E.L.F. BEAUTY’s Post

Exactly 50 years ago on this day, Billie Jean King faced Bobby Riggs in a tennis match dubbed “The Battle of the Sexes”. Across the net from Billie Jean King was not just another tennis player. At stake was a winner-takes-all $100,000. And the future of women’s tennis As BJK said later, "I thought it would set us back 50 years if I didn't win that match. It would ruin the women's tour and affect all women's self-esteem." Although she was broken early on in the first set, she came back to win in straight sets (in a best of 5 set match), playing outright winners on 68% of her shots, and to launch a drive for equality in sports that is still bearing fruit today. So what do you do when the opponent across the net from you seems daunting? Here are 5 ways to handle an argument to swing the game to your advantage. 🎾 Try to remove the net. Focus on the problem to be solved, not the person to be defeated. When you’re both on the same side of the net, you can volley that problem into the back of the court. 🎾 Know what ‘winning the argument’ means. It doesn’t matter if you lose the point, as long as you win the game. What result do you want? Do you want action, a mindset change, or agreement? Knowing the end can inform your strategies. 🎾 Listen. And listen to understand, not to respond. Everyone is more inclined to be flexible when they feel listened to. Watch what’s coming over the net at you to learn more about their game. 🎾 Pay attention to your emotions. Players who get a rush of blood to the head make poor decision, lose control of nuance, and attack when defence might be better. Throw up a lob. ‘Let me think about that and get back to you’ allows the amygdala, the part of the brain in charge of fight or flight, to calm down and the rational mind to retake control. 🎾 The very best tennis players have coaches to help bring out their best possible selves – perhaps one can work for you, too? For 1-1 coaching, or to connect with one of our experienced Associates for a free discovery call, email us at [email protected] to ignite your performance – what will you spark? #communication #difficultconversations #challengingconversations #billiejeanking #ownyourstage #performance

“Sports teaches you character, it teaches you to play by the rules, it teaches you to know what it feels like to win and lose – it teaches you about life.” these words by the legendary tennis player Billie Jean King stand true today and have stood tall in the past, and will continue to in the future. Explore the vital role of sports in shaping the society in our latest blog. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/g7UEmZt2

Mayoral Memo 81 When discussing soccer (die-hard fans can insert the word “football” here) David Beckham's name invariably pops up. Globally recognised, Beckham's fame isn’t quite matched by his statistics compared to lesser-known names. Peter Shilton, for instance, made 125 appearances for England. Harry Kane scored 58 goals for the national team. At 17 years and 75 days, Theo Walcott is the youngest to debut for England; Bobby Moore and Billy Wright top the captaincy chart with 90 each and Stanley Matthews (22 years 229 days) has the longest career. Expand past English soccer and another well-known name, Cristiano Ronaldo, has numbers to back up his fame. He has the most appearances (200) and the most goals (123) internationally. So, why does Beckham's celebrity seemingly outstrip his on-field records? There isn't a singular answer. Yet, a particular conversation I had years ago offers a unique lens through which to view his popularity. A photographer, who had moved from London to Sydney, once shared with me his professional experiences with high-profile personalities, including Beckham. He painted a picture of Beckham that, while devoid of the typical glitz and glamour associated with celebrities, was profoundly impactful. Beckham's reliability, professionalism and cooperative demeanour during photoshoots weren't just impressive; they were unparalleled. Over time, such commendable traits solidified his reputation among sponsors, further catalysing his ascent as a global brand. While this might be a mere fragment of the Beckham enigma, it provides a telling testament to the power of consistency and professionalism. Drawing a parallel from Beckham's ethos brings me to some recent developments in our region. We are part of the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). Our association with the REZ wasn't a product of active choice. Nor did we have a say in its initial 3-gigawatt capacity. Yet, much like Beckham's approach to his career, our region approached the once-in-a-generation REZ opportunity with enthusiasm, adaptability and a keen collaborative spirit. Our primary focus was straightforward: tap into this monumental opportunity to bring about a transformative economic change for our region. While optimising benefits for our residents is our primary focus, hearing concerns within our community is also critical. The fruits of our proactive engagement became evident when the government, in a recent announcement, revealed plans to double our REZ's capacity to 6GW, potentially doubling our economic benefits. Although official communications did not specifically credit our harmonious relationship with the government for this expansion, one can't help but draw correlations. Our region's progression with the REZ underscores the significance of collaboration, adaptability and positive engagement. In both narratives, there's a lesson to be learned – success often comes to those who are willing to work together for the greater good.

