As an athlete and now as a product owner, I’ve found that kindness and empathy are powerful tools for building trust, fostering collaboration, and driving success. People perform at their best when they feel valued, supported, and happy.
As a product owner, I bring the same energy and dedication to my team as I did to the softball diamond. I aim to inspire, lead with empathy, and build products that truly make a difference. My approach might not be conventional, but it’s authentic. And it works!
To anyone pursuing their dreams - whether in sports, tech, or any other field - remember this: you don’t need to adopt a “killer mentality” to succeed. Stay true to your values, work hard, and enjoy the ride. Success isn’t just about the destination; it’s about having fun and finding fulfillment along the way.
Let’s build something together, and let’s have fun doing it. One step (or pitch!) at a time. This is (part of) my story, but it’s also my philosophy. I’d love to hear how your unique experiences have shaped the way you work.
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