Episode 283: Helping Leaders Thrive in Uncertainty Through Feedback, Possibility, and Curiosity with Maritza McClendon
About the Guest: Maritza McClendon is an Olympic silver medalist, speaker, and corporate leader currently serving in Communications and Community Affairs at Carter’s. Beyond her remarkable swimming career, Maritza has dedicated herself to inspiring others through speaking, leadership, and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion. Today, she continues to build her orbit, learning from mentors, influencing others, and preparing to step into her next chapter as both a professional speaker and aspiring author.
Episode Summary: In this powerful conversation, Steve Mellor reconnects with returning guest Maritza McClendon to explore what it truly means to be growth ready. From navigating life’s unexpected turns (like broken goggles behind the starting block) to leading with calm in corporate spaces, Maritza shares how possibility, curiosity, and feedback have fueled her growth both as an Olympic athlete and as a leader.
Together, Steve and Maritza dive into how to embrace uncertainty, create orbits of support and influence, and use feedback not as criticism but as a gift for growth. This is a must-listen for anyone wanting to thrive in their career, sport, or life by leaning into discomfort, curiosity, and community.
Takeaways:
- What it means to be growth ready in sport, career, and life
- How to embrace possibility and the unknown with confidence
- The power of pivoting when plans break down (literally)
- Building “orbits” of mentors, peers, and those you influence
- Using calmness and preparation to lead through uncertainty
- Turning nervous energy into focused performance
- Reframing feedback as a collaborative, empowering tool
- Why curiosity is the muscle that drives long-term growth
- Maritza’s next chapter: stepping into speaking and authorship
Links & Resources Mentioned
- Maritza’s Website: maritzamcclendon.com
- Instagram: @RitzySwims
- LinkedIn: Maritza McClendon
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