"Spanish team does not open doors, it closes them!" Wait untill womenfootball gets professional. This is what you heared when the womenfootball game was started to grow more professional... ''wait until there gets more money, career perspective involved. Then it will show that everyone will choose for themselves, the same as the mens game." The last week was a vulcano errupting of mixed feelings, unexpected moves and different acts of leadership. Power to Fear or Inspire What is real power? Is it the position you hold? Some want the leadership position because of its power, translated in status, money and decisionmaking authority. Others see a leadership position as the oppurtunity to make good changes. Fact is the younger generation will always look for people in leadership (aka rolemodels) in how they deal with challenges, adversity as well as in victories. Performance or Purpose, you can't choose both "Everything for the win, in the end it's all about the money, you have to choose the right battles, be smart and think of your career'' All of these are contrary to the beliefs we want to install in our children. The Spanish women team entertained the professional footballworld with their way of playing. Only to see the spotlight been taken away by another unwanted battle. Its not about Rubiales And while we all see the damage Rubiales made, it is the people following and choosing leadership, who decide the real impact such actions continue to have. Because it goes so much further. This is about the environment we all choose to work in, as well our sons and daughters... The Spanish Womenteam showed: 1.Performance. By topsport law, they won gold. They are best in the world. 2.How. They did it in a way leaving (professional) sportsfans entertained by HOW they played and continued (even after a big defeat) to play. 3.Rolemodels. They did choose not to let the battle of Equality, or Rolemodelling pass. They could ''finally'' focus on cashing in after this win, but they unanimously stepped down of National team duty as long as this toxic environment would continue. "These women close doors" The FIFA president Gianni Infantino says: ''choose the right battles'' But it is upto us to decide, what are the right battles? Are they to open doors to our own careers, or to a room of more success and status? Or is it to choose the battles you know they are common sense? Maybe these women show us what we really would love football to be. The power to speak up, inspire, perform and expect to do it in an evironment where we all would love ourselves AND our children to work in. Play in. These women show the world true leadership is no choice of Perform OR BE worldclass! It should be both! These women are closing doors.. to an toxic environment they don't longer aspire to be part of! And its up to us now... What are WE going to do? What are we going tell our sons, daughters what true power is about? #leadership FIFA #equality #performance

DID YOU KNOW - that TITLE IX Law EXCLUDES women from "CONTACT SPORTS" - they are not even allowed to "try out". (a) General. No person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, be treated differently from another person or otherwise be discriminated against in any interscholastic, intercollegiate, club or intramural athletics offered by a recipient, and no recipient shall provide any such athletics separately on such basis. (b) Separate teams. Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, a recipient may operate or sponsor separate teams for members of each sex where selection for such teams is based upon competitive skill or the activity involved is a contact sport. However, where a recipient operates or sponsors a team in a particular sport for members of one sex but operates or sponsors no such team for members of the other sex, and athletic opportunities for members of that sex have previously been limited, members of the excluded sex must be allowed to try-out for the team offered unless the sport involved is a contact sport. For the purposes of this part, contact sports include boxing, wrestling, rugby, ice hockey, football, basketball and other sports the purpose or major activity of which involves bodily contact. https://lnkd.in/gHSb4ha3

Serena Williams isn't just a tennis superstar. She's a force of nature, a symbol of resilience, and an embodiment of excellence. Honoring Serena for her unparalleled achievements, her unwavering determination, and the barriers she continues to break down for women in sports and beyond seems more than fitting.   Serena's dominance on the tennis court was amazing. From her powerful serves to her graceful footwork, she exuded confidence and skill with every move.   Widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, she was ranked world No.1 in singles by the Women's Tennis Association for 319 weeks, including a joint-record 186 consecutive weeks, and finished as the year-end No.1 five times. Serena won 23 Grand Slam titles.   What truly sets Serena apart isn't just her athletic prowess. It's her unyielding spirit in the face of adversity.   Despite facing criticism, doubters, and even blatant discrimination throughout her career, Serena never allowed herself to be defined by others' expectations. Instead, she's used every setback as fuel to propel herself forward, proving time and time again that she's not just a tennis player - she's a champion in every sense of the word.   Off the court, Serena's impact extends far beyond tennis. As a black woman, she's been a trailblazer, smashing stereotypes and paving the way for future generations of athletes. She's been a vocal advocate for gender and racial equality, using her platform to speak out against injustice and advocate for change.   But perhaps most inspiring of all is Serena's journey as a mother. Balancing the demands of motherhood with the rigors of professional tennis isn’t easy, yet Serena does so with grace and determination. Her resilience in the face of adversity serves as a powerful reminder that women can have it all - career success, family, and fulfillment.   Here's a quote from Serena we can all learn from… "I don't like to lose -- at anything -- yet I've grown most not from victories, but setbacks." #womenshistorymonth #serenawilliams #completemarketingsystems

