Has anyone else been glued to the women’s European Cup Finals? I’m not a true football fan, but even I have spent the last few weeks enthralled by the twists and turns. The drama and heart-stopping moments. It hasn’t been an easy watch for England fans. Scrapes, setbacks, and last-minute salvations, the Lionesses have clawed their way to victory. This BBC article portrays the journey well, as England coach Serena Weigman summarised, “We’re going to make a movie some day! Well, this is a movie, my goodness, it’s unbelievable.”
A gritty story of persistence, belief, and raw determination is playing out right before our eyes.
As a business leader, this resonates with me more than you can imagine. Any business owner knows that there will be tough times, and my, we’ve had some in recent years! But success isn’t about everything going smoothly. It’s about showing up when things are tough and, just like the Lionesses, never giving up.
As England has overcome the odds, here’s what I think are the business lessons the Euro 2025 campaign:
NEVER WRITE YOURSELF OFF
Through difficult matches and staring down defeat, the Lionesses have refused to lie down. They’ve equalised with seconds on the clock and won on penalties – one of the most dramatic and difficult penalty shootouts to watch as an England fan (and there have been many). One overriding factor has seen them through. England wouldn’t give in.
What’s the business takeaway? Sometimes, leading a business can be a lonely place, but the most resilient leaders are not the ones who never falter. They’re the ones who get up time and again. They keep going when things go wrong. They never give in or let the critical voice or imposter syndrome win. They realise that the only way to win is to stay in the game.
INVEST IN THE WHOLE TEAM
Some of England’s pivotal players haven’t started every game. What made the difference was that EVERY player was ready when the moment came and took their chance to make history. Any team has star players and those who shout louder than others. The strongest leaders recognise that success is about each person, even the quiet underdog, believing they can change the story. The colleague in the background today might be your match-winner tomorrow.
PROGRESS ISN’T ALWAYS PRETTY
No matter how scrappy the journey, the final result is the same. Progress isn’t always linear. Or beautiful. Sometimes you have to side-step and hustle and drag yourself towards the finish line.
England’s 2025 Euro campaign hasn’t been full of perfect passes and free-flowing football. It was messy, hard-fought, and full of grit. And yet, they’re in the final. That’s the point: progress doesn’t have to look polished. It just has to happen.
In business, it’s unlikely that ideal conditions are going to just appear. You have to make them happen. The number of times I’ve said yes, then worried about the ‘how’ afterwards is uncountable. Progress is made in awkward meetings, stressful deadlines, and ideas that are barely held together. It’s not always pretty. It does all still count.
TACKLING THE UNEXPECTED
Sarina Wiegman’s squad has had to cope with injuries, shifting tactics, and opponents who won’t stick to the script. They’ve adapted each time. They’re a team that can cope with change and unforeseen circumstances.
Are you certain that your team could pivot if the bottom fell out of your industry overnight (as we all know it can)? Flexibility and faith in your mission/leadership are what keep teams moving forward when facing the unexpected.
HOLDING YOUR NERVE
“You can never write the English off.” This statement evokes everything we need to know about the Lionesses. It’s more than pride. It’s the belief that no matter what’s gone wrong, as long as there is time on the clock, there is still a chance to win.
That mindset, to believe even when you’re losing, is what has carried them into a third consecutive major final.
There have been moments in my career when I’ve thought about throwing in the towel (only fleeting). Where I’ve wondered how on earth we will get through a situation. But I’ve quickly pulled myself up and my team with me because belief and staying steadfast were the only ways to survive.
In business, the ability to hold a vision during your lowest point is what creates your legacy.
THE FINAL WHISTLE
The Lionesses’ Euro 2025 campaign hasn’t just been successful. It has been dramatic, memorable, and captivating. It’s a story of overcoming the odds and reaching the finish line without perfect performances or smooth pathways.
Business. LIFE. Mirrors what has played out in those ninety-minute games. There will be setbacks, but staying in the fight is what will always carry you through.
Thanks for sharing my thoughts on the business lessons the Euro 2025 campaign. Long may the Lionesses continue their inspiration and success. Football came home!
