What Boxing Continues To Teach Me About Leadership And The Parallels To Retail.

I stepped into a new fitness chapter about a year ago with Hitfit Australia. I’ve tried fitness plenty of times before, but never with the consistency or commitment I bring to it now. Walking into that boxing gym for the first time felt like stepping into the unknown and I was out of my comfort zone off.

But the surprising part - The more I train, the more I see the parallels between boxing and retail leadership, especially for those ready to take the next step - from ASM to SM, from SM to Cluster, from Cluster to Area.

Progressing your leadership career isn’t just about experience or tenure, It’s about mindset, discipline, and the ambition to grow even when it feels uncomfortable. You might of heard your leaders say – getting comfortably uncomfortable is where the growth happens. Let me tell you its true!

So for the Retail Leaders who are hungry for progression, here’s what boxing taught me about levelling up:

1️⃣ Pressure doesn’t define you - your response does

In boxing, panic gets you hit.
In leadership, emotional reactions create noise, confusion, and misalignment.

If you want that next step, your greatest asset is composure.

2️⃣ Strong foundations matter more than big moments

Boxing isn’t won through knockout punches alone - it’s footwork, breathing, and consistency.
Similarly, the best leaders aren’t defined by one big result.

They’re built on:
• consistent coaching
• strong operational habits
• daily team connection
• follow-through

Master the basics and higher roles become a natural next step.

3️⃣ Great leaders know how to read the room

A boxer studies their opponent long before they swing.
A strong retail leader does the same with their team - noticing energy shifts, stress signals, strengths, and blind spots.

If you can read people, you can lead people.

4️⃣ No career step is ever taken alone

Every boxer has a corner crew.
Every leader has mentors, coaches, and people who see their potential before they see it in themselves.

If you want to elevate, look around you:
Who’s in your corner?
Who’s challenging you?
Who’s helping you grow?

5️⃣ Growth requires both protection and openness

Keep your hands up in boxing – in leadership protect your wellbeing, your boundaries, your standards.
But, stay open to feedback, new environments, new responsibilities and new ways of thinking without expecting something in return.

Aspiring leaders who blend strength with vulnerability grow the fastest.

In summary - leadership is less about the title you hold and more about the resilience you build. If you want to step up, the question isn’t “Am I ready?”

It’s:

“Am I willing to keep getting better - even when it’s uncomfortable?”

If you’d like to connect with Sharna, please email sharnav@thetalentmill.com.au today.

By Sharna Vantarakis // Edited By Shannon Parsons