Charlie Munger had a house in Minnesota. This house also had a tennis court where Charlie and his kids played. Sometime after the court was built, Charlie had a tennis ball practice machine installed. It was for the kids. But it is also for Charlie. Charlie Munger was seen practicing with the machine more than others. He would place the machine so that he could practice close-to-the-net volley shots. An explanation is needed here. When playing tennis, players usually stand close to the edge of the tennis court on both sides. In tennis, you can let the ball bounce on the ground once before hitting back. But only one bounce is allowed. You can hit the ball without a bounce also. But that shot is hard to hit. You have to be near the net to hit such a shot. Such shots are called volleys. Advantage of volley shots: easy to hit the ball away from the opponent. Disadvantage: it is hard to master it. Charlie would stand near the net and practice volley shots. Over time, he became incredibly good at hitting volley shots. This was a skill others did not practice much. But he had mastered it. Even his stepson, David Borthwick, was intimidated by this move of Charlie. In a way, this shot was Charlie’s moat in the game of tennis. Moral of the story - In business, a moat refers to a sustainable competitive advantage that a company possesses, making it difficult for competitors to erode its market position. This advantage could be in the form of brand recognition, economies of scale, patents, network effects, or proprietary technology. In life, a "moat" can metaphorically represent various things that provide an individual with an advantage or protection against external challenges. This might include a strong support network of friends and family, a unique skill set, resilience, knowledge, or financial stability. Building personal "moats" can help navigate challenges, provide stability, and offer a sense of security in various aspects of life.

Win, Place, or Show?? During the on-court celebration of now retired Serena Williams’ win in the first round of the U.S. Open last year, she nodded “Yes” when Gayle King, the MC of the celebration said, “Serena hates to lose.” Which made me think: why is it ok for men to be competitive at everything, and only professional female athletes to be competitive? And why is it not ok for ME to be competitive? To be clear – I am the opposite of an athlete. I have little hand-eye coordination and I grew up the youngest of three – two of whom were athletes. For me, there is trivia. As the girl praised for her intelligence – I am VERY competitive at trivia. This has meant that when someone new plays on my winning trivia team, I feel compelled to warn them that we – the three women and one man at the table - aim to win! As a male colleague pointed out – “When women are ambitious or competitive it’s fine! As long as they are competing against other women.” In the past, however, I have been deemed “not worthy” of taking part in various card games or trivia games by other women, because I was “too competitive.” I’m confused. Would you set off to a game of cards with the attitude “I hope I lose tonight?” And then these same women who didn’t want me at their table, would turn around and route for the US Women’s Soccer team. There is something in our society that states that women should just enjoy showing up. Competitiveness and ambition are somehow “unbecoming.” And probably why the US has yet to have a female President. Ladies – how we support each other is vitally important! And this includes supporting each other’s ambitions. (And admit it – no matter what your gender – you want to play on my (very winning) trivia team, don’t you?)

Oregon Ravens Womens Football This past year has been a blur and as 2024 is now well under way this felt like a good time to share a new adventure I am on and attempt to rally support. About a month ago I was welcomed into the leadership ranks of the Oregon Ravens Womens Football team as their new Director of Operations. The Oregon Ravens are members of the WNFC. Since joining this venture, I have quickly learned that way more support and attention is needed for yet another women's sport. As I watched Superbowl 58 last night, shouting and cheering at the TV, I couldn't help but think about how amazing it would be for the women that play this exact same sport to get the same level of support, attention and visibility. The commitment from players is as close to equal as you can. The commitment of time is the same. The commitment of mind and body is the same. The element of risk to personal health is the same. The commitment of passion and love of the game is the same. Now you might be thinking wait a minute... there is no way a division 2 player in a women's league is putting as much into the sport that they love as a pro men's team player. However, how many pro men players are working a full time second job? How many pro players are having to pay for the honor to play for their team? How many pro players are having to pick up equipment and trash off of the field when their game is over? How many Board Members of pro teams are working as volunteers in the snack shack during games to make sure fans are fed and cared for? For the women athletes that compete they are all working a second job to support their addiction to women's football. Some are traveling for several hours after a full day of work just to get to the field for practice, only to train for a few hours and turn around and head home before it starts all over again. What is not the same: The commitment of personal financial contribution to play the sport we love is not the same. The time available to commit to the sport is not the same. The stress regarding finances is not the same. What happens when a player is injured is not the same. Access to training facilities is not the same. Access to personal trainers, doctors and fitness coaches is not the same. As a former international athlete, I experienced these inequities and accepted it as the cost of getting to do what you love. Now that I am on the other side of my playing years, I want to help raise awareness and support for women's sport! More specifically Womens Football. If you or someone you know is interested in partnering with me to gather resources, sharing training facilities, assist in raising funds, or just showing up to support your local Womens Football team to carry on the shouting and cheering insighted by Superbowl 58 then reach out, share this post, go to our website oregonravens.com, or join us for our hour-a-thon tonight at: buynowcc.com/hourathon or text DONATION to 44